Sabbatical Stories

About Sabbatical Stories

Unlock the power of taking a break with Sabbatical Stories, a podcast hosted by Rebecca Thomas from Feel Good Getaways. Through insightful and engaging discussions, Rebecca explores the motivations behind career breaks and sabbaticals, debunks myths, and highlights their invaluable benefits. With a mission to inspire courage and normalise taking time off for personal growth, Sabbatical Stories is a beacon for those seeking inspiration, encouragement, and guidance on their journey to self-discovery. Tune in to learn how taking a break can transform your life and career.

Publisher

Rebecca Thomas

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

30 Jul 2024

Latest episode

21 May 2026

Latest episodes

47 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 May 2026

   The King of Sabbaticals DJ DiDonna on The Transformative Power of a Career Break

   In this powerful episode of Sabbatical Stories, Bex sits down with DJ DiDonna, to get an exclusive preview on his upcoming book "The Big Time Off". DJ is a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School and founder of The Sabbatical Project. After founding and successfully exiting a fintech company, DJ experienced burnout. He chose to take an intentional sabbatical, a decision that fundamentally reshaped how he viewed work, ambition and identity. That experience sparked a deeper inquiry into the role of extended breaks in modern careers. Through The Sabbatical Project, DJ now leads the first research of its kind exploring the impact of sabbaticals on non-academics. In this conversation, DJ shares his personal journey, the myths and misconceptions surrounding sabbaticals, and why he believes time off is not a luxury but an ancient and essential human ritual. We dive into: The concept of intentional time off in sustainable, meaningful careers Why sabbaticals can trigger powerful identity transformation The difference between passive rest and active rest How to identify your unique sabbatical style, take the quiz here (https://thesabbaticalproject.org/take-the-quiz/) The role of journaling and reflection during a career break Common myths about sabbaticals and what the research actually shows Other episodes you may enjoy: How to take a career break like a pro: Katerina McGee, The Queen of time off (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/how-to-take-a-career-break-like-a-pro-katrina/id1760311517?i=1000663907377) How Life-Changing Sabbaticals and Career Breaks Helped Host Bex Transition from Corporate to Coaching (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/how-life-changing-sabbaticals-and-career-breaks/id1760311517?i=1000676791943) Get in touch: If you are interested in sharing your sabbatical story, we would love to hear from you.  Buzz us a DM on Instagram - ⁠@Sabbatical_Stories⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/sabbaticalstoriespodcast/) or reach out on LinkedIn - ⁠Bex Thomas.⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bexthomas/) Career transition, sabbatical and career break coaching: As a career transition, sabbatical, and career break coach, I inspire, challenge, and support people like you to create a life that feels deeply aligned with your values, dreams, and authentic self. Whether you’re craving a new direction, a chance to pause, or the courage to pursue what really matters, I’m here to guide you toward your own version of success on your terms. Together, we’ll break free from societal blueprints, rewrite the rules, and design a future you’re excited to wake up to. Learn more ⁠here⁠ (https://bexthomas.com/) 💫 Ready to make the most of your time away from work? Download my free guide, "5 Ways to Maximise Your Career Break", packed with practical tips and soulful insights to help you pause with purpose and return with clarity. Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already on sabbatical, this is your essential companion. 👉 Grab your free copy ⁠here⁠ (https://bexthomas.com/maximise-your-break) Guest bio: DJ DiDonna (https://www.linkedin.com/in/djdidonna/)is a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School and the founder of The Sabbatical Project (https://thesabbaticalproject.org/), a pioneering research initiative exploring the impact of extended time away from work on modern professionals. Known as the “King of Sabbaticals,” DJ is passionate about bringing about positive change by commercialising social science research and translating academic insight into practical action. Get in touch with DJ via LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/djdidonna/) With special thanks to: Aunty B at The Flaxen (http://theflaxen.com), our amazing, talented and patient producer whose expertise helps make this podcast shine. Nicky Sweetland (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicky-sweetland-a310a9141/), our brilliant creative force behind all things social media and visual, whose eye for detail and design brings the podcast to life beyond the mic. Joanna Cooke, whose soulful blend of smooth vocals we are lucky enough to use throughout the show. Listen and connect with Joanna via your favourite medium: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7EyKy53TsVFLJFZFyYzBZQ?si=HaCSIRCETS2uYB3LBLcrWA (https://open.spotify.com/artist/7EyKy53TsVFLJFZFyYzBZQ?si=HaCSIRCETS2uYB3LBLcrWA) Website - https://joannacooke.co.uk (https://joannacooke.co.uk) YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke (https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke) Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/ (https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/) Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/ (https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/)

2. 

