The Bert Show: "We Share Our Favorite Moments With Bert's Big Adventure Kid Gunner"

Date: February 23, 2026

Episode Overview

This heartfelt episode of The Bert Show centers around Gunner, a remarkable participant of Bert’s Big Adventure—a program dedicated to providing children with chronic and terminal illnesses a magical, all-expenses-paid trip to Disney. The hosts (Bert, Kristin, Abby, Cassie, Tommy, and crew) reminisce with Gunner and his family, spotlighting his adventures, the importance of fostering independence in children with disabilities, and the tight-knit community forged during the trip. Through stories, laughs, and emotional reflections, the episode highlights family, resilience, and the power of inclusion.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction: Too Many Souvenirs, Not Enough Money

• [01:31] The crew jokes about souvenir overload from the trip, admitting how they spent all their money but made the kids happy.
• Memorable line:

  "Kristen got carried away again this year and bought an overabundance of souvenirs for each and every one of these kids. It's great news for the kids. It's bad news for us because now we got no money left."
  — Interviewer/Host [01:31]

Gunner’s Independence and Defying Assumptions

• [02:25] Introduction to Gunner and his family (parents Nicole and Gary, brother Gavin).
• [02:33-03:22] The hosts stress not to underestimate kids with disabilities, sharing stories of Gunner and peers like Forrest and Sebastian thriving in activities like snowmobiling and swimming.
• Notable Quote:

  "If you look at somebody in a wheelchair, do not think automatically that they're going to need your help, because this kid and Forrest... no need your help."
  — Interviewer/Host [03:10]

Parenting: Letting Kids Lead

• [03:22] Co-host asks Nicole about balancing support with allowing independence.

• Nicole shares:

  "It's definitely taken some time because I want to be there and be his support person and keep him safe. But I also know that he has to learn how to navigate life on his own... if I'm comfortable and he looks great, we let him do his thing."
  — Nicole, Gunner’s mom [03:38]

• Gary reflects the same sentiment, discussing the importance of stepping back when possible.

Pool Parties and Core Memories

• [04:26-04:49] Anecdotes about pool time being the most loved part of Disney trips, leading to jokes about just taking future trips to the YMCA.
• Notable interaction:

  "We're not going to Disney anymore. We're going to the YMCA."
  — Interviewer/Host [04:43]
  "You guys get away with just throwing a big pool party."
  — Gary [04:45]

3G Lawn and Landscape: Family Business and Future

• [05:01] The show spotlights Gunner's role in the family-run lawn care business, "3G Lawn and Landscape," set up by his dad for the boys' futures.

• Gary proudly explains Gunner handles a zero-turn mower for hours and that the business will be passed on to him.

• Notable segment:

  "He takes a 60-inch zero-turn mower and just takes advantage of it and just goes nuts with it. And he loves it."
  — Gary [06:08]

• The meaning of "3G": Gunner, Gavin, and Gary [06:44].

Firsts and Friendships

• [06:54] Michelle (a member of the trip’s support team) and Nicole highlight Gunner’s many “firsts” during the trip: first roller coaster, first time down a big pool slide, and more.

• Discussion about friendships with Forrest and Sebastian, dubbed the “Wheelie Gang” or "Three Amigos."

• The hosts reflect on how the kids’ energy set the tone for the entire trip.

• Notable moment:

  "You, Forrest, and Sebastian, you kind of formed like this three amigos... the whole trip sort of like built and your energy together was contagious for the rest of the trip."
  — Interviewer/Host [07:28]

Celebrating Gunner: Favorite Moments and Reflections

• [08:13] Friendly debate about who won the wheelchair race—with Gunner proudly claiming victory.
• [08:13-08:33] Gunner names his favorite parts as “swimming and the rides.”
• Plans for a future pool party reunion are made.

Parent’s Letter to Gunner – Emotional Highlight

• [08:42] Nicole reads a moving letter to Gunner, celebrating his strength, joy, and meaningful impact on everyone around him.

• The letter outlines the family’s journey from diagnosis to celebrating Gunner’s many achievements and the joy of the Disney trip.

  "Before you were born and when we found out about your skeletal dysplasia diagnosis, the doctors told your dad and I that we would have lots of work ahead of us ... but I'm so glad that we didn't get a typical baby, because you've taken us on the most magical adventure of life with your uniqueness."
  — Nicole’s letter [08:42-10:50]

• The hosts follow up with praise and appreciation for Gunner and his family.

• Notable exchange:

  "You light up every room with your smile and can turn any bad day around by just being you. The world is such a brighter place with you in it."
  — Nicole’s letter [08:42]

  "What an awesome kid. What an awesome family. We love you, man."
  — Interviewer/Host [11:00]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• "Do not underestimate kids that are in wheelchairs... they will kick your butt." — Interviewer/Host [02:33]
• "Keep being you and changing the world with your loving kindness each day. Dad and I love you. Rock on, dude." — Nicole (reading letter) [10:48]
• "He was flipping around like a dolphin... He handles his business." — Interviewer/Host [02:55]
• "Was it seeing some of the other kids, did they hype you up and make you feel like, oh, if Forrest can do it, I can do it too?" — Co-host/Interviewer [07:18]
• "You, Forrest, and Sebastian, you kind of formed like this three amigos... the whole trip sort of built and your energy together was contagious for the rest of the trip." — Interviewer/Host [07:28]

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:31 — Opening jokes about souvenirs and kicking off the segment
• 02:25 — Introduction to Gunner & family
• 02:33 — Discussion on challenging assumptions about kids with disabilities
• 03:22 — Parenting perspectives on independence
• 04:26-04:49 — Pool party memories
• 05:01-06:40 — 3G Lawn and Landscape story
• 06:54 — Gunner’s firsts and friendships
• 08:42-10:50 — Nicole's emotional letter to Gunner
• 11:00 — Episode close and host appreciation

Tone

The tone throughout is uplifting, warm, gently humorous, and deeply appreciative of both the challenges and the joy experienced by Gunner and his family. The hosts blend playful banter with genuine admiration and emotion, making the episode as inspiring as it is entertaining.

Summary Takeaway

This episode offers an authentic, moving look at childhood resilience, parental love, and the empowering impact of community through Bert’s Big Adventure. Gunner’s independence, the joyful chaos of family memories, and the enduring bonds of friendship shine, leaving listeners both smiling and inspired.