Wildly Unplug

Wildly Rejected October Update and How to Travel and Not be an A-Hole

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you stop chasing opportunities and start enjoying the ones you've already created? After nearly two weeks of solo travel, unexpected adventures, and a few lessons in human behavior, I'm back with an October update on my 1,000 Rejections Challenge: Becoming the Bison! This month took me from presenting my Loveland Frogman research at Kentucky's Goatman Festival to exploring the Great Smoky Mountains, reconnecting with family in Cincinnati, finding artistic inspiration at the Cincinnati Art Museum, and attending the Guy Harvey Conservation Education Summit. Along the way, I learned a few things about solo travel safety, standing up for yourself, dealing with inconsiderate travelers, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is LOOK UP FROM YOUR PHONE! But October also brought an unexpected realization: Is chasing 1,000 rejections becoming another form of burnout? With 228 asks, 108 rejections, and 63 acceptances, I'm rethinking my approach to this challenge. Instead of constantly searching for the next opportunity, I'm learning to prioritize meaningful experiences, creativity, and being present. In this episode, we explore: Solo travel tips, travel etiquette, and advocating for yourself The Loveland Frogman, cryptid folklore, and the Goatman Festival Finding inspiration through wildlife art and conservation education Balancing ambition, creativity, and burnout Living in Key West, king tides, and emergency preparedness My latest rejection challenge statistics and why I'm changing the rules How unplugging and being present can lead to unexpected opportunities Sometimes personal growth isn't about pushing harder. Sometimes it's about recognizing how far you've already come. Because becoming the bison isn't just about surviving the storm. It's about discovering the magic inside it. Join me for another episode of Wildly Unplug, where we unplug, get outside, and see what develops! Stay safe & stay wild! #WildlyUnplug #WildlyRejected #RejectionChallenge #SoloTravel #PersonalGrowth Support the show

Why You Can’t Relax After Burnout with Jelena Tesanovich

Send us Fan Mail Why can it feel so uncomfortable to relax—even when you're completely exhausted? If you've experienced burnout, chronic stress, anxiety, or the feeling that you're constantly “on,” your body may have become accustomed to operating in a state of high alert. In this episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren Connolly talks with Jelena Tesanovich, a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, mindfulness and meditation teacher, and nervous system health specialist, about what chronic stress can do to the body—and how we can begin working with our nervous systems instead of constantly pushing ourselves harder. Jelena shares her own journey from the health and wellness world into nervous system work and explains how she eventually realized that eating well, exercising, meditating, and seemingly “doing everything right” weren't addressing the whole picture. Lauren and Jelena explore the experience of being high-functioning while chronically stressed—answering emails at all hours, thriving on urgency, juggling endless responsibilities, and becoming so accustomed to adrenaline and constant stimulation that you may not realize how exhausted you are until you finally stop. So what happens when you do stop? They discuss why slowing down can initially feel uncomfortable, how to recognize signs that you're stuck in patterns of fight, flight, or freeze, and why nervous system regulation isn't about building enough resilience to tolerate an unhealthy lifestyle all over again. The conversation also explores Somatic Experiencing, setting boundaries at work, technology and overstimulation, meditation, restorative rest versus numbing, perimenopause, caregiving, and why spending quiet time outside can be one of the simplest ways to reduce stimulation and reconnect with yourself. Jelena also offers an important reminder for anyone who hasn't truly relaxed in years: start small. You don't need an hour-long meditation or yoga class. It might begin with 30 seconds of noticing the room around you, five minutes of stretching, washing the dishes without another source of stimulation, or stepping outside and simply listening to the birds. In this episode: • Burnout and chronic stress • Nervous system regulation • Why relaxing can feel uncomfortable • Fight, flight, freeze, and functional freeze • Somatic Experiencing • High-functioning burnout • Technology, smartphones, and overstimulation • Setting healthier boundaries • Meditation for people who struggle to meditate • Rest vs. numbing • Nature and nervous system regulation • Perimenopause and listening to your body • Starting small when learning to slow down Whether you're recovering from burnout, struggling to slow down, constantly checking your phone, or wondering why rest doesn't seem to make you feel rested, this conversation offers a different way to think about stress: Maybe you don't need to become better at pushing through. Maybe you need to learn how to feel safe slowing down. Wildly Unplug explores what happens when we step away from the noise, reconnect with nature, and make room for creativity, curiosity, and a more intentional life. Support the show