   14 May 2026

   Taking a Career Break and Travelling with Pets: Sean’s 15-Month Sabbatical Story

   In today's episode of Sabbatical Stories, Sean McIntosh shares the story of his transformative 15-month career break and how stepping away from work led to a complete re-evaluation of identity, priorities, and the kind of life he truly wanted to create. From navigating the logistics (and fears!) of relocating to Mexico with his two cats, to immersing himself in a new culture and language, Sean opens up about the realities of taking a purposeful pause and how the experience shifted his perspective on success, work, and freedom. This conversation is full of honest reflections, practical insights, and reassurance for anyone quietly questioning whether there might be another way to live and work. We dive into: Overcoming fear and uncertainty before leaving The difference between a fake and real career break Immersing yourself in a new culture and language The realities of travelling internationally with pets How remote work culture influenced his thinking Rebuilding identity outside of work Designing a life aligned with personal values The emotional and practical realities of re-entry Why “prototyping” life changes can reduce fear Other episodes you may enjoy: How to take a career break like a pro: Katerina McGee, The Queen of time off (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/how-to-take-a-career-break-like-a-pro-katrina/id1760311517?i=1000663907377) From Career Break to Creative Passion: How Santosh Mahale Rediscovered Art During His Sabbatical (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/from-career-break-to-creative-passion-how-santosh-mahale/id1760311517?i=1000698004320) Get in touch: If you are interested in sharing your sabbatical story, we would love to hear from you.  Buzz us a DM on Instagram - ⁠@Sabbatical_Stories⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/sabbaticalstoriespodcast/) or reach out on LinkedIn - ⁠Bex Thomas.⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bexthomas/) Career transition, sabbatical and career break coaching: As a career transition, sabbatical, and career break coach, I inspire, challenge, and support people like you to create a life that feels deeply aligned with your values, dreams, and authentic self. Whether you’re craving a new direction, a chance to pause, or the courage to pursue what really matters, I’m here to guide you toward your own version of success on your terms. Together, we’ll break free from societal blueprints, rewrite the rules, and design a future you’re excited to wake up to. Learn more ⁠here⁠ (https://bexthomas.com/) 💫 Ready to make the most of your time away from work? Download my free guide, "5 Ways to Maximise Your Career Break", packed with practical tips and soulful insights to help you pause with purpose and return with clarity. Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already on sabbatical, this is your essential companion. 👉 Grab your free copy ⁠here⁠ (https://bexthomas.com/maximise-your-break) Guest bio: Sean McIntosh is a strategic eCommerce and digital growth leader with more than 15 years of experience driving revenue growth across marketplaces, DTC platforms, and omnichannel retail environments. His career spans global marketplace analytics, digital merchandising, and brand leadership roles with organisations. Outside of work, Sean is also a proud cat dad, having successfully travelled internationally with his two cats during his sabbatical adventure. Get in touch with Sean via LinkedIn  (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-mackintosh-2180429/) With special thanks to: Aunty B at The Flaxen (http://theflaxen.com), our amazing, talented and patient producer whose expertise helps make this podcast shine. Nicky Sweetland (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicky-sweetland-a310a9141/), our brilliant creative force behind all things social media and visual, whose eye for detail and design brings the podcast to life beyond the mic. Joanna Cooke, whose soulful blend of smooth vocals we are lucky enough to use throughout the show. Listen and connect with Joanna via your favourite medium: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7EyKy53TsVFLJFZFyYzBZQ?si=HaCSIRCETS2uYB3LBLcrWA (https://open.spotify.com/artist/7EyKy53TsVFLJFZFyYzBZQ?si=HaCSIRCETS2uYB3LBLcrWA) Website - https://joannacooke.co.uk (https://joannacooke.co.uk) YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke (https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke) Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/ (https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/) Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/ (https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/)

3. 

