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The Gap Year Podcast
The Gap Year Podcast episodes
- 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 helps young people create a gap year with purpose.
They explore how personalized coaching, practical workshops, resources, and a supportive community can help gappers move past indecision, build confidence, explore future possibilities, and make progress on goals that matter to them. Whether your gap year includes work, travel, volunteering, personal growth, or figuring out what comes next, GPS is designed to provide support along the way.
Best of all, GPS is free thanks to funding from RBC, helping make structured gap year support accessible to young people who want it.
3 Key Takeaways- You don’t need to have your gap year figured out before you start. GPS coaches help young people sort through their ideas, identify what matters to them, and turn uncertainty into manageable next steps.
- A gap year doesn’t have to mean travelling the world. It can include working, volunteering, improving your health and wellness, exploring careers, preparing for university, building life skills—or simply creating space to decide what you want next.
- Community can make a big difference. Taking a different path from your peers can sometimes feel isolating. GPS connects gappers with coaches and other young people who understand the experience, creating opportunities for encouragement, connection, networking, and positive peer support.
___________
CanGap helps you decide on a gap year, access resources for your journey & connect with other Gappers!
Take the Gap Year Quiz: www.cangap.ca/quiz
Plan your gap year in 4-steps: www.cangap.ca/planner
Join our Gap Year GPS: www.cangap.ca/gpsprograms
Subscribe to our list: https://www.cangap.ca/subscribe
24 min - ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: When Hard Work Backfires: Reimagining Ambition with Chantaie Allick
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- https://re-work.ca/
Follow Them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reworkmovement
Check them out on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reworkmovement/
👤Dr. Kristin Neff’s self-compassion resources: https://self-compassion.org
🤗Self-compassion break: https://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/#self-compassion-break
🧘Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith’s rest quiz: https://restquiz.com
Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association
- Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/
- Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/
- Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap
- Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap
- Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ
35 min - 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” 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
- Coaches women through career reinvention and entrepreneurship
Main Themes- Women often follow a “rules-based” path until life changes prompt reassessment
- Career shifts can happen after motherhood, caregiving, burnout, layoffs, or simple restlessness
- A non-linear path is not a failure — it’s a stepping stone
- Reframing change as a new chapter or second act helps reduce fear
How to Know It’s Time for a Change- Ask: Why am I considering this move?
- Identify what about the next step is exciting
- Notice whether your current role still aligns with your values, life stage, and needs
- Consider whether you’ll regret not making the change later
Practical Advice- Do your research before leaping
- Learn the actual day-to-day of a new role or business
- Talk to people in the field
- Understand the financial realities
- Keep early plans private until you feel confident
- Start small if needed — a second act does not have to be a giant leap
Key TakeawayShannon encouraged listeners to stop waiting for the perfect time and instead move forward with clarity, curiosity, and confidence. Small steps, thoughtful research, and staying connected to your “why” can help make a new chapter feel possible.
Website🎬 Second Act Success: https://secondactsuccess.co/
Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association
- Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/
- Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/
- Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap
- Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap
- Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ
23 min - 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 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 salary leave plans as part of his HR background
- Took two deferred salary leaves himself
What Is a Deferred Salary Leave?- A leave of absence funded by saving part of your salary in advance
- Common structure: “four over five”
- Work 4 years at 80% pay
- 20% goes into a trust account
- Take the 5th year off using those savings
- Often includes pension/benefit considerations and a contractual return-to-work agreement
What John Did on His LeavesFirst Leave- Home projects: painting, purging, tidying
- Family travel to India and Dubai
- Trips with kids to Broadway/New York and a ski holiday
Second Leave- More household and personal tasks
- Significant time supporting a close friend going through cancer treatment
- Some travel as well
Main Takeaways- A year off can be invigorating
- It can also be humbling — work continues without you
- Time away helps people see they are not their job
- It creates balance and makes room for other forms of contribution
What Holds People Back- Financial concerns about living on reduced salary
- Uncertainty about what the future may hold over a 4–5 year planning period
- Family changes, life changes, and possible cancellation of plans
Planning Considerations- Budget carefully
- Think through staffing and who will cover your role
- Consider family and partner dynamics
- Balance practical tasks with rest, fun, travel, and connection
- Use the time to invest in what matters most
Practical Advice/Next Steps for you- Start by talking to your employer or boss
- Ask your payroll department about the details
- Review CRA guidance on tax implications
- Be ready to discuss staffing and return-to-work planning
Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association
- Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/
- Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/
- Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap
- Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap
- Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ
32 min - 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 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 coaching, and career transition
- Former communications and talent development professional at Accenture
- Coaches individuals on self-awareness, career direction, and how to lead others
Key ThemesKnowing Yourself Before Making a MoveLori encouraged people to dig into three core areas before pursuing change:
- Interests — what keeps showing up that you genuinely enjoy?
- Capabilities — what are you actually good at, separate from what you like?
- Environment — where do you thrive? Who do you need around you? Do you prefer collaboration or independence?