Your Imagination is Your Superpower with Sarah Bush

Send us Fan Mail What if imagination isn't just for artists—but one of the most powerful tools we have for navigating life? In this episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren Connolly talks with mixed-media artist and writer Sarah Bush about creativity, imagination, nature, technology, and what happens when we begin trusting our own ability to create again. From her studio in New Mexico, Sarah grows plants for natural dyes, works with indigo, rust, pressed flowers, and other materials, and explores the connection between the creative process and the natural world. But this conversation goes much deeper than making art. Sarah believes creativity and imagination are human abilities—not artistic talents reserved for a select few. Every time we solve a problem, change plans, comfort someone, envision a possibility, or figure out what to make for dinner with three missing ingredients, we're already using our imagination. So why do so many adults insist they're “not creative”? Lauren and Sarah explore what happens to imagination as we grow older, why perfection and social media can make people afraid to create, and why learning something new requires being willing to make something imperfect. They also dive into the growing influence of artificial intelligence on human creativity. Can AI expand our imagination—or could it slowly discourage us from drawing, writing, experimenting, and making things ourselves? The conversation explores how technology can either disconnect us or become a tool for genuine human connection, why boredom may actually be good for creativity, and why embracing imperfect human-made things may become even more important in an increasingly AI-generated world. Sarah also shares her experiences creating with nature: growing Japanese indigo, making natural dyes and inks, gardening in New Mexico, noticing seasonal changes, and treating plants and the landscape as creative partners. Whether you consider yourself an artist or insist you “aren't creative,” this conversation is an invitation to notice something you may have forgotten: You already have an imagination. The question is whether you're willing to use it. In this episode, we explore creativity and imagination, reconnecting with nature, natural dyes and Japanese indigo, overcoming perfectionism, learning through experimentation, social media and creativity, boredom and imagination, AI and art, technology and human connection, creativity as a spiritual practice, and why imperfect human creativity still matters. Sarah Bush writes about creativity as a spiritual practice and how imagination can help change the world through her Substack newsletter, The Pink Teacup. You can also explore her mixed-media artwork through Sarah Bush Artworks. Wildly Unplug explores what happens when we step away from the noise, reconnect with nature, and make room for creativity, curiosity, and adventure. Support the show

All Night Breakfast at the Midnight Owl | Project Lazarus

Send us Fan Mail **CONTENT WARNING** The following episode of *All Night Breakfast at the Midnight Owl* is a work of fiction intended for mature audiences. It contains graphic descriptions, disturbing imagery, unsettling themes, and moments of psychological horror. Listener discretion is advised. Welcome to Eden Falls, a sleepy mountain town in the Pacific Northwest where the locals are friendly, the mist never seems to lift, and something very strange is happening at the hospital. Join paranormal investigator Ruby Reed as an anonymous message leads her down a rabbit hole involving miraculous recoveries, mysterious rituals, a rather inconvenient ghost, and something extraordinary hiding in the Northern Lights. This fictional audio adventure was created through All Night Breakfast at the Midnight Owl, a solo RPG journaling game. With nothing more than a journal, a deck of cards, and a little imagination, I followed the prompts and let Ruby's story develop one unexpected discovery at a time. It's a little different from my usual Wildly Unplug content, but it's also a perfect example of why I love stepping away from screens and making room for creativity. Grab a cup of coffee, settle into your favorite booth, and enjoy your stay at the Midnight Owl. Where to buy: https://tabletopbookshelf.com/products/all-night-breakfast-at-the-midnight-owl?srsltid=AU7gw4V-q2-cHLYDDNelfmkUQf8xGx2uAk_qxCXlqJs1x_53qMnVCw-A Support the show

