Relive the Magic: Bert's Big Adventure Kid Forrest Shares His Trip Highlights!

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Bert Show
Episode: Relive the Magic: Bert's Big Adventure Kid Forrest Shares His Trip Highlights!
Date: February 23, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Bert Show centers on Forrest, an 8-year-old with multiple limb differences, and his mom, Alex, as they recount their unforgettable experiences during Burt's Big Adventure—a charitable trip to Disney World for children with chronic and terminal illnesses. The episode highlights Forrest’s extraordinary spirit, his approach to life, memorable moments at Disney, and the profound impact the Adventure had on him, his family, and new friends along the journey.

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Key Discussion Points & Highlights

1. Introducing Forrest: Remarkable Resilience and Charisma

• [01:45] Host introduces Forrest and his mother, Alex, underscoring Forrest's "magic" and playful leadership:
  • Forrest jokes about renaming the trip “Bjart’s Big Adventure” and eventually “Be Art the Egg Adventure.”
  • Alex describes Forrest’s physical differences and vibrant personality:

    “He is so smart, so funny, so social, but physically very different than the typical person...he moves through this world with just a radically different embodiment...but he's a total blast to raise.” — Alex, [02:29]

2. Forrest’s Boundless Capability & Leadership

• [03:13] Hosts rave about Forrest’s ability to light up a room and his refusal to be limited by his differences.
  • Anecdotes about Forrest playing football and participating at the dance party:

    “There are no limitations with this kid...nobody should ever underestimate this kid because he can do everything.” — Host, [03:13]

• [04:14] Discussion about Forrest's independence at the pool, and Alex’s approach to empowerment:
  • Alex frequently holds back from assisting Forrest so he can accomplish things independently:

    “I try to empower him to do things himself when he's able to.” — Alex, [04:50]

• Reflection on how others often want to help but Forrest proves he’s capable on his own.

3. Parenting Perspective & Life at Home

• [05:53] Alex shares a favorite story: at the ocean, Forrest enjoys letting the waves knock him down while strangers look on, worried. Alex reassures listeners:

  “My kid's completely fine. The looks on their faces always make me laugh.” — Alex, [06:01]

4. Disney Adventures & Accessibility

• [06:18] Guest Amber describes anxiety when Forrest’s eligibility for a ride is questioned. Relief and joy follow when staff confirm it’s safe:

  “We wanted this for him so, so badly...It was one of those just Disney magic moments. Kismet.” — Amber, [07:11]

• [07:34] Forrest enthusiastically recounts his favorite ride, Mickey & Minnie's Railway, describing the ride from his perspective and how much he enjoyed it.
• [08:10] Hosts and Forrest reflect on the thrill of repeat rides (especially Haunted Mansion) and facing fears:
  • Before entering the Haunted Mansion, Forrest gets nervous, leading to a meaningful moment about overcoming fear:

    “What's on the other side of fear? Freedom. And I absolutely loved that.” — Host referencing Alex, [08:30]

5. Creating Community & Camaraderie

• [08:55] David, a returning family member/volunteer, expresses how Forrest’s openness helped others:

  “This kid is special…he just green lights transparency and vulnerability with you.” — David, [08:58]

  • Forrest connects instantly with another child, Gunner, and bonds over shared experiences.
  • Forrest playfully recounts Jenga games against Darth Vader and Cinderella:

    “Darth Vader’s really good. Well, you would probably be scared of being—of playing me.” — Forrest, [09:55]

• [10:13] Humorous and heartwarming exchange as co-hosts “ship” Forrest and Cinderella.

6. Forrest as a Leader & Ambassador

• The host credits Forrest for sparking candid conversations about disabilities amongst the kids:

  “You were such a great ambassador...You were the one that really started that communication. And I think this trip is just a little bit different and a little more special this year because of what you did on it. And I want to thank you for that.” — Host, [10:15-10:42]

7. Special Moment: Alex’s Letter to Forrest

• [11:02] Upon Bert’s request, Alex reads an emotional letter to Forrest, reflecting on their time at Disney, the new friendships, and her pride in Forrest’s uniqueness and resilience:

  “You are a radical kid, and I know you get frustrated with the world sometimes, but I do believe you have the power to change it...With you, every moment is an adventure. Let’s promise to stay connected with the friends we made here...” — Alex, [11:02–12:33]

• The letter also acknowledges the importance of the Burt’s Big Adventure experience for families like theirs.