Self-Reflection Questions to Get Started- What were my peak moments over the last 10–15 years — what was I doing, who was I with?
- What energizes me? What do I dread?
- What do people continually thank me or recognize me for?
- How do I want to contribute?
- What am I putting off or waiting for — and do I really have to wait?
Practical Tools- Do a peaks and valleys exercise across your career
- Write everything down — get it out of your head and onto paper
- Use AI or psychometric tools to help spot patterns you might miss
- Look for non-negotiables — things you will never compromise on again
- Pick one small action, give it a deadline, and find someone to hold you accountable
On Fear and DiscomfortLori referenced the work of Susan David (Emotional Agility):
"Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life."
- Fear is often a signal to pause and consider — not a reason to stop
- Challenge the stories you tell yourself about why change is impossible
- Be selective about whose input you take in — limiting perspectives often come from other people's fears, not yours
Moving from Thinking to Action- Stop waiting to have it all figured out
- Go from big thinking → distilled insights → one concrete step
- Connect with people in person — buy someone a coffee, ask questions, get out of your own world
- Ask yourself: If time, money, and approval weren't factors, what would I be doing?
Lori's Personal StoryAfter 10 years at Accenture, Lori felt misaligned and burned out. She proactively put herself on a restructuring list, took 12–18 months to recover and reflect, and used that time to discover her passion for career coaching. She describes it as one of her proudest decisions — and proof that you don't need to have the full plan before you take the first step.
Resources☀️ My Big Sky: https://www.mybigsky.ca/
🧠Emotional Agility: https://www.susandavid.com/
Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association
- Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/
- Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/
- Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap
- Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap
- Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ
36 min - 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 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 education
- Mom of two (ages 7 and 12)
- Works with women navigating the transitions of motherhood across all areas of life
What is Matrescence?- The transition to and through motherhood — similar to adolescence
- Not a one-time event — it is iterative and cyclical, recurring with each new stage of a child's development
- Universal to all mothers, but unique in how it is experiencedby each individual
- Largely undiscussed and unsupported, despite being a massive identity and life shift
The Matrescence MatrixDeveloped by Nikki McCahon; visualized as a pie chart with 8 domains
DomainWhat It CoversPhysicalBody changes through pregnancy, birth, and recoveryPsychologicalIdentity shifts, sense of self, emotional changesSocialHow "mom" is perceived and valued in your social circlesCulturalBroader societal views and expectations of motherhoodRelationshipsChanges to partnerships, friendships, and family dynamicsCareerShifting priorities, career interruptions, work-life alignmentSpiritualLegacy, values, religion, purposeEconomicFinancial impact of maternity leave, career pauses, childcare costsHow to Use the Matrix- Map your changes — on the pie chart, mark how much you've shifted in each domain (outer edge = most change, center = least)
- Identify what feels "prickly" — those areas likely signal a misalignment with your current values
- Explore your values — acknowledge that values shift through motherhood and that's okay
- Make decisions from that place — rather than defaulting to pre-motherhood expectations or external pressure
Key Themes- Duality is valid — "I want to grow my business AND be present with my kids" — both can be true
- Matrescence is cyclical — hard seasons are followed by growth; decisions made now don't have to be permanent
- Shame and guilt often stem from unacknowledged changes rubbing up against outdated expectations
- You can't "have it all" in every season — the matrix helps prioritize what matters right now
Resources & Links- 🌐 Website: https://www.ashleybeatty.ca
- 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-beatty-24095239/
- 📸 Instagram: @ashleybcoach
- 🤰Matrescence Expert: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/
- 🤰Fishtank of Motherhood: https://drsophiebrock.com/thefishtankofmotherhood
Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association
- Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/
- Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/
- Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap
- Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap
- Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ
31 min - 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 exploration and self-discovery.
About Carli- Certified Career Development Practitioner
- Runs Foreseeable Futures — a career counseling practice focused on non-linear careers
- Also works part-time for a consulting company and teaches career classes at a university
- Originally trained as a K-12 teacher; her own career has spanned student life, academic advising, career counselling, and workforce development
Benefits of a Non-Linear Career- Personal fulfillment — careers that served you at 25 may not serve you at 45; transitions allow you to meet evolving needs
- Resilience and adaptability — diverse experience protects against labor market shocks
- Transferable skills — the same advice we give young people (keep doors open, diversify experience) applies throughout your entire career
It's Not Too Late — Reframing Career Age- Working lives are getting longer (many now work into their 70s)
- Someone in their late 30s may have 30+ more years of working life ahead
- At that stage, you've barely entered the "adult chapter" of your career
- Key message: Dreams don't have deadlines
Signs It May Be Time to Consider a Career Change- Consistently leaving work feeling drained and depleted
- Noticing systematic issues with the industry or profession, not just a temporary rough patch
- Feeling disengaged or going through the motions for an extended period
- Dissatisfaction that isn't resolved by seasonal changes or minor adjustments
Best Practices for Making a Career Transition1. Diagnose the Problem Correctly- Track when feelings of frustration or disengagement arise
- Is it specific tasks? Certain people? Structural conditions of the industry?