Pro Football's Constitution with Bob Gonzalez

Send us Fan Mail What can the Miami Dolphins’ legendary perfect season teach us about resilience, teamwork, competition—and even life outdoors? In this episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren Connolly welcomes author Bob Gonzalez back to the podcast to talk about his new book, Pro Football’s Constitution, a humorous and creative celebration of the 1972 Miami Dolphins and the only perfect season in NFL history. Bob shares the football history behind the undefeated Dolphins, including the quarterback change that helped carry the team to Super Bowl VII, the famous “No-Name Defense,” and why more than 50 years later no NFL team has managed to repeat their perfect season. But this conversation goes far beyond football. Lauren and Bob explore the surprising connections between football, fishing, nature, competition, and storytelling. What can a day on the water teach us about losing a game? What does nature reveal about competition and cooperation? And how do you keep moving forward when all your preparation still doesn’t produce the outcome you wanted? Bob puts it simply: persistence, resilience, and the willingness to keep going matter—in sports, fishing, writing, and life. They also talk about Bob’s love of wordplay, his first book A Flicker in the Water, writing stories that connect with readers, memorable NFL players and moments, the Cincinnati Bengals, fishing with football legends, and the role nature continues to play in his work. Later, the conversation takes a more personal turn as Bob discusses stepping away from fishing to help care for his mother, the realities of caregiving and caregiver burnout, and why asking for help can be so important. Whether you’re a Miami Dolphins fan, NFL history buff, fisherman, writer, nature lover, caregiver, or simply someone trying to keep going when life doesn’t go according to plan, this episode is a reminder that wins and losses are both part of the season. In this episode: • The Miami Dolphins’ 1972 undefeated season • Super Bowl VII and NFL history • Bob Griese, Earl Morrall, and the No-Name Defense • Pro Football’s Constitution by Bob Gonzalez • What football and fishing have in common • Competition and teamwork in nature • Persistence, resilience, and dealing with failure • Storytelling and writing advice • Bob’s A Flicker in the Water • Caregiving, caregiver burnout, and asking for help • Reconnecting with nature and unplugging Find Bob Gonzalez and his books A Flicker in the Water and Pro Football’s Constitution at Flicker in the Water and wherever his books are sold. Wildly Unplug explores what happens when we step away from the noise, reconnect with the natural world, and make room for creativity, curiosity, and a little adventure. Support the show

Wildly Rejected: Weeks 23-25 Updates & a Pause

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you deliberately try to get rejected 1,000 times? Six months ago, I started the 1,000 Rejection Challenge to stop letting fear of rejection make decisions for me. I committed to making 10 asks every week—submitting my art and writing, pitching ideas, entering competitions, applying for opportunities, and deliberately risking hearing “no.” Now I've made 212 asks and officially received my 100th rejection. But instead of pushing harder, I'm doing something I didn't expect: taking a break. In this Wildly Rejected: Becoming the Bison update, I'm looking at what six months of intentionally facing rejection has taught me about resilience, creative burnout, knowing when to pause, and recognizing the opportunities that are actually pointing you toward your next direction. And some of the biggest lessons came from two very unexpected places: Sharkapalooza and two monarch butterflies named Nemo and Cora. After caring for Nemo and Cora when they emerged with damaged wings, I wrote an essay called Broken Wings & Broken Heart. The magazine rejected it—but instead of simply saying no, its readers gave me extensive feedback and invited me to revise and resubmit. That rejection forced me to dig deeper into the story and ultimately into myself. The essay became Broken Wings, Begin Again. That experience reminded me why I started this challenge in the first place. A rejection isn't always a dead end. Sometimes it's information. Sometimes it's redirection. Sometimes it means “not yet.” And sometimes the thing you're creating—or the person creating it—just isn't finished developing yet. After six months: 212 asks 100 rejections 56 acceptances 33 in review 17 waiting 5 other That's 100 of the 1,000 rejections I'm chasing—and a pretty poetic place to let this experiment rest for October. I'll be back to Becoming the Bison in November. Until next time, unplug, get outside, and see what develops. ABOUT WILDLY UNPLUG Hosted by naturalist, artist, photographer, and storyteller Lauren Connolly, Wildly Unplug explores what happens when we step away from the noise, reconnect with nature and creativity, and give ourselves room to see what develops. Support the show