8. Closing Appreciation

• [12:33] Host and co-hosts celebrate Forrest and Alex, reaffirming their gratitude for their participation and leadership:

  “What an amazing addition to Burt’s Big Adventure. Thanks for being with us.” — Host, [12:33]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Don't underestimate this kid. He is magic." — Host, [01:45]
• "I threw the ball." — Forrest, explaining his adaptability in sports, [03:34]
• "There are no limitations with this kid…" — Host, [03:13]
• "What’s on the other side of fear? Freedom." — Alex, as quoted by the host, [08:30]
• "You are a radical kid, and I know you get frustrated with the world sometimes, but I do believe you have the power to change it...With you, every moment is an adventure." — Alex, letter to Forrest, [11:02–12:33]
• "Darth Vader’s really good. Well, you would probably be scared…of playing me." — Forrest, [09:55]

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Timeline of Important Segments

| Time | Segment Description | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------| | 01:30 | Fundraising intro and Forrest’s warm welcome | | 02:29 | Alex describes Forrest’s condition and perspective | | 03:13 | Stories of Forrest’s resilience and fun | | 04:14 | Forrest’s swimming independence; empowerment | | 05:53 | At-home adventures and public perceptions | | 06:18 | Adventure at Disney rides and accessibility | | 07:34 | Forrest enthusiastically describes his favorite ride | | 08:10 | Facing fears and the “freedom” on the other side | | 08:58 | Forrest’s influence on the group and funny moments | | 10:15 | Forrest credited as a trip ambassador/leader | | 11:02 | Emotional letter from Alex to Forrest | | 12:33 | Hosts thank and celebrate Forrest and Alex |

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Tone and Style

The episode flows with warmth, humor, and deep affection, blending light-hearted banter with touching moments of vulnerability. Forrest’s confidence, curiosity, and spirit are matched by the pride and support from his mother and the Bert Show team, who highlight both the challenges and the magic of living differently.

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For those who haven’t listened:
This heartwarming episode celebrates childhood resilience, adventure, and the power of inclusion, making it a must-listen for anyone needing inspiration, perspective, or simply a smile.

Transcript

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[Host (Burt Show Host)]

The Bird show hey, thank you for continuing to donate to Burt's Big Adventure with the little give. If you could text the word Bert B E R T to 50155 just. We don't need all that money. Five bucks. Ten bucks. That's all.

[Co-host or Guest Commentator]

And then Zachary is gonna match it.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

Yeah. So that helps out a whole bunch of. We might be here a while here. We're gonna introduce you to Forrest and his mom, Alex. And Forrest is missing multiple limbs. Do not underestimate this kid. He is magic. What up, dude?

[Forrest (Child with multiple limb differences)]

Hello.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

How are you?

[Forrest (Child with multiple limb differences)]

Good.

[Alex (Forrest's Mom)]

He.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

He's such an incredible leader that he's already actually renamed Burt's Big Adventure. What is it now?

[Forrest (Child with multiple limb differences)]

Biart's Big Adventure.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

Bjart's Big Adventure.

[Co-host or Guest Commentator]

Bjarts.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

Now we gotta change the T. I

[Forrest (Child with multiple limb differences)]

changed it to be Art the Egg Adventure.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

We got to change the letterhead and the T shirts and everything. Alex, tell us a little bit about forest before we all brag. On him so much.

[Alex (Forrest's Mom)]

Sure. Forrest is 8 years old. He was born with multiple missing limbs. So he is so smart, so funny, so social, but physically very different than the typical person. Pelvis fully formed, but his lower limbs never developed. His left arm developed just below the shoulder, and the bones in his right hand are fused. So he moves through this world with just a radically different embodiment than the average person. And I feel like this really informs his perspective on things, but he's a total blast to raise.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

I just. I'm not exactly sure even the words to use to try to describe the magic that you really are, man.

[Co-host or Guest Commentator]

You light up a room when you get. When you come into it.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

You demand it. Yeah, yeah. In watching Forrest, I mean, he's. There. There are no limitations with this kid. I mean, watching him in the pool. He told me the other night that they came back to the pool and he was throwing the football around in the pool.

[Forrest (Child with multiple limb differences)]

Yeah.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

I still can't figure out how that works.

[Forrest (Child with multiple limb differences)]

Well, I sat on the step and. And then I throw. I threw the ball.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

It's unbelievable, man. There was nothing that this kid can't do. And I saw it at the. At our dance party also. We had some, like, inflatable balls that were being thrown around on the dance floor. And I saw the competitiveness come out immediately. And nobody should ever underestimate this kid because he can do everything.

[Co-host or Guest Commentator]

This is a prime example of not judging a book by its cover.