   7 May 2026

   Taking a Career Break to Reclaim Yourself: Sabbatical, Identity & Personal Awakening with Danielle Zellman

   In this episode of Sabbatical Stories, Danielle Zellman shares the deeply personal journey behind her career break and sabbatical. Danielle spent two decades operating at pace in startups and scaling organisations. But beneath the success was exhaustion and emotional avoidance. Her sabbatical wasn’t about a polished pivot, it was about surrender. From New York City to Vermont, Turkey and Bolivia, Danielle used her career break to explore new environments, identities and ways of being. A pivotal retreat experience including an ayahuasca ceremony challenged her to confront what she had long avoided and to sit in the uncomfortable “messy middle” of personal growth. In this conversation, we explore what happens when high performers step away from achievement and into self-discovery. We dive into: Why high achievers often avoid their emotions Making the decision to take a career break without a fixed plan The lessons learned from an ayahuasca experience in Bolivia Redefining “home” during a sabbatical Reconnecting with family during personal transition Embracing the messy middle of career change Community, connection and self-compassion Surrendering control as a leadership practice Other episodes you may enjoy: Discovering Inner Wisdom Through a Career Break: Danielle Dacunha-Howarth’s Sabbatical Journey (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/discovering-inner-wisdom-through-a-career-break/id1760311517?i=1000670764942) How a career break can prepare you for emigration: Liz Ferguson’s sabbatical story (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/how-a-career-break-can-prepare-you-for-emigration/id1760311517?i=1000669114346) Get in touch: If you are interested in sharing your sabbatical story, we would love to hear from you.  Buzz us a DM on Instagram - ⁠@Sabbatical_Stories⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/sabbaticalstoriespodcast/) or reach out on LinkedIn - ⁠Bex Thomas.⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bexthomas/) Career transition, sabbatical and career break coaching: As a career transition, sabbatical, and career break coach, I inspire, challenge, and support people like you to create a life that feels deeply aligned with your values, dreams, and authentic self. Whether you’re craving a new direction, a chance to pause, or the courage to pursue what really matters, I’m here to guide you toward your own version of success on your terms. Together, we’ll break free from societal blueprints, rewrite the rules, and design a future you’re excited to wake up to. Learn more ⁠here⁠ (https://bexthomas.com/) 💫 Ready to make the most of your time away from work? Download my free guide, "5 Ways to Maximise Your Career Break", packed with practical tips and soulful insights to help you pause with purpose and return with clarity. Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already on sabbatical, this is your essential companion. 👉 Grab your free copy ⁠here⁠ (https://bexthomas.com/maximise-your-break) Guest bio: Danielle Zellman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellezellmannyc/) is a People Experience & Culture Leader turned fractional consultant, partnering with mission-driven companies to translate employee signals into durable strategy and measurable follow-through. As employee 20 at Cedar, she built the People Experience function from the ground up, helping scale the company to 450+ employees and $100M in revenue while sustaining engagement above 88% and eNPS above 50 through hypergrowth, restructuring, and acquisition. Get in touch with Danielle directly on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellezellmannyc/) or using the links below: Substack: https://zellyd44.substack.com/ (https://zellyd44.substack.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zellyd11/ (https://www.instagram.com/zellyd11/) With special thanks to: Aunty B at The Flaxen (http://theflaxen.com), our amazing, talented and patient producer whose expertise helps make this podcast shine. Nicky Sweetland (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicky-sweetland-a310a9141/), our brilliant creative force behind all things social media and visual, whose eye for detail and design brings the podcast to life beyond the mic. Joanna Cooke, whose soulful blend of smooth vocals we are lucky enough to use throughout the show. Listen and connect with Joanna via your favourite medium: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7EyKy53TsVFLJFZFyYzBZQ?si=HaCSIRCETS2uYB3LBLcrWA (https://open.spotify.com/artist/7EyKy53TsVFLJFZFyYzBZQ?si=HaCSIRCETS2uYB3LBLcrWA) Website - https://joannacooke.co.uk (https://joannacooke.co.uk) YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke (https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke) Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/ (https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/) Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/ (https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

8

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

10 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 65 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

72

Social presence

94

YouTube

63

Engagement

32

Contact Sabbatical Stories

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.