Michelle Dittmer spoke with Chantaie Allick 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 self-compassion. Key Takeaways Burnout is a systemic issue, not a personal failing. It requires a systems-based solution, led by leaders who model well-being. "Ambition with Ease" reframes success

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” rather than a loss. About Shannon Former television producer with a 16-year career in TV Transitioned after becoming a mom Founder of multiple businesses Author of Start Your Second Act C

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 personally and professionally valuable. About John Spent 30+ years in HR with three school boards Later worked as an employment advisor helping new immigrants and youth Approves deferred salar

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 meaningful action toward change. About Lori Founder of My Big Sky — supports students, mid-career professionals, and those approaching retirement Background in leadership development, career

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 and make decisions that truly reflect who they are now, not who they were before. About Ashley Trained Matrescence Educator Motherhood and Self-Development Coach 20 years in educatio

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 exploration and self-discovery. About Carli Certified Career Development Practitioner Runs Foreseeable Futures — a career counseling practice focused on non-linear careers Also works

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 Charles Husband and father of two girls (ages 9 and 12) 20+ years across public, private, non-profit, and philanthropic sectors Focuses on helping communities solve complex problems

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 experience abroad. Key Points Gapforce is a UK-based gap year provider operating since 1989. Krista is a program advisor based in New York and supports North American applicants. Eve

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, confident, and present. Key Takeaways Unique Internship: Madison's 8-month internship with International Rural Exchange (IRE) provided a rare "full-circle" view, combining 4 months of office

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 and how she found parts of herself on her journey. Relevant links: https://www.planmygapyear.com/volunteer-around-the-world/ultimate-round-the-world-encounter https://www.cangap.ca/qu

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 stage of life. Danica shares how burnout led her to negotiate six months away from work, travel through Southeast Asia, and completely rethink her path. Together, they explore financia

🌍 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...

🌍 In our latest episode , we’re digging into a unique path to adventure, skill-building, and paid international experience— all through...

In our latest episode, we dive into the Naval Experience Program—an opportunity for young Canadians to build confidence, gain life...

Is your teen starting a gap year? Worried about the challenges ahead? Tune into our latest episode to learn how to ease the transition...

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...

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...

Thinking of applying to higher education programs now, but still want to take a gap year? This is totally possible by deferring your...

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...

On today’s episode, we dive into the inspiring world of gap years with our fabulous guest, Sukaina. From Toronto to Portugal, her journey...