[Alex (Forrest's Mom)]

And.

[Co-host or Guest Commentator]

And, like, just everybody is drawn to Forest. Like, you can't help but just be drawn into. Into your light because you're just. You're effervescent.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

He's a leader. He really is. And I wanted to ask you, mom, also this, because there was a time at the pool. I think it was on Saturday. Forest is in the pool, goes down the slide by himself, and then. Yeah, man, you're amazing, dude. And then you swim on over to the side of the pool, and he was attempting to get out of the side of the pool.

[Alex (Forrest's Mom)]

And.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

And there seemed like there was a moment there where there was a staff member that wanted to help, wasn't really sure. And you sort of said, like, no, let's. Let's let dude do this by himself. And that must happen all the time for you.

[Forrest (Child with multiple limb differences)]

It does, yeah.

[Alex (Forrest's Mom)]

Yes. Forrest was entirely capable of getting himself in and out of the pool. So I try to empower him to do things himself when he's able to.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

And I think it was such a snapshot for me of people wanting to help, even in areas where where you don't need help. But you see a kid like Forrest and you think he does. This kid don't need help. He just does not need help. It was amazing.

[Co-host or Guest Commentator]

And I think it's proof that you are, as you were, just destined to be Forest's mom. Because just watching you with him and like enabling him and like realizing, no, I know what my son is capable of and I know what he can accomplish. And you, it takes a lot for a mom to be able to step back and let your kids do things on their own. And I especially watching with this group, you can be, you can easily become an overprotective mom of a child with a disability or one that has any what others would deem a setback. But I mean, when you watch Forrest in action, there are no setbacks with this kid. Like, he's going to, he's going to make this world a better place just by being in it.

[Alex (Forrest's Mom)]

One of my favorite stories, because we live at the ocean and Forest is such an 8 year old boy and loves to just be tossed around and

[Co-host or Guest Commentator]

wrestling and down on the ground and

[Alex (Forrest's Mom)]

being just everything that an 8 year old boy would be. But his favorite thing is to just be right at the shore and let the waves completely rock him and like knock him over and strangers will walk by looking at me like, you realize your kid is totally drowning. I'm like, no, my kid's completely fine. The looks on their faces always make me laugh.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

Amber, you said that there was kind of a scary moment for you when you guys were on one of the rides and it didn't look like he was going to be able to get on and you're kind of panicking about the whole thing.

[Amber (Guest or Family Member)]

I was. So we were riding Mickey Minnie's Railway and we had had just a little bit of a more disappointing morning. But we were on the up, we were riding high. We had done a droid depot, we had made a lightsaber. So we were on cloud nine. One of the Disney staffers, who obviously wants to keep all of us safe, had warned us that when we were approaching it, we needed to do a test set to make sure that we were good to go. So I think everyone on the staff was holding their breath because we wanted this for him so, so badly. And when it came through that he was safe to ride, I think everyone let out a big breath. And that ride was so epically amazing.

[Co-host or Guest Commentator]

It's a fun ride.

[Amber (Guest or Family Member)]

Such a fun ride. And when we got back, Forrest was saying, again, again, again, we have to act. You know, ask. Can we just go again? But before we even had to say it, the Disney staffer knew, and he was like, do you guys want to run it back? Do it again? Forest was like, yeah. It was one of those just Disney magic moments. Kismet. And we did not do it a third time because we would have gotten a little sick. But we loved it.

[Forrest (Child with multiple limb differences)]

There's like a. It's like Mickey is like. How. How do you describe it, Mom? I would say, like, Mickey. It's like Goofy and Minnie and Mickey, they're like. So Goofy gets the car off the track. It's like. It's kind of like a little train. And. And so Goofy gets the cart off the track, and Mickey and Minnie are chasing him, trying to get the car back on the track. And. And then so we were on this surfing thing, which I really love surfing. And it was so fun.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

There. There is no ride. We hung out quite a bit on Saturday. There's no riding anything one time. As soon as it's over, we're going back again and again and again. Every single time. Right.

[Forrest (Child with multiple limb differences)]

We did that on the Haunted Mansion.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

Yeah. You love that.

[Forrest (Child with multiple limb differences)]

I did.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

You were. You were so brave. And then we got up to it. You started to get a little bit freaked out.

[Forrest (Child with multiple limb differences)]

Yeah.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

And what did we say is on the other side of fear? Your mom actually said it better than I did, because I've heard the cliche, nothing is on the other side of fear. What's on the other side of fear? Nothing. And your mom actually said. Made. Twisted it and said the. What's on the other side of fear is freedom. And I absolutely loved that. And I think I. I feel like you guys kind of live your life that way.

