The Gap Year Podcast

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 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. 3 Key Takeaways * 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): https://www.libertyleave.com/ [https://www.libertyleave.com/] * Mini Retirement Summit: https://www.miniretirementsummit.com/ [https://www.miniretirementsummit.com/] * CanGap Adult Gap Year Resources https://www.cangap.ca/miniretirement [https://www.cangap.ca/miniretirement] * Danica Nelson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danicasnelson/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/danicasnelson/?hl=en] * Danica Nelson on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@danicasnelson [https://www.youtube.com/@danicasnelson]

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 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.planmygapyear.com/volunteer-around-the-world/ultimate-round-the-world-encounter] https://www.cangap.ca/quiz [https://www.cangap.ca/quiz] https://www.gapyearassociation.org/ [https://www.gapyearassociation.org/] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXmPWruvhKQ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXmPWruvhKQ] https://www.miniretirementsummit.com/ [https://www.miniretirementsummit.com/]

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 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. Outward Bound Experience – He dives into his structured outdoor leadership course in Utah, where he learned teamwork, resilience, and life skills through canoeing and backpacking. Freedom & Flexibility – Bodhi embraced spontaneity, especially during his Europe trip, where he navigated solo travel, made new friends, and let curiosity lead the way. Personal Growth – From patience to independence, Bodhi reflects on the emotional and practical skills he developed during the year. Advice for Future Gappers – Don’t stress the planning. Be open to the unknown—things fall into place when you're willing to take the leap. Resources Mentioned In This Episode * Check out Outward Bound: https://www.outwardbound.ca/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13604580362&gbraid=0AAAAADnOPEy_c4A7SgS0s3t5hvtL_vY0b&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-ZHEBhCxARIsAGGN96ImYJ2gdorQJkmkdi3g0m9HCIsM5HgDEurWDqG2q6VZqkLbIFHeeL0aAnYgEALw_wcB [https://www.outwardbound.ca/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13604580362&gbraid=0AAAAADnOPEy_c4A7SgS0s3t5hvtL_vY0b&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-ZHEBhCxARIsAGGN96ImYJ2gdorQJkmkdi3g0m9HCIsM5HgDEurWDqG2q6VZqkLbIFHeeL0aAnYgEALw_wcB]  * Get support to light up your gap year! Book a free 30-min call: https://www.cangap.ca/call [https://www.cangap.ca/call]

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 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 🏇 Hear what it’s really like to live and work in different countries 🛫 Find out how to overcome barriers like logistics, visas, and safety 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   * Learn more and apply: https://awaytowork.ca * Get support to light up your gap year! Book a free 30-min call: https://www.cangap.ca/call [https://www.cangap.ca/call]   Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association   * Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/ [https://www.cangap.ca/] * Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/ [http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/] * Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap [https://www.facebook.com/ucangap] * Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap [https://twitter.com/ucangap/status/276178230694772736] * Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ]

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 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: Discover how the Naval Experience Program helps young people move from high school to adulthood with purpose, offering structure, support, and growth. Parental Perspectives: Doug shares what it's like watching a child transition into adulthood through the Navy, and how the military can support that journey with less stress and more security. Confidence Through Challenge: Jonathan opens up about the personal doubts he faced—and how he overcame them through training, mentorship, and teamwork. Inclusivity and Diversity in the Military: A candid discussion about the role of women, non-binary, and LGBTQ+ members in the forces, and how the CAF is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment. What Makes a Good Candidate: Learn what kind of mindset and qualities help someone thrive in the Naval Experience Program—spoiler: it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being willing to try. Global Perspective and Lifelong Skills: Doug reflects on a 35+ year career in the Navy, and how the experience shaped his leadership, worldview, and sense of purpose. Resources Mentioned In This Episode * Naval Experience Program Info & Application: https://forces.ca/en/ [https://forces.ca/en/]  Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association * Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/ [https://www.cangap.ca/] * Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/ [http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/] * Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap [https://www.facebook.com/ucangap] * Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap [https://twitter.com/ucangap] * Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ]