PODCAST · education
The Gap Year Podcast
by voicEd Radio
Explore all things gap year through stories and anecdotes by gappers, families and experts. Fun to listen to but also jam-packed with tips and tricks for making the most of your gap year. No matter who you are or where you are on your gap year journey, you should be listening to the Gap Year Podcast! Although it is produced for Canadians, the content is universal.
Episodes
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Why Gap Year GPS will level up your gap year. Guaranteed.
Taking a gap year can be exciting—but figuring out what to actually do with that time can feel overwhelming. In this episode of The Gap Year Podcast, host Michelle Dittmer sits down with Julianne “Jewlz,” Youth Program Manager for the Canadian Gap Year Association’s GPS program, to unpack how GPS...
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ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: When Hard Work Backfires: Reimagining Ambition with Chantaie Alec
Michelle Dittmer spoke with Chantaie Alec of Rework about burnout, ambition, and creating a healthier relationship with work. Chantaie shared how her own burnout led to Rework’s mission: helping people pursue “ambition with ease” through rest, play, creativity, self-awareness, and…
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ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: Your Standing-Ovation-Worthy Second Act with Shannon Russell
Michelle spoke with Shannon Russell about reinvention, especially for women navigating career and life transitions. Shannon shared her own path from 16 years in television production to entrepreneurship, coaching, and writing, and explained how to approach change as a purposeful “second act”…
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ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: Quit Work for a Year Without Quitting (The Deferred Salary Plan)
Michelle spoke with John Cuddie, a retired HR professional with deep experience in school boards, about deferred salary leave plans — a structured way to save for a year off work. John shared how he used the program twice, what he did during his leaves, and why intentional pauses can be…
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ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: The Courage to Change Your Path With Lori Stephenson
Michelle spoke with Lori Stephenson, a career coach and leadership developer, about how to navigate life's transitions with curiosity and courage. Drawing on her own career pivot and years of coaching experience, Lori shared practical tools for self-reflection, reframing fear, and taking…
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ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: Matrescence Unpacked with Ashley Beatty
Michelle spoke with Ashley Beatty, a matrescence educator and motherhood coach, about the profound and often unacknowledged transformation women go through when they become mothers. The conversation explored a practical framework — the Matrescence Matrix — to help mothers understand their changes...
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ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: The Non-Linear Path that Leads to Happiness with Carli Fink
Michelle spoke with Carli Fink, a certified career development practitioner, about the realities of non-linear careers, why people still idealize linear ones, and how to make smart, strategic career transitions. The conversation also made a compelling case for adult gap years as a tool for career...
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ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: Wanderlust: Family Edition with Charles Achampong
Charles Achampong joined Michelle to share the story of how his family took a year-long trip around the world. What began as a seed of an idea on his honeymoon in Rio de Janeiro became a 10-year plan that ultimately transformed his family's relationships, perspectives, and approach to life. About...
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Gapforce: From Marine Conservation to Game Ranger Training
Michelle spoke with two Gapforce representatives about gap year options centered on marine conservation and game ranger training. The conversation covered how the programs work, the support Gapforce provides before and during travel, and the personal and professional value of gaining conservation...
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From Saskatchewan to Germany: How a Gap Year Transformed One Student's Confidence
Madison shared her experience with the International Rural Exchange program, including working in Saskatchewan and then spending time in Germany. She talked about learning to navigate homesickness, language barriers, and uncertainty, and how the experience helped her grow more adaptable…
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Take a Liberty Leave with Danica Nelson
What if taking time off wasn’t a setback, but the smartest move you could make? In this episode, Michelle Dittmer of the Canadian Gap Year Association sits down with Danica Nelson, founder of Liberty Leave, to talk about adult gap years, career breaks, and why intentional pauses matter at every...
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Pushed Pause on College for the Round the World Encounter: Inside Chloe’s Gap Year
When a College student realized that College wasn’t the right fit, she went in search of something else. She found a program through CanGap that incorporated her passion for exploration and pushing herself outside of her comfort zone. Listen to her experience with the Round the World Encounter…
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Outward Bound, Europe & Beyond: Inside Bodhi’s Gap Year
🌍 What if your Gap Year could be more than just a break—what if it could change your whole outlook on life? In this episode, Bodhi shares his journey from biking in New Hampshire to canoeing canyons in Utah to backpacking solo across Europe. From cultural exchange to confidence-building, this...