- Fixing the wrong problem leads to the same dissatisfaction in a new role
2. Prototype in Low-Cost, Low-Risk Ways- Talk to people working in fields you're considering
- Read or listen to content from people in those fields
- Volunteer, take a course, or build a personal project to test competencies
- Explore before making a full leap
The Adult Gap Year Connection- An adult gap year is essentially an extended prototyping opportunity
- Provides time and space for self-exploration that full-time employment rarely allows
- Can be used to:
- Explore new career paths
- Develop new competencies
- Test interests in a hands-on way
- Return to a former employer with clarity — or transition into something new
- Organizational sabbaticals, extended leave, or deferred pay plans can all create this opportunity
Key Quotes"It's hard to fix the problem if you don't know what it is.""You can prototype things before you actually jump in a big way.""Working lives are getting longer — you may be much younger in your career than you realize."Resources & Links- 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlifink/
- 🌐 Website: https://www.foreseeablefutures.ca/
TakeawayNon-linear careers are not a consolation prize — they are an adaptive, fulfilling, and increasingly strategic way to navigate a changing world of work. Whether you're 28 or 58, it is never too late to reconsider your path, and an adult gap year can be a powerful tool to make that transition thoughtfully and intentionally.
Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association
- Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/
- Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/
- Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap
- Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap
- Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ
28 min - 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 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
- Now speaks and writes about the power of pausing and intentional living
- Author of Around the World in Family Days
How It Started- His wife planted the seed on their honeymoon — a dream to take their future family around the world
- Became a 10-year financial and logistical plan
- The pandemic reinforced their decision — life is short, and waiting isn't guaranteed
- Originally planned as an African safari for her 40th birthday; evolved into a full world trip
Key Barriers They Faced- Financial fear — shifting from scarcity mindset to values-based decision making
- Logistics overwhelm — schooling, travel routes, work; most were solvable
- Illusion of readiness — there is no perfect moment; you have to interrupt life yourself
- Identity — letting go of titles, productivity, and career momentum
- Execution reality — fatigue, missed flights, sibling arguments; growth comes from friction
Values-Based Decision Making- Most pre-trip decisions were default decisions, not deliberate ones
- The gap year forced the question: What do we value enough to reorganize our lives around?
- Key family values identified:
- Quality time together before kids become teenagers
- Exposing children to the world beyond the classroom
- Living in alignment, not just in stability
- Practical exercise suggested:
- Review your last 3 months of calendar — where is your time going?
- Review your last 3 months of bank/credit card statements — where is your money going?
- Do these reflect your actual values?
Advice for Others- "Don't wait until life forces you to pause — practice choosing a pause intentionally."
- You don't need a full year; even micro-sabbaticals create meaningful disruption
- The goal is disruption of routine, not just duration
- Get honest about what's really holding you back — it's usually fear, not logistics
- Involve your kids (or family) in the planning process
Resources & Links- 🌐 Website: https://www.charlesachampong.com/
- 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesachampong/
- 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aroundtheworldinfamilydays/
- 📖 Book: Around the World in Family Days: What We Learned When We Left It All Behind and Traveled the Globe
Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association
- Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/
- Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/
- Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap
- Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap
- Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ
37 min - 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 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 completed Gapforce’s South Africa game ranger course and now works in operations.
Programs DiscussedMarine Conservation- Offered in Thailand and Costa Rica
- Participants join ongoing research projects
- Certifications mentioned:
- PADI scuba certifications
- SSI / RAID dive training
- Dive Master opportunities
- Dive Instructor pathway in Costa Rica
Game Ranger Course- Based near Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- 8-week immersive course living on a reserve
- Leads to Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) Level 1 qualification
- Includes conservation work, wildlife learning, and reserve management knowledge
- Shorter 2–4 week volunteer options are also available
Support Offered by Gapforce- Info calls with Krista
- Pre-departure portal
- Document and packing support
- WhatsApp groups before departure
- Ongoing communication while participants are abroad
- Check-ins after the program ends
Main Themes- Conservation work gives participants a chance to contribute to long-term projects
- Hands-on experience is more meaningful than “symbolic” volunteering
- Programs build:
- confidence
- adaptability
- cultural exchange
- practical skills
- resume value
Advice Shared- Eve: “Don’t panic.”
- Krista: "Be adaptable and go in with an open mind."
Gapforce: https://gapforce.org/
GameRanger Program: https://gapforce.org/trips/south-africa-game-ranger
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gapforce
Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association
- Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/
- Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/
- Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap
- Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap
- Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ
34 min - 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, confident, and present.
Key Takeaways- https://awaytowork.ca/
- Canadian Gap Year Association / Gap Year Podcast https://www.cangap.ca/
Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association
- Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/
- Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/
- Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap
- Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap
- Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ
32 min
About The Gap Year Podcast
From the publisher's feed
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.