The Gap Year Podcast
 

The Gap Year Podcast

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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

Unlocking Wellness: Navigating Mental Health in Your Gap Year

Friday Mar 08, 2024

Friday Mar 08, 2024

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 yourself for a rollercoaster of do's and don'ts, packed with invaluable tips and tricks. Whether mental health is the heartbeat of your gap year or just a sidekick, Michelle's insights are a game-changer. Tune in now! 

Topics Discussed

  1. Mindful Gap Year Exploration: Michelle sheds light on how a gap year can be a powerful tool for improving mental health, offering a mindful approach to navigate the stresses of high school and transitions.
  2. Structuring Success: The episode emphasizes the importance of structuring your gap year intentionally to avoid the pitfalls of stagnancy. Michelle shares cautionary tales and provides a roadmap for ensuring your gap year has a positive impact on mental well-being.
  3. Building a Mental Health Toolkit: Listeners gain valuable insights into crafting a personalized mental health toolkit. Michelle advocates for routines, journaling, nutrition, physical activity, and self-care as essential components for a fulfilling gap year and beyond.
  4. Small Steps, Big Wins: The concept of 'wading in' is introduced, advocating for gradual exposure to challenges like social anxiety. Michelle encourages small, manageable steps to build confidence, showcasing a personalized approach for tackling mental health obstacles.
  5. Preparing for the Next Chapter: The episode wraps up with practical tips for future success, urging listeners to research mental health supports at potential post-secondary institutions. It empowers individuals to proactively set up a supportive environment as they transition beyond their gap year.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

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How to find your dream career on your gap year

Friday Feb 23, 2024

Friday Feb 23, 2024

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 step, not the final destination. Whether you have too many interests or none, Michelle's practical tips help you discover your passion and pave the way for a purposeful gap year.

Topics Discussed

Strategic Exploration: Michelle advocates for a month-by-month approach in a gap year, offering online courses, informational interviews, and hands-on experiences to strategically explore potential careers.

Pressure Off, Passion On: Dittmer emphasizes that it's okay not to have life figured out at a young age, urging a focus on the next step rather than the final destination, relieving the pressure on young individuals.

From Interests to Insights: For those overwhelmed with interests, Michelle suggests digging beyond reputation and salary, engaging in activities that provide real insights into potential careers during a gap year.

Passion Unearthed: For those struggling to identify their passion, Michelle encourages making lists of liked and disliked experiences, helping uncover patterns that could guide individuals towards fulfilling careers.

Comfort Zone Challenge: Dittmer encourages getting out of the comfort zone during a gap year—whether through travel, joining clubs, or taking new courses—to discover unknown interests and gather the missing puzzle pieces for future decisions.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

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What is a Gap Year?

Friday Feb 09, 2024

Friday Feb 09, 2024

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 narrative and discover the true essence of this transformative experience! 

Take a listen! 

Topics Discussed

  • Demystifying Gap Years: Michelle Dittmer, Gap Year Expert, tackles common misconceptions surrounding gap years in Canada, shedding light on their increasing popularity.
  • Value of a Gap Year: The episode dives into the core of gap years, emphasizing their customizable nature as a tool for real-world experiences, skill development, and self-discovery at various life stages.
  • Breaking Stereotypes: Forget the clichĂ©s! Michelle challenges the idea that gap years are solely about travel, revealing the diverse opportunities for growth, from volunteering and working to pursuing passions.
  • Components of a Successful Gap Year: Michelle shares key components for a purposeful gap year, including setting clear goals, having a plan, embracing novel experiences, and reflecting on the journey for personal growth.
  • Guidance for All Ages: Highlighting that gap years aren't exclusive to high school grads, Michelle explores their relevance at different life stages, making the episode a valuable resource for parents and individuals considering this enriching adventure.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

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What to do with a University Drop Out

Friday Jan 26, 2024

Friday Jan 26, 2024

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 your child's decision to hit pause on education. 

Whether expected or a surprise, emotions run high. Michelle shares insights on approaching this sensitive topic with compassion, discusses the 4 major reasons behind such decisions, and outlines a practical 4-step plan to overcome the challenge. Tune in now!

Topics Discussed

  • Navigating Premature Post-Secondary Exits: Michelle Dittmer delves into the delicate topic of students leaving higher education before completion.
  • Non-Judgmental Approach: The most important thing is to preserve your relationship, we encourage approaching this emotional time with a compassionate perspective and curiosity. 
  • The 4 Biggest Reasons why students drop out 
  • Michelle provides an easy and attainable 4-step guide that will help with navigating difficult conversations, better understanding your young person and formulating a strategic plan that will set them up for success. 
  • Normalizing Educational Breaks: Breaks during post-secondary education are much more common than you think! In fact, it can be a pivotal, healthy and beneficial step to hit pause and reassess the stressors. 
  • CanGap is HERE to support YOU! : We have the resources and programs available to support you and your young person during this challenging and uncertain time, don’t hesitate to jump on a FREE 30-minute call to discuss next steps! https://www.cangap.ca/call

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

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How to have MORE FUN - According to our Book Club!

Friday Jan 12, 2024

Friday Jan 12, 2024

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 understanding of true fun. She also shares personal anecdotes and insights exploring how to reclaim fun in young adult life, navigating social media's impact, and empowering young minds. In 2024, we challenge you to evaluate your fun frequency and encourage playful solo adventures, kicking off the year with revitalised energy and authentic joy! 

