The Gap Year Podcast

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 financial planning, mindset, navigating hard conversations, and how a well-designed break can help you realign with your values, energy, and goals.

A Liberty Leave is about alignment, not escape. Danica explains that a career break is not just about resting—it is about stepping off autopilot and making more intentional life and work choices.

Planning makes the break possible. From her 4P framework to her “freedom formula,” Danica shows how practical steps like budgeting, saving, and creative income planning can turn the idea of a break into a realistic plan.

You do not take a break to come back harder. One of Danica’s biggest lessons is that rest should not be used to fuel more burnout. The real goal is building a life that feels sustainable, joyful, and true to you.

Key Links

Liberty Leave (Danica Nelson’s program):

Mini Retirement Summit:

Danica Nelson on Instagram:

Danica Nelson on YouTube:

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/quiz

https://www.gapyearassociation.org/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXmPWruvhKQ

https://www.miniretirementsummit.com/

🌍 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 episode is packed with real talk, wild adventures, and life-changing takeaways. 🌱

🎧 Tune in for honest stories, smart tips, and the kind of self-growth you can’t get in a classroom. With OutwardBound guiding part of his way, Bodhi shares it all!  Whether you're planning a gap year or just dreaming of something more—this one’s for you.

Topics Discussed

Epic Gap Year Journey – Bodhi shares how he spent his year mountain biking, tree working, completing a month-long Outward Bound program, ski instructing, and backpacking across Europe.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

🌍 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 coordinator at AwayToWork, she’s helping others take the leap too.

From hay fields to horse barns, cultural exchange to professional growth, this episode is full of honest stories, smart tips, and life-changing takeaways—perfect for anyone wondering what’s next.

🌱 Learn how to get paid to work abroad

Whether you're planning a gap year, considering a break from university, or simply curious about what else is out there—this episode might just plant the seed you didn’t know you needed.

🎧 Tune in now — and start thinking outside the classroom (and the country).

Topics Discussed

Paid Agriculture Placements Abroad: Learn how Canadians are earning money while gaining real-world experience in agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, and hospitality across the globe.

Three Countries, Three Cultures, One Big Life Lesson: Peyton shares what it was like to live and work in Washington State, Ireland, and Sweden—and how each placement shaped her skills and confidence.

Why Support Matters: Discover the key role of organizations like International Rural Exchange Canada in helping youth navigate travel, jobs, visas, and safety.

Breaking Barriers and Building Resilience: From machinery fears to solo train rides across Ireland, hear how stepping outside your comfort zone can spark personal transformation.

Budgeting for Adventure: Gap years don’t have to break the bank. Hear how paid placements and room-and-board arrangements make global travel accessible.

Opportunities Beyond Agriculture: Explore placement options in culinary arts, hospitality, greenhouse operations, and even winemaking.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

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 they share what it’s really like to take this leap. From personal growth to travel, teamwork, and independence, this episode is full of real talk, candid advice, and powerful takeaways for both teens and parents.

✨ Learn who this program is for

🧭 Discover the unexpected benefits

💬 Hear how it’s supporting diversity and inclusion

Whether your teen is unsure of their next step or simply craving something different, this might just be the opportunity they didn’t know they were looking for.

🎧 Tune in now — and start thinking outside the classroom.

Topics Discussed

The Power of Structured Transition:

Parental Perspectives:

Confidence Through Challenge:

Inclusivity and Diversity in the Military:

What Makes a Good Candidate:

Global Perspective and Lifelong Skills:

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

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 create a family contract that balances freedom and responsibility. Make sure to Download the template and set your teen up for success this year. Let’s make this gap year one of growth—for everyone!

Topics Discussed

• Top 2 Biggest Mistakes: The episode highlights two major mistakes families make during the gap year transition:

1. Not letting go of childhood expectations and behaviours, 

• Independence vs. Responsibility: Michelle discusses the importance of balancing independence with responsibility, ensuring young adults develop the skills they need to thrive after the gap year.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• FREE Gap Year Family Contract: https://www.cangap.ca/resources#contract

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 listen!

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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 Gameplan membership: www.cangap.ca/gameplan

Subscribe to our list: https://www.cangap.ca/subscribe

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 conversation with your parents, from preparing for it to conducting it.

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 Gameplan membership: www.cangap.ca/gameplan Subscribe to our list: https://www.cangap.ca/subscribe

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 may be wondering, how can I apply for a deferral? In today’s episode, we’ve got you covered with a guide on how to defer your acceptance, tips and tricks, and how to weigh your options in the event you can’t defer your acceptance. 

Topics Discussed

• What is a deferral and researching the deferral process at your respective institution.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Get support to light up your gap year! Book a free 30-min call: https://www.cangap.ca/call

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect

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 heartwarming testament to the power of trust, communication, and growth. 🌍✨

• Hear how Pranav's gap year adventures in Asia helped him gain independence, confidence, and a clearer vision for his future.

Tune in to hear this inspiring story of courage, transformation, and the lifelong benefits of taking a gap year! 🎧💪

Topics Discussed

• Pranav's Gap Year Experience: Pranav discusses his gap year activities, including volunteering, traveling in Asia, and how these experiences prepared him for university.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Get support to light up your gap year! Book a free 30-min call: https://www.cangap.ca/call

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect