The Bert Show – Episode Summary
Episode: "We Surprise Our New Bert's Big Adventure Kid Brooke!"
Date: February 19, 2026
Podcast: The Bert Show
Cast Present: Bert, Kristin, Abby, Cassie, Tommy, and guests (Brooke’s family, Dr. Himalay Sabness, Carly from Gas South)
Overview
This heartfelt episode centers on introducing Brooke, a new participant in Bert’s Big Adventure—a charitable initiative that brings children with chronic or terminal illnesses and their families to Disney World. The show brings listeners behind the scenes into the lives of Brooke and her family, sharing their medical journeys, emotional struggles, and culminating in a joyful surprise: front-row tickets to see Bruno Mars.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Morning Banter and Fundraising Updates (01:59–04:39)
- Waking Up Laughs: The show opens with lighthearted banter about early mornings and Instagram photos.
- Fundraising Push: Bert and the team urge listeners to donate $5–$10 to support Bert’s Big Adventure.
- Matching Gifts: Zaxby’s matches every donation, doubling the impact.
- Bert: “If you donate five bucks, Zaxby's just turned that into 10. You donate 20, they just turned it into 40.” (03:11)
- Why the Funds Matter: Every dollar helps create magical experiences at Disney, like buying souvenirs (Mickey ears, backpacks, pins).
2. Meeting Brooke and Family (04:40–05:24)
- Brooke’s Diet: Brooke is endearingly picky, only eating “French fries and chips.” (05:01)
- Hosts’ Humor: Kristin jokes, “She’s a woman who knows what she likes.” (05:07)
- Prepared: The team brought Brooke’s favorite foods, ensuring her comfort and happiness.
3. Family’s Medical Journeys and Trauma (05:24–08:33)
- Overlapping Crises: Brooke went through leukemia followed by her mom's (Ashley) open heart surgery. After Brooke’s remission, Ashley was hospitalized with COVID and discovered heart complications.
- Ashley: “Right when she got remission, I got sick with COVID... and found out I had heart issues and had to do open heart surgery.” (06:25)
- Trauma and Memory: Ashley doesn’t remember much from the traumatic period, which the hosts highlight as a normal reaction. She expresses mom guilt but acknowledges her limits.
- Ashley: “After I had my open heart surgery, it kind of just went away.” (06:16)
- Brooke’s Memory: Brooke also remembers key things but not all details.
- Dad's Perspective: Dad recalls timelines more clearly—Brooke’s treatment ended July 2021, then Ashley's heart issues surfaced.
- Dad: “They saved two people’s lives in our family.” (08:30)
- CHOA Shout-Out: The family expresses deep gratitude for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA).
4. Expert Insights: Dr. Himalay Sabness (08:33–11:21)
- Why Trauma Impacts Memory: Dr. Sabness normalizes Ashley’s experience, explaining that cancer’s trauma affects the entire family’s memories and cognition, sometimes resulting in “neurocognitive changes.”
- Dr. Sabness: “It’s basically a lifelong impact that pervades every member of the family... it could potentially cause problems for the rest of their life.” (09:39)
- CHA’s Holistic Approach: Emphasis on specialists and staff caring for not just the patient but the whole family’s wellbeing, including siblings and parents.
- Dr. Sabness: “It’s not a one man’s job... it’s really a team effort.” (11:04)
5. Addressing Mom Guilt & Normalizing the Journey (11:21–12:21)
- Supporting Parents: Bert reassures parents that memory loss amid trauma is common and normal, encouraging them not to feel isolated.
- Ashley: “I do have mom guilt for that, but I can’t be hard on myself. There’s nothing that I can do about it.” (11:38)
- Focus on Positivity: Ashley is grateful for Brooke's current health and happiness.
- Ashley: “I'm just happy she is healthy and happy now, and that's all that matters to me at this moment.” (12:03)
6. Brooke’s Personality Shines & The Big Surprise (12:21–15:51)
- Lighthearted Moments: The group turns playful, asking Brooke about her music preferences (“Do you like Bruno Mars?”). Brooke is charmingly ambivalent—“I know the song.”
- The Surprise: Carly from Gas South joins the show and surprises Brooke and her family with front-row tickets to see Bruno Mars in concert on April 26, including luxury transportation.
- Carly: “We’re gonna send you and your family to go see this guy [Bruno Mars]... What row do you think you need to be in?”
- Brooke: “The first row.” (14:18)
- Carly: “Absolutely. Yeah, you do.”
- Keeping the Excitement: The hosts joke about dance moves and set expectations for Brooke to teach them after the concert.
- Carly: “Maybe after April 26th and you go see that concert, you can come back and teach me some of his dance moves.” (14:57)
- Family Gratitude: Dad and Brooke express their thanks for the experience and the show’s generosity.
- Dad: “Thank you guys so much.” (15:17)
- Brooke: “Thank you so much.” (15:50)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Fundraising Matching:
“If you donate five bucks, Zaxby's just turned that into 10. You donate 20, they just turned it into 40. It's that simple.”
— Co-host (03:11) -
On Trauma and Memory:
“After I had my open heart surgery, it kind of just went away.”
— Ashley (Brooke’s mom) (06:16) -
CHOA’s Importance:
“They're like another family to us... Choa has helped my daughter. They’re like another family to us.”
— Ashley (07:19) -
Doctor’s Perspective:
“It’s basically a lifelong impact that pervades every member of the family... it could potentially cause problems for the rest of their life.”
— Dr. Himalay Sabness (09:39) -
Brooke’s Wit:
“Blah, blah, blah.” (After Carly’s Gas South intro)
— Brooke (13:57) -
On the Big Surprise:
“What row do you think you need to be in to see this guy?” “The first row.”
— Carly and Brooke (14:18)
Important Timestamps
- 01:59–04:39: Fundraising and Bert’s Big Adventure intro
- 04:40–05:24: Meeting Brooke and lively family chat
- 05:24–08:33: Family medical history and the impact of trauma
- 08:33–11:21: Dr. Sabness explains effects on families and memory
- 11:21–12:21: Mom guilt, normalization, and a focus on joy
- 12:21–15:51: Bruno Mars conversation and unveiling the big surprise
Tone & Spirit
The episode is upbeat and sensitive—balancing humor, honesty, and compassion as the hosts and guests discuss real struggles and joyful surprises. There’s a tangible sense of community and support throughout, making listeners feel included in both the tough and celebratory moments.
Summary for Non-Listeners
This episode offers an intimate window into the emotional resilience and challenges faced by families dealing with childhood illness. With candor and empathy, The Bert Show uplifts the audience as they celebrate Brooke, normalize the struggles of trauma-impacted memory, and surprise a deserving family with a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience. Through laughter, advocacy, and generosity, the podcast exemplifies how to “make your mornings bearable”—while making a real difference in people’s lives.