The Wisdom of the Wild with Sy Montgomery

Send us Fan Mail What if some of our greatest teachers aren’t human? In this episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren Connolly sits down with acclaimed naturalist and bestselling author Sy Montgomery, author of The Soul of an Octopus, How to Be a Good Creature, On Time and Turtles, and dozens of other books exploring the inner lives of animals. After a lifetime spent studying animals around the world, Sy has been chased by a silverback gorilla, searched for pink river dolphins in the Amazon, befriended octopuses, cared for turtles, lived with a 750-pound pig—and discovered that the animals around us have far more to teach us than we may realize. Sy shares why she believes animals are teachers and what can happen when we slow down long enough to recognize them. She and Lauren explore animal intelligence and emotion, why humans tend to underestimate other species, the problem with seeing ourselves as separate from nature, and how simply paying attention to the wildlife around us can completely change the way we experience the world. Sy also takes us inside her extraordinary relationship with the octopuses that inspired The Soul of an Octopus, including the moment she first met Athena and realized this animal was just as curious about her as she was about the octopus. The conversation goes from gorillas and snapping turtles to dogs, conservation, climate change, creativity, burnout, and rejection. Sy shares what decades as a freelance writer have taught her about hearing “no,” why a rejection doesn’t mean the work isn’t good, and the importance of simply sending it back out and continuing forward. And when life gets difficult? Sy explains why she can keep going even when she loses faith in herself: she can still have faith in her animal teachers. You don’t need to travel to the Amazon or search for snow leopards to experience the wild. Your teachers might be squirrels outside your window, spiders in your house, birds in your backyard, or an animal you’ve passed a hundred times without really seeing. As Sy reminds us, there are entire lives unfolding around us—we just have to pay attention. In this episode: • What animals can teach us about being human • Animal intelligence, emotion, personality, and consciousness • The incredible octopuses behind The Soul of an Octopus • Sy’s encounters with gorillas, pink dolphins, turtles, pigs, and dogs • Why animals should be seen as individuals • How our screens can disconnect us from the living world • Simple ways to reconnect with nature close to home • Conservation actions individuals can take • How Sy Montgomery handles rejection and keeps writing • Finding curiosity, meaning, and resilience through the natural world If you love animals, nature, conservation, wildlife stories, creativity, or simply want to feel more connected to the living world around you, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, look closer, and see what your own animal teachers might have to show you. Get outside and see what develops. ABOUT WILDLY UNPLUG Wildly Unplug is a podcast about nature, conservation, creativity, adventure, and finding our way back to ourselves by reconnecting with the world outside. Support the show

The Scattering with Mark Benson

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a nightmare follows you for five years—and starts stealing the color from your world? Author Mark Benson returns to Wildly Unplug to talk about his new young adult horror novel, The Scattering, a story inspired by a real nightmare he couldn't forget. The novel follows James, a gifted young painter plagued by the same terrifying dream every night: his family is murdered while he watches helplessly from beneath the floorboards. Even stranger, the nightmare has caused his world to fade into black, white, and shades of gray. Mark shares how that single nightmare became a novel nearly a decade in the making, why he rewrote the entire book six times, and how he researched painting and color perception to create an artist whose identity is completely intertwined with color. We also explore the deeper themes behind James's story—fear, creativity, losing the thing that gives life meaning, and finding the courage to pick it back up again. We also talk about: How James may have to paint his way out of his nightmare Mark's unique launch event turning a bookstore into an art gallery featuring work by local high school artists Why fear can keep us from making important decisions The influence of Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, and Mary Shelley Why Mark no longer believes in ghosts—but remains fascinated by the true histories behind ghost stories His idea for turning abandoned church steeples into community observatories Why access to art matters His next, even darker—and somehow much funnier—novel The simple, repeatable way he recommends reconnecting with nature If you love YA horror, psychological horror, books about artists, creativity, nightmares, ghost stories, Stephen King, or conversations about fear and the creative process, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen to Wildly Unplug and discover what happens when art becomes more than a passion—it becomes the only way out. Guest: Mark Benson Book: The Scattering Website: Author Mark Benson Instagram: @WaysideWriter Support the show

