Bridge The Gap: A Global Year Podcast

Send a text What if the bravest thing a parent can do is step back so their child can step forward? We sit down with moms and dads who watched their kids trade comfort for a year of service overseas—and came home with something no classroom could teach: confident maturity. The stories start raw and real: a post-Christmas visit where a daughter clung to independence, a dad enforcing guardrails in high school, a son too introverted to share much. Then the turn—values chosen rather than imposed,...

Send a text What if the bravest thing a parent can do is let go? We sit down with Jim and Judy, plus Randy and Melissa, to unpack the messy, beautiful process of releasing a son or daughter to a Global Year gap year—complete with fear, fundraising, and faith that refuses to blink. From first reactions of surrender and control to the practical questions around safety and cost, this conversation pulls no punches and offers real hope. You’ll hear why one dad worried more about college than a ye...

Send a text What if the greatest spiritual growth happens when we step off the conventional path? In this enlightening conversation, youth pastor Brant Fountain reconnects with podcast hosts to reflect on their shared 2009 gap year experience in Costa Rica and how it continues to shape ministry approaches sixteen years later. Against the backdrop of today's youth culture—where students face unprecedented pressure, disconnection, and mental health challenges—Brant passionately advocates for b...

Send a text What if a single conversation could spark a movement that changes thousands of lives across the globe? Join us as we sit down with the founder and president of Global Year, who also happens to be my dad, to trace the incredible journey from an idea born in South Carolina to a global mission. Through a transformative chat with Dr. Johnny Hunt, this vision took root, initially sending nine high school graduates to Argentina and laying the groundwork for what would become an influent...

Send a text Ever wondered if taking a gap year could be more than just a break from education? Join us for a compelling conversation with Chloe Earle, who shares her story of choosing a gap year in Italy over the traditional path to college. Chloe, the youngest of five siblings from a Christian family in Georgia, had the rare freedom to explore her personal interests, thanks to her supportive upbringing. Through her journey with Global Year, we uncover the layers of societal expectations vers...

Send a text What if the journey of a lifetime began with a single, unexpected suggestion at church? In this episode, hosts Leah and Nate sit down with Sydney to explore how a chance conversation led her to join the Global Year program, a path that completely reshaped her faith and understanding of the world. Listen as Sydney recounts her mission trip revelation in Michigan, the courageous decision to spend nine months in Italy, and the challenges she faced while navigating societal expectatio...