Topics Discussed

True Fun Elements: Michelle dissects the essence of genuine fun, highlighting three vital components—playfulness, connection (to self/others/nature), and achieving a state of flow.

Social Media Detriment: She emphasises how phones disrupt the state of flow crucial for experiencing real fun, impacting mental health and offering solutions for better phone management.

Adult Playfulness Challenge: Encouraging adults to shed self-judgement and embrace playfulness, she challenges listeners to engage in childlike activities, promoting personal growth and inspiring others.

Youth & Fun: Michelle explores how teenagers struggle to maintain a sense of fun amid increasing responsibilities, emphasising the significance of community and peers in fostering genuine enjoyment.

Book Recommendation & New Year Focus: With enthusiasm, she recommends "The Power of Fun" by Catherine Price as a tool for cultivating more authentic joy and sets a goal for the upcoming year: to have more genuine fun.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

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How to Pick a Uni Program (Or Not)

Wednesday Jan 10, 2024

Wednesday Jan 10, 2024

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 insightful guidance, a deeper look into the post-secondary pathways, and key resources to support you during this pivotal time. 

Most importantly, there is no wrong path - just steps toward a fulfilling education and life. Reach out to CanGap for personalized guidance and crafting your future journey!

Topics Discussed

  1. Decisions aren't permanent: Remember, post-secondary choices can and should evolve with you over time.
  2. Exploration over perfection: We advocate for exploring various pathways rather than stressing about finding the "perfect" one (especially right out of high school!) 
  3. Assessing YOUR life at Post-Secondary: Michelle discusses the many aspects of post-secondary, and prompts listeners to envisions their life at post-secondary. 
  4. No wrong path: Emphasising that all forms of education have value, Michelle encourages personalised journeys without the pressure of a "right" choice.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

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From Shy to Bold: Unveiling the Transformative Power of a Gap Year

Friday Nov 24, 2023

Friday Nov 24, 2023

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 Wildlife Fund. Michelle and Maddy also discuss Carpe Diem's authentic community engagement, emphasizing experiential learning and highlighting  how the gap year is a valuable investment to self-discovery and personal growth. 

So, dive into Maddy's story and check out the Carpe Diem Education links in the show notes for your next adventure! 

Topics Discussed

  • Transformative Journey: Maddy's shift from a shy individual to a confident public speaker after a life-changing gap year experience.
  • Impact of Immersive Learning: How Maddy's gap year with Carpe Diem Education reshaped her career towards conservation and sustainable travel.
  • Addressing Social Anxiety: Discussing the relevance of experiential education in combating anxiety issues prevalent among youth today.
  • Ethical Community Engagement: Exploring Carpe Diem's approach to community partnerships and the importance of authentic, sustainable voluntourism.
  • Gap Year as Personal Investment: Highlighting the gap year as a pivotal time for self-exploration and its enduring impact on personal and professional development.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

 

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From Imposter Syndrome to Empowerment: 100 Episodes of Reflection and Growth

Friday Nov 10, 2023

Friday Nov 10, 2023

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 to the gapper journey and a message for gappers on how to overcome self-doubt, take risks, and build a supportive network during your gap year! 

 

Come join us in celebration of this exciting milestone 🎉

 

Topics Discussed

  • Discover how to conquer imposter syndrome and unleash your potential on a gap year journey.
  • Learn the power of persistence and the value of collaboration
  • Get a glimpse of exciting future plans for the GapYear Podcast, including AI integration! 
  • Gain inspiration from Michelle's journey, and how she's empowered thousands to embark on fulfilling gap years.
  • Join the celebration and be part of the supportive community that's grown with the Gap Year Podcast.

 

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

  • Leave us some love on our Google and Facebook Reviews:  

 

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

 

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How to evaluate the safety of gap year programs

Friday Oct 27, 2023

Friday Oct 27, 2023

Calling out all gappers and gapper parents đź“Ł 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 who's going to walk us through how we can look at risk in a different way and how we can evaluate different program providers for the level of safety they're able to provide us when we are on the ground with them.

You don’t want to miss this, take a listen! 

Topics Discussed

  • Meet safety expert Dave and learn about Cornerstone Safety Group.
  • Safety green flags to look out for in experiential gap year programs. 
  • Risk and Safety in 3 Core Buckets 
    • Understanding yourself and onboarding with the program. 
    • Developing support systems within your group. 
    • Managing events when they arise.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

 

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

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Why You Shouldn’t Rush Yourself - With Jessica

Monday Oct 23, 2023

Monday Oct 23, 2023

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 year is yours to create and it can be extremely transformational! Today, one of our amazing alum, Jessica, shares her gap year journey. She was enrolled in our Gap Year GPS program, worked a variety of different jobs, travelled and most importantly, gained confidence in herself, helping her to achieve her goals! 

 

Take a listen to Jessica’s story! 

 

Topics Discussed

  • Meet Jessica (CanGap Alum) and what she is currently up to after her gap year. 
  • Jessica’s gap year activities and journey, including working, moving to 2 times, and trying things she would have never done before! 
  • What setbacks and obstacles she encountered and how she overcame them.
  • How the Gap Year GPS was a valuable toolkit supporting Jessica throughout her gap year (and how it can help you on your journey too!!) 

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

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