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Earn Money Abroad by Working in Agriculture with AwayToWork
🌍 In our latest episode, we’re digging into a unique path to adventure, skill-building, and paid international experience—all through agriculture. Meet Paytten, a Canadian who turned her love for farming and travel into a global journey across the U.S., Ireland, and Sweden. Now a program...
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Why join the Naval Experience Program: A father and son's story
In our latest episode, we dive into the Naval Experience Program—an opportunity for young Canadians to build confidence, gain life skills, and explore a career in the military without long-term commitment. Hear from Jonathan, a recent participant, and his father Doug, a seasoned CAF recruiter, as...
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Top 2 Family Strains During a Gap Year (and How a Family Agreement Can Help)
Is your teen starting a gap year? Worried about the challenges ahead? Tune into our latest episode to learn how to ease the transition and avoid common pitfalls that lead to family stress and conflict. Gap Year Expert, Michelle Dittmer explores how to set expectations, foster independence, and...
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Funding your gap year
Many people hesitate to take a gap year, believing it to be too expensive. However, the cost of a gap year can vary widely and can actually be quite affordable! In this episode, Michelle share practical steps and tips to help you plan a budget-friendly gap year that’s within your reach. Take a...
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Talking to your Parents about taking a gap year
Telling your parents you want to take a gap year can be the hardest part about your decision and can make for a very difficult conversation. In this episode, Michelle Dittmer, President of the Canadian Gap Year Association takes you through all the steps to ensure you have a successful…
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A Guide to DEFERRING your University Program
Thinking of applying to higher education programs now, but still want to take a gap year? This is totally possible by deferring your acceptance! This guarantees you a spot for the following year so you don’t have to worry about applying or getting accepted - you can just enjoy your gap year! You...
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From Skepticism to Support: A Family's Journey Through a Life-Changing Gap Year
In our latest episode of the Gap Year Podcast, we're breaking new ground with our first-ever family interview! 🎉 Join us as we dive into the transformative journey of Pranav and his parents, Pooja and Ashu. From initial skepticism and fear to becoming the biggest supporters, this episode is a...
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Adult Gap Year: Sukaina's Story of Self-Discovery and Cultural Immersion
On today’s episode, we dive into the inspiring world of gap years with our fabulous guest, Sukaina. From Toronto to Portugal, her journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and lifelong learning is a testament to the transformative power of taking a step back to explore. Whether you're fresh...
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Gap Year 2024 Trends: What’s the Word Across Canada
The Canadian Gap Year Association just wrapped up on their incredible gap year tour! Michelle shares valuable insights from her coast-to-coast travels. Whether you are a highschool student, parent or educator, this episode is packed with gap year expert tips, gap year strategies and valuable...
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A Parent's Guide to Gap Years: Exploring Outward Bound with Stacy
Are you a parent curious about what a gap year can actually look like for your teen? In this episode, we're joined by Stacy who shares her experience navigating her son’s gap year. From wilderness adventures with Outward Bound to unexpected life-changing moments, discover how a gap year supports...
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Parenting Neurodivergent Youth: Navigating Adulthood Transitions with Confidence
Calling all parents of neurodivergent youth! 🌟 In today’s episode Michelle unravels the unique challenges of guiding your child from adolescence into adulthood. Society's norms may not fit their journey, but CanGap has got your back! Michelle shares valuable insights and practical advice to...
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Neurodiversity & Gap Years: Support and Self-Discovery
Neurodiveristy is beautiful and unique - it’s what makes us all human - but does come with struggles experienced by neurodiverse folks and their families shared amongst the neurodivergent community. In today's episode, Michelle explores how gap years are an incredible tool to support the lived...
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Unlocking Wellness: Navigating Mental Health in Your Gap Year
Get ready for a deep dive into all things mental health 🙌 Majority of gappers choose to take an intentional pause to improve and support their mental health, but how do you do that? Look no further because Michelle, gap year expert and coach spills the secrets on navigating this journey. Brace...
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How to find your dream career on your gap year
Uncover the potential of gap years with expert Michelle Dittmer! In this podcast episode, she guides you through a month-by-month exploration plan, tackling the overwhelming choices or lack of direction in building your gap year. Embrace the unknown, take off the pressure, and focus on the next...
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What is a Gap Year?
Curious about gap years in Canada? They're more popular than ever, but there's still a lot of confusion and misconception around them. So, we are here to clear things up! Join Michelle, Canada’s Gap Year Expert as she tackles the age-old question: What is a gap year? Get ready to redefine the...
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What to do with a University Drop Out
Parenting through a child's university dropout can be overwhelming, but you're not alone! In this episode, Michelle offers crucial support and advice to guide you through this challenging period. Learn about the challenges of the post-secondary landscape and discover effective ways to navigate…
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How to have MORE FUN - According to our Book Club!
On today’s episode, Michelle Dittmer invites you to the CanGap book club, where we talk about Catherine Price’s transformative book, “The Power of Fun”, because without fun, are we really living? Michelle deep dives into the 3 key elements, —playfulness, connection, and flow—that redefine our...
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How to Pick a Uni Program (Or Not)
Attention high schoolers navigating post-secondary choices! Are you overwhelmed with the decisions of choosing a post-secondary pathway that will be right for you? Look no further, because this episode is jam-packed with valuable advice from Michelle, as she busts popular myths, provides…
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From Shy to Bold: Unveiling the Transformative Power of a Gap Year
Today's episode is all about Maddy's incredible gap year and travel journey with Carpe Diem Education! She shares how this transformative experience helped her to become more confident, tackle her fears, discover new passions and jump start her career towards environmental conservation at World...
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From Imposter Syndrome to Empowerment: 100 Episodes of Reflection and Growth
Welcome to the 100th episode of the Gap Year Podcast!! Today, Michelle celebrates this incredible milestone while reflecting on the journey of creating this podcast. She also shares personal anecdotes and her valuable insight on imposter syndrome, persistence, and collaboration, drawing parallels...
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How to evaluate the safety of gap year programs
Calling out all gappers and gapper parents 📣 are you leaving home for your gap year adventure either to another country or continent entirely?! While this is super exciting, it can be very intimidating and anxiety inducing. But, you are in luck because we have safety expert Dave from Cornerstone...
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Why You Shouldn’t Rush Yourself - With Jessica
Taking a gap year can be terrifying! You’re doing something completely different than your peers, there is so much uncertainty about the year ahead, and you may not be equipped with all of the gap year resources (check out our resources page at: https://www.cangap.ca/resources) However, your gap...
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Why September’s Actions will Make or Break your Gap Year
Happy New Year! Well, it’s not actually January, but doesn’t September feel like New Years anyway? A new season, new academic year and so many amazing back-to-school deals! But this is also an exciting time for gappers, as it’s the beginning of your Gap Year! In one of our past episodes we talked...
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How to Support your Kid’s Wacky Idea
Has your young person ever had the idea of starting their own business, launching a youtube channel, or making a living out of their hobby and you’re not sure how to support them? Well, this episode is for you! Michelle shares her top 4 tips on how to support them in making their project ideas…
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2SLGBTQ+ Considerations for a Gap Year (a starting place)
Are you a gapper or do you have a gapping kid part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community? You are not alone and this episode is for you! A gap year is truly the perfect time for self-discovery, growth, gaining confidence and finding supportive communities (like us at CanGap!). Michelle shares valuable...
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Why Travel and Experiential Programs are Critical in 2023 with Carpe Diem’s ED, Adam
In today’s episode, we had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Carpe Diem’s ED, Adam! Such a kindred spirit who shares his experience with travel and experiential programs. Together, Michelle and Adam dive deep into the key skills that youth are missing whether that’s because of gaps created...
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The 3 Most Challenging Times of Year for Gappers
Taking a gap year can be a roller coaster of emotion and experiences. It's full of highs and lows, and each experience gives the gapper so many opportunities to learn and grow. In today’s episode, Michelle explores the 3 key times during the gap year process where gappers really struggle, when…
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Unserious Careers - How taking time to figure it out pays off in health, happiness and success
What comes to mind when you hear the word Career? Does it evoke feelings of fear, anxiousness or overwhelm? Do you perceive it as a one time decision and then you’re locked in for the next 40, 50 maybe even 60 years?! Well, what if we told you that careers don’t have to be so serious, in fact...
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Talking to your Teen about Taking a Gap Year
Most parents would think that if they offered their teenager an opportunity to take a gap year, they would say yes in a heartbeat! Imagine all of the exciting adventures, learning opportunities and the ability to earn some extra money - what's not to love! Well, to your surprise, some teenagers…
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What skill deficits exist for teens in 2023 - Jay Gosselin and Michelle Dittmer share their observations
In today’s episode we invite the fabulous Jay Gosselin from Discover Year, a certified Canadian post-secondary program that fosters confidence, resilience and equips students with the skills they need to succeed in their transition from adolescence into adulthood through their one-year life…
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Fear is running your kids life and what you can do about it
Do you ever wonder what’s holding your young person back from applying for that job, trying out for the sports team or even asking that person out? Well, in today’s episode, Michelle unpacks this powerful underlying emotion of fear. She walks us through how and why fear overwhelms teenagers when...
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The Top 3 Parental Concerns about taking a Gap Year
We asked parents about their biggest concerns with their young person taking a gap year, and across the board their top 3 answers were: My teen will waste their time. Various financial concerns. My teen will face loneliness and isolation. Want to know who else had the same exact concerns?…
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Teen Behaviour: The brain science behind why parents and teens butt heads and how to support them in their transition to adulthood
As a parent you always want the best for your teen, but sometimes it’s hard to see eye to eye on what the “best” is with your young person. If you want to better understand why your teen thinks and makes the decisions they do, along with why this particular stage of life is so challenging, then…
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How to use ScholarshipsCanada and SchoolFinder to plan your post-secondary journey post gap year
Imagine if there was a website that would match you to the perfect post-secondary institution, program, scholarships and career path that is just right for you! Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Well, you’re in luck because in today’s episode we invited the amazing Logan Bright from...
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How to Win Scholarships - Leveraging your gap year to fund your university tuition
We all know post-secondary education is very expensive and a huge financial burden that students have to carry. Thank goodness for scholarships!. However, looking for scholarships, writing beautifully crafted applications and effectively communicating your skills can be challenging! But don’t...
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Planning a gap year with help from CanGap: Brelan’s Story
In today’s episode we invited the incredible Brelan, a CanGap alum who dedicated her gap year to self-growth, becoming financially savvy and going on some epic adventures! She was able to accomplish this (and much more!) by using the Gap Year Gameplan and leveraging the pillars, resources and...
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Connecting your gap year to the metaverse - The role of digital credentials
Finding a job, education and credentialing look very different to what it has been in the past. Ever since entering the digital era, the metaverse, digital badges and micro credentials have taken things by storm, and are something that you do not want to miss out on! In today’s episode, Michelle...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Explore all things gap year through stories and anecdotes by gappers, families and experts. Fun to listen to but also jam-packed with tips and tricks for making the most of your gap year. No matter who you are or where you are on your gap year journey, you should be listening to the Gap Year Podcast! Although it is produced for Canadians, the content is universal.
HOSTED BY
voicEd Radio
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Gap Year Podcast have?
The Gap Year Podcast currently has 130 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Gap Year Podcast about?
Explore all things gap year through stories and anecdotes by gappers, families and experts. Fun to listen to but also jam-packed with tips and tricks for making the most of your gap year. No matter who you are or where you are on your gap year journey, you should be listening to the Gap Year...
How often does The Gap Year Podcast release new episodes?
The Gap Year Podcast publishes regularly with 130 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Gap Year Podcast?
You can listen to The Gap Year Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Gap Year Podcast?
The Gap Year Podcast is created and hosted by voicEd Radio.
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