The Bert Show – "We Share Our Best Moments With Bert's Big Adventure Kid Ayden"

Date: February 23, 2026

Episode Overview

This heartfelt episode centers around the Bert Show cast sharing their favorite experiences and memorable moments with Ayden, one of the remarkable kids from Bert's Big Adventure—a charitable initiative providing magical trips to Disney for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families. The hosts, along with Ayden’s family, recount the transformative trip, reflecting on gratitude, courage, and the enduring bonds forged during the adventure.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflections on the Bert’s Big Adventure Trip

• Bert kicks off the episode (01:29), immediately referencing his hoarse voice as proof of an action-packed weekend with the kids:

  "You know it was a successful trip because I've got the Monday Bert’s Big Adventure voice going on."

• The hosts express deep gratitude to listeners and donors for supporting the initiative and urge continued support, emphasizing that February donations are matched by Zaxby’s (01:51).

2. Ayden’s Thoughtful Approach to Souvenirs

• Bert shares a humorous disappointment:

  "I picked the one kid, the one kid that will not receive presents. He's like, 'No, I don't really need that... That costs too much... I'm not gonna use that.'" (02:56)
  Ayden’s humility and gratitude shine as he declines extravagant gifts, focusing instead on the experience.

3. Family Gratitude and Appreciation

• Brandy (Ayden’s mom) and Austin (Ayden’s dad) express how touched they are by the trip and the staff’s warmth:
  • Austin’s gratitude is so abundant that Bert jokes, “If I had a dollar for every time Austin thanked us for this trip, we wouldn’t have to be begging for money.” (03:41)
  • Austin describes the trip as a first-time experience, even though they’re from Orlando:

    "Just to see my son enjoy his time was worth all of it... The staff alone was just amazing to him." (04:18)

4. Roller Coaster Adventures and Sibling Fun

• The family shares Ayden's courage on rides like Tron and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, with Brandy beaming over his “first time upside down” on a coaster (05:09).
• AJ (Ayden’s older brother) recounts a hilarious and touching Tower of Terror story—full of authentic fear and camaraderie:

  "He was literally screaming at the top of his lungs with his hand covering his mouth... 'Oh my God, oh my God, are we dropping again?'" (06:41–07:49) The resulting ride photo and the group’s laughter become a trip highlight (08:39).

5. Making New Friends: David’s Perspective

• David, a Bert’s Big Adventure team member, shares how quickly Ayden embraced him:
  • Ayden breaking his “only family touches my wheelchair” rule for David signals instant trust and building of new family bonds (08:50):

    "Guess what, buddy. Bert’s Big Adventure is your family now." (09:09)

  • Ayden’s love for rides inspires other kids: after boasting about riding Tron, a line forms of kids wanting to watch his video proof (09:39).

6. Cost of Medical Equipment and Insurance Blessings

• Bert and Brandy discuss the staggering cost of wheelchairs:

  "Gunner’s mom said, $14,000. Brandy here... how much is his wheelchair at home?"
  Brandy: "It's approximately $40,000." (11:05)

• Fortunately, insurance has covered the full cost—an unusually positive story that brings collective relief.

7. A Mother's Letter: Emotional Impact of the Trip

• Brandy reads her moving letter to Ayden and the Bert’s Big Adventure community (11:36–13:12):

  "The joy we got to see on your face, Ayden, this past week is priceless... To watch you be carefree, and a kid with no medical appointments or therapies or hospital stays was just the best feeling in the world... We are so very blessed to have you as our DMD warrior and to teach us how to be more compassionate and patient."

• The letter moves the cast and listeners, capturing what the experience truly meant.

8. Continued Connections: Ayden and Jennifer Ramirez

• David highlights a new bond formed between Ayden and Jennifer Ramirez—a 2007 BBA alum and inspirational artist who paints with her mouth (13:28):

  "Aiden’s an artist as well... she's going to commission you to go ahead and give me some of your art to hang on my walls... She wants to come to your art show, too."

• Bert celebrates the multi-generational family that’s developed through Bert’s Big Adventure, spanning nearly 20 years (14:29).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bert on Spending Battle (02:46):

  "I can certainly spend better than Kristen can... but [Ayden] just wouldn't let me do it. He's so good like that."

• David on Becoming Family (09:09):

  "First Big Adventure is your family now. So it makes perfect sense."

• Brandy's Letter (12:05):

  "We got to see you have a pool party and feel included with other kids and just be silly and wild like a boy should be all the time."

• AJ’s Ride Experience (07:30):

  "This is not cool. Oh my God, oh my God. Are we going again? Are we dropping again? I think we are dropping again..."

• David on Ayden’s Inspiration (09:51):

  "There's a line out the door of kids over here just admiring how brave that Ayden was getting on Tron."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:29: Episode introduction, Bert’s post-trip voice and gratitude for donations
• 02:27: Bert’s “battle” with Kristen over souvenir spending, and Ayden’s kindness
• 03:41: Austin’s abundant gratitude
• 04:41: Brandy and Austin on Ayden’s courage with rides
• 06:28–08:39: AJ describes the Tower of Terror adventure and the infamous ride photo
• 08:50–10:19: David’s perspective on Ayden’s kindness and friendship
• 11:05: Discussion on the cost of specialized wheelchairs
• 11:36–13:12: Brandy reads her emotional letter to Ayden and the BBA team
• 13:28: The connection between Ayden and Jennifer, tying together generations of BBA kids

Tone & Atmosphere

Throughout, the conversation is warm, humorous, and deeply genuine. The hosts and guests blend playful ribbing (about spending and ride courage) with poignant reflections and tears, capturing both the joy and the deep meaning behind these shared adventures.

Closing Thoughts

This episode beautifully encapsulates the impact of Bert’s Big Adventure: forging lifelong connections, celebrating resilience, and reminding everyone of the simple joys of childhood, friendship, and family—no matter how that family is built. The bonds made on this trip reach beyond the park gates, illustrating the enduring power of community and compassion.

For more on Ayden’s art and future family moments, stay tuned to The Bert Show and Bert’s Big Adventure!