[Alex (Forrest's Mom)]

Definitely.

[Forrest (Child with multiple limb differences)]

Yeah.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

David, you said you were really, really touched on the beginning of the trip with him.

[David (Guest or Family Member)]

Oh, my gosh. Yeah. So for before the trip, even, because I'm from Charleston, so I've met all y' all and our 2014 family, the McManus family, they called me when they got picked and said, just wait. Y' all, just wait. This kid is special. And so I was waiting on Wednesday for him to show up. And this guy, just green lights, transparency, and vulnerability with you. We're sitting down, and he's like, oh, my gosh, there's somebody else that has the exact same chair I have. And it was Gunner. His new buddy. Yeah. His new bestie. And I was just so taken aback by how open he was with it. So we sat there and ate dinner.

[Forrest (Child with multiple limb differences)]

Zaxby's and played Jenga.

[David (Guest or Family Member)]

And played. Oh, you crush Jenga.

[Forrest (Child with multiple limb differences)]

I played Jenga with Darth Vader. I played Jenga with Cinderella. I played. Who else did I play?

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

It's not Cinderella that I would be scared of beating in a game of Jenga. It's Darth Vader.

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[Forrest (Child with multiple limb differences)]

Darth Vader's really good. Well, you would probably be scared of being of playing me.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

Oh, really? Oh, is that a challenge? Oh, I'm ready.

[Co-host or Guest Commentator]

Prince Charming better look out, by the way, because Prince Charming is completely out of the picture, because I think we have. We're shipping Cinderella and Forest.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

Oh, is that right?

[Co-host or Guest Commentator]

They make a very cute couple.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

Okay.

[Alex (Forrest's Mom)]

Yeah.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

All right. The one of the things I wanted to pay you this compliment also is that I think you were such a great ambassador in talking to all the other kids and getting everybody to open up about their disabilities. And you were the one that really started that communication. And I think this trip is just a little bit different and a little more special this year because of what you did on it. And I want to thank you for that.

[Forrest (Child with multiple limb differences)]

You're welcome.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

You are a leader, man. I was joking. I was saying, you ever see the Wonka Factory? Like, when they pass on the factory to Charlie? I'm like, when you're older, man.

[Alex (Forrest's Mom)]

Yeah.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

I may be passing this thing on to Forest here, man, because he's the one that can handle it, you know? You want to read your letter to Forest?

[Alex (Forrest's Mom)]

Sure. Can I read it? I'm going to read it to you. Okay. Dear Forest, the sweet little love of my life, Bert, asked me to write you a letter. I had so much fun with you this week. We always have fun, don't we? But this was extra special. I knew Disney World would be awesome, but I didn't expect to meet such wonderful friends. I loved seeing you cruise with other kids in wheelchairs. It was so natural for you and perspective changing for me. You deserve to be around kids you can relate to. It brought out different aspects of your personality, and this was very meaningful for me to see in our little world. It's only been you from where I'm sitting. I love that you're different, but I also know this can be tiring for you. I was very proud of you this weekend. There was a lot to see, and you only got in, what, like, four to six wheelchair accidents. You are a radical kid, and I know you get frustrated with the world sometimes, but I do believe you have the power to change it. And I'm here as your ally and best teammate in that you make friends everywhere you Go, Forest. It is so fun to be your mom. With you, every moment is an adventure. Let's promise to stay connected with the friends we made here. Do not let me forget. And maybe we can help fundraise for Burt's Big Adventure to help bring this opportunity to many more children. He's growing a family, and I'm so thankful we are a part of it. I love you, kiddo. We got this.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

Yeah, you do. Yeah, you do. You guys are absolutely fantastic. What an amazing addition to Burt's Big Adventure. Thanks for being with us. All right. We're gonna hang quite a bit. All right, Forest. Okay.

[Co-host or Guest Commentator]

Oh, look at that big smile.

[Alex (Forrest's Mom)]

He's like, absolutely.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

All right, in a couple of seconds here on Burt's Big Adventure, I'm gonna turn this thing over to Kristen because she said of all. All the trips that she has been on, she had the most epic day. It was just one of those magical days where every door seemed to open for her and Kendall.

[Co-host or Guest Commentator]

The Disney gods were smiling on us. My Disney cup runneth over. I have never experienced a day like that in the park.

[Host (Burt Show Host)]

We'll continue Burt's Big Adventure 2026 next on Q997, the Burt Show.

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[Forrest (Child with multiple limb differences)]

A

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