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Wildly Rejected: Week 22 Update

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a challenge about rejection turns into a lesson about monarch butterflies, conservation, burnout, and knowing when to say no? In this week’s Wildly Rejected: Becoming the Bison, I’m continuing my journey toward 1,000 rejections—but I’m realizing that making 1,000 asks doesn’t mean chasing every opportunity that crosses my path. After another week of balancing podcast interviews, editing, painting, running Wild Developments Studio, and trying to hit my 10 weekly asks, I’m asking a bigger question: Just because you can pursue an opportunity, does that mean you should? But first, we need to talk about the monarchs. After Nemo emerged with a crumpled wing, several more monarch butterflies experienced deformities, failed emergence, or death. That sent me down a rabbit hole researching OE (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha), monarch butterfly disease, tropical milkweed, native Florida milkweed, and how the plants we put in our gardens can affect monarch health. It’s heartbreaking—but it may also be the beginning of something bigger. Then I bring that lesson back to the rejection challenge and share the questions I’m starting to ask before making an application, pitch, submission, or big ask: Do I actually have the time, money, and energy if they say yes? Does this opportunity move something I care about forward—or am I pursuing it simply because it exists? Plus, I share my Week 22 rejection challenge stats, two bigger podcast pitches I finally made, and why becoming comfortable with rejection is turning out to be about much more than hearing “no.” In this episode: • Monarch butterflies and crumpled wing deformities • OE parasite and monarch health • Tropical milkweed vs. native milkweed in Florida • Butterfly conservation and responsible monarch care • Creative burnout and protecting your time • How to decide whether an opportunity is worth pursuing • Overcoming fear of rejection • My 1,000 Rejections / Becoming the Bison challenge • Week 22 rejection statistics • Learning when to make the ask—and when to let something go Wildly Unplug is a podcast about nature, conservation, creativity, adventure, and finding ways to step away from the noise and reconnect with what matters. Until next time—unplug, get outside, and see what develops. Support the show

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Dreams of a Scientist: Science for Everyone- Octopus Vision & Discovery

Send us Fan Mail Seeing the World Through an Octopus’s Eyes with Angelique Allen What does the world look like through an octopus’s eyes? In this fascinating episode, Lauren talks with marine scientist and science communicator Angelique Allen about octopus vision, cephalopod brains, animal perception, and the science behind how octopuses see and interact with their underwater world. Angelique studies how octopuses process visual information and how their brains create a picture of the world around them. She explains one of the most intriguing mysteries in cephalopod vision: how octopuses can camouflage and match their surroundings so remarkably well even though scientists believe they cannot see color the way humans do. We also explore Angelique’s journey into marine biology and animal cognition, the fascinating similarities and differences between octopus and human visual systems, and what studying animal perception can teach us about seeing the world from another species’ perspective. Beyond the lab, Angelique is passionate about making science accessible to everyone. She shares how she uses science comics, community projects, brewery collaborations, and storytelling to bring marine science to audiences who may never encounter it in an academic setting. She also talks about her children’s book, Dreams of a Scientist: Lessons from the Sea, and her mission to help young people see science as a career that is creative, exciting, and possible. If you’re curious about octopuses, marine life, animal intelligence, ocean science, neuroscience, or the mysteries of how animals experience the world, this episode offers a fascinating look beneath the surface. Support the show

