The Bert Show – “Signing Off from an Unforgettable Bert's Big Adventure 2026 Trip!”

Air Date: February 23, 2026

Episode Overview

This heartfelt episode wraps up the 2026 edition of Bert's Big Adventure, the show’s annual trip in which children battling serious illness and their families are taken on an all-expenses-paid adventure, filled with bonding, laughter, courage, and unforgettable moments. Host Burt and the Bert Show crew highlight the tremendous impact of the trip, sharing touching interviews with participating families, reflecting on life-changing experiences, and expressing profound gratitude for the entire Bert's Big Adventure community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Letting the Families Lead (01:24–02:00)

• On Sundays, Bert’s Big Adventure allows families to explore the parks independently.
• The staff has their own “around the world” Epcot tradition, this year spiced up with a playful attempt to tease Canadian staff after a US Olympic hockey win—which backfired in the most Canadian, good-natured way.
  • “As soon as we pull up, we start giving the first guy, the first Canadian, a hard time about the game. And in the most Canadian way possible, he's like, ‘Oh, that's okay. Congratulations... What a wonderful game you guys played. Congratulations to the United States of America.’ So that was no fun.” — Burt Birch (02:10)

2. Introduction to Featured Family: Brooke, Eliza, Ashley & Jason (03:31–05:04)

• Burt shares gratitude and admiration for the families on the trip.
• Brooke and Eliza’s mom, Ashley, shares how listening to The Bert Show helped their family through dark times during Brooke’s treatment.
  • “Every time...we would listen to the Burt show...all the happiness that brightened our days for those treatments. It was something...we could get our mind off of it just for a little bit. So thank you so much.” — Ashley (Brooke and Eliza’s Mom) (04:14)

3. Team Bonding and Staff Appreciation (05:04–05:50)

• Recognition that the strength of Bert’s Big Adventure comes from the carefully selected staff and volunteers.
  • “This whole entire group has been curated to make sure that we put our server hearts forward. We are here for the families. We're here for the kids.” — Zach (05:27)
• The group’s tight-knit dynamic and dedication are central to the experience.

4. Brooke and Eliza’s First Flight (05:50–06:53)

• The joy of seeing a child experience their first plane trip—Brooke loved it, and her father, Jason, was visibly overjoyed.
  • “Brooke was sitting right in front of me...my eyes were just on her, and...her smile...Then I moved over to dad, and your smile was twice as big as Brooke’s just watching her enjoy her first flight. It was so sweet.” — Zach (06:06)

5. Experiencing the Parks: Courage and Family Support (07:16–09:20)

• Staff member Lala describes Brooke’s courage, particularly facing “scary” rides like Slinky Dog and Tower of Terror, with Eliza and family’s encouragement.
  • “Brooke mustered up some massive courage to get on those Star Wars rides...Eliza grabbed hands and they got on that roller coaster. When she came off, she was 10ft off the ground…after being 10ft off the ground, what’s next? Tower of Terror?” — Lala (07:29)
• Brooke’s honest review of Tower of Terror:
  • “Terrible.” — Brooke (08:39)
  • “But you did it. And you can tell everybody you did it.” — Zach (08:46)
• Eliza earned special mention this year for her reserved nature, but how rewarding it was to see her break into a smile.

6. Emotional Letter from Brooke and Eliza’s Parents (09:37–14:24)

• Ashley and Jason read a touching letter addressed to Brooke, recounting her leukemia diagnosis, painful treatments, and eventual victory—ringing the bell to mark the end of treatment.
  • “Our sweet little soul at just two years old had to overcome so much more than any child should at that age...Even in the middle of all that pain, you showed us something incredible. Courage. Real courage. That kind that doesn’t come from being big or strong, but from having a brave heart.” — Ashley (10:01)
  • “On July 21, 2021, when you rang that bell, time stood still for us... a little girl proving she is stronger than anything life could throw at her…You taught us what resilience looks like.” — Jason (11:47)

7. Reflections and Gratitude (14:24–16:32)

• Burt is moved by the stories and the families, reflecting on how wrong his fears about group dynamics were.
  • “The smallest person can be the strongest in the room.” — Burt (14:24)
• Gratitude for the staff, partner radio station Q997, and listeners whose support makes the adventure possible.
  • “To all you guys that donated, without you guys, we have none of this. Zero.” — Burt (15:42)
• Importance of “living in the now” and how this trip exemplified real family connection and support.

8. Heartfelt Wrap-Up: Takeaways on Connection (16:32–16:59)

• Zach urges listeners to reach out to loved ones and nurture those important connections, echoing the bonding seen on the trip.
  • “If there is somebody in your life that you haven’t reached out to recently, or if there’s a friend...I think it’s really important that you reach out to that person today and tell them you love them.” — Zach (16:32)

9. The Olay Tradition and Funny Hotel Story (16:59–17:50)

• The group’s “Olay” chant—an energetic signature at every Bert’s Big Adventure event.
• Burt tells a story about lobby noise complaints, demonstrating the group’s spirit and camaraderie.

10. Memorable Sign-Off and Celebration (17:50–18:22)

• Zach leads the group in the final, raucous “Olay” to close out the trip—a mark of their togetherness and joy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The smallest person can be the strongest in the room.” — Jason (Brooke and Eliza's Dad), echoed later by Burt (11:47, 14:24, 16:53)
• “Courage. Real courage. That kind that doesn’t come from being big or strong, but from having a brave heart.” — Ashley (10:01)
• “Brooke mustered up some massive courage to get on those Star Wars rides… She got on that roller coaster. When she came off, she was 10ft off the ground.” — Lala (07:29)
• Brooke’s review of the Tower of Terror: “Terrible.” — Brooke (08:39)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 01:24 – 02:00: Explanation of Epcot traditions and bonding time for families and staff
• 03:31 – 05:04: Introduction to Brooke, Eliza, Ashley, and Jason; gratitude for show’s impact during hard times
• 06:06 – 06:53: Brooke and Eliza’s first flight experience
• 07:29 – 09:20: Family courage facing rides; special sisterly bond
• 09:37 – 14:24: Emotional letter from Brooke’s parents, recounting diagnosis, treatment, and triumph
• 14:24 – 16:32: Reflections on trip, staff, and gratitude for community support
• 16:32 – 16:59: Takeaway on connection; encouraging listeners to reach out
• 16:59 – 18:22: Tradition of “Olay” chant and stories of group spirit

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is a blend of lighthearted humor, deep gratitude, and profound emotion. Joyful camaraderie is evident throughout, along with open expressions of vulnerability and inspiration, both from the participating families and the staff supporting them.

Summary

Listeners are taken inside the unique, life-affirming experience that is Bert's Big Adventure, coming away with a renewed appreciation for courage (no matter your size), family bonds, and the power of community. This episode encapsulates what makes The Bert Show and its annual adventure so beloved—a blend of real talk, laughter-through-tears, and an unwavering focus on lifting up each other. The legacy of love, bravery, and connection shines through, making this sign-off both a celebration and a call to cherish those around you.