Wildly Rejected: Week 21 Update

Send us Fan Mail What if rejection isn’t the end of the story—but part of the transformation? In this episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren returns to her 1,000 Rejection Challenge, inspired by Gabby Carr’s rejection challenge, and shares what happened after stepping back into the arena and making 10 new asks. One rejection stung—an artist residency at a Frank Lloyd Wright house. But then an unexpected email arrived: Lauren had received a Guy Harvey Foundation Educator Grant. There was just one problem: she was still waitlisted for the conservation education training the grant was intended to support. Instead of assuming the answer was no, she asked—and a spot opened up. That experience becomes a larger reflection on rejection, self-worth, resilience, persistence, creativity, and learning to recognize opportunities hidden inside a “no.” Lauren also introduces Nemo, a monarch butterfly who emerged with a crumpled wing and cannot be released into the wild. As she cares for him, she discovers fascinating things about monarch butterfly behavior while reflecting on transformation, struggle, and what it means to patiently develop your “wing muscles.” Then comes an unexpected connection between faith, butterflies, and rejection. After listening to a homily about personal worth, struggle, transformation, and the importance of allowing a butterfly to struggle as it emerges from its chrysalis, Lauren finds Nemo the very next day. Is it a coincidence? A message? Or simply a moment that became meaningful because she slowed down enough to notice it? This episode explores what happens when we pay attention, journal, spend time in nature, and stop rushing toward the next answer. Sometimes we don't see how the pieces connect until we pause long enough to look back. Lauren also shares her latest 1,000 Rejection Challenge statistics and talks about her upcoming conservation education training in Key Largo. The challenge this week: If you see someone—or something—in need of help, go out of your way to help. And as always… unplug, get outside, and see what develops. Support the show

Wheeland Brothers: Surfing, Songwriting & Life Beyond the Rat Race

Send us Fan Mail The Wheeland Brothers have built their signature sound around surf rock, reggae, acoustic music, and a life spent chasing waves, adventure, and a little more time off the grid. In this episode of Wildly Unplug, brothers Travis and Nate “Frog” Wheeland join Lauren Connolly for a conversation about music, surfing, nature, burnout, creativity, and what happens when you step away from the noise long enough to actually be present. The brothers share how Jimmy Buffett inspired adventure beyond their Southern California hometown, how Kenny Chesney and SiriusXM helped turn their music into something financially possible, and why they still think of music as a passion more than a career. They also talk about writing songs around campfires, surfing with dolphins and great white sharks, finding inspiration on unnamed beaches, and why some of their best creative ideas happen far away from cell service. We also dive into the reality of turning something you love into your job, the importance of rest, their relationship as brothers and collaborators, and why nature has become their antidote to burnout and the constant pull of phones and technology. Plus, the Wheeland Brothers talk about their upcoming trip to Key West for Just a Few Friends, their new song “Island Town,” and why escaping the rat race might be less about doing nothing—and more about reconnecting with something real. If you love surf rock, beach music, surfing, nature, outdoor adventure, creativity, or conversations about slowing down and living a little more unplugged, this episode is for you. In this episode: The Wheeland Brothers • surf rock and reggae • Jimmy Buffett’s influence • Kenny Chesney and No Shoes Radio • Radio Margaritaville • songwriting and creativity • surfing and ocean stories • burnout and rest • nature and mental reset • unplugging from technology • Key West • Just a Few Friends • “Island Town” • finding adventure off the map Wildly Unplug explores stories of nature, conservation, creativity, and adventure that remind us there’s more to life than the hustle. Get outside and see what develops. Support the show

Wildly Rejected: Week 20 Update

Send us Fan Mail Becoming the Bison: Monarch Mistakes, Putting Down Roots & Learning to Be a Beginner Again What happens when you move to a new ecosystem and realize you don’t know nearly as much as you thought you did? In this week’s Wildly Rejected: Becoming the Bison, Lauren shares an unexpectedly chaotic lesson involving monarch butterflies, 20 very hungry caterpillars, and one major realization about moving from Ohio to Key West, Florida. After years of watching and tagging migrating monarchs in Ohio, she discovers that island life—and the wildlife that comes with it—plays by a very different set of rules. But the monarch mishap becomes part of a much bigger transition. As Lauren settles into Key West, becomes an empty nester, starts ukulele lessons, joins the Key West Writers Guild, explores volunteering with local parrots, and looks for ways to become part of her new community, the 1,000 Rejection Challenge is beginning to change. Instead of simply asking, Will you accept my work?, the bigger question is becoming: Where do I belong? There’s still rejection, too. Lauren gets an answer after a five-month wait on an environmental art grant, submits a favorite sea turtle photograph to the Sea Turtle Preservation Society’s 2027 calendar contest, and makes another kind of ask—one centered on finding community rather than collecting accomplishments. This episode is about rejection, life transitions, empty nest life, monarch butterflies, citizen science, nature journaling, Key West wildlife, finding community, and giving yourself permission to become a beginner again. Because the goal may still be 1,000 rejections, but it was never supposed to become another hustle-culture checklist. Sometimes moving forward means slowing down long enough to learn the soil beneath your feet. Current 1,000 Rejection Challenge stats: 170 total asks | 39 accepted | 79 rejected | 30 in review | 17 waiting for a response | 2 waitlisted | 3 other. Wildly Unplug is a podcast about stepping away from hustle culture and reconnecting with the wild through stories of nature, conservation, creativity, wildlife, adventure, and personal growth. Until next time, unplug, get outside, and see what develops. Support the show

Wildly Rejected Weeks 16, 17, 18, 19 Update

Send us Fan Mail What happens when rejection collides with grief, an empty nest, and a completely new life? In this deeply personal Wildly Rejected: Becoming the Bison update, Lauren catches up on weeks 16–19 of her 1,000 Rejection Challenge. She reflects on saying goodbye to her beloved dog Georgie, watching her son leave for college, moving away from Cincinnati, and beginning again as a full-time Key West resident—all while feeling caught in the “ooey-gooey” middle of transformation. Along the way, she shares the sting of rejection from the Fantasy Fest poster contest, NASA Social, the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, and a literary publication—as well as the surprising gift of receiving constructive feedback. But the challenge is also beginning to mean something new. Her latest asks aren’t only about awards, sales, and recognition; they’re about friendship, volunteering, conservation, creativity, and finding her place in a new community. This episode is a reminder that falling behind doesn’t mean failing. Sometimes becoming the bison simply means giving yourself permission to grieve, take a break, pull your foot out of the quicksand, and keep moving forward—one small step and one brave ask at a time. Current challenge stats: • 167 total asks • 39 accepted • 77 rejected • 31 in review • 16 awaiting a response • 2 waitlisted • 2 other Until next time, unplug, get outside, and see what develops. Support the show

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Wildly Rejected Week 15 Update

Send us Fan Mail Happy Summer Y’All! Support the show

Wildly Rejected: Week 13 & 14 Update

Send us Fan Mail Hope everyone is having a good summer so far! Catching up after the holiday! Enjoy! Support the show

Ryan & The Remedy with Ryan Galway

Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Connect with Ryan: https://www.ryangalway.com 🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join What does it take to chase a lifelong dream in the music industry while staying authentic to yourself? In this episode of the Wildly Unplug podcast, Lauren sits down with musician, songwriter, producer, and founder of Sleepless Lyfe Records, Ryan Galloway, for a deeply honest conversation about creativity, resilience, burnout, songwriting, and stepping outside your comfort zone. Ryan shares his journey from DJing and tour management to finally releasing his own music and concept album Heart Matter. The conversation explores the emotional side of songwriting, overcoming self-doubt, finding your artistic identity, and why some of the best creative breakthroughs happen when you stop waiting for permission and simply begin. From touring with Bon Jovi to launching Sleepless Lyfe Records, Ryan opens up about grief, ambition, perseverance, music industry realities, and the lessons he’s learned from years behind the scenes. This episode also dives into the healing power of music, reconnecting with yourself through creativity, and how nature can help ground us during overwhelming seasons of life. If you love conversations about music, storytelling, personal growth, creative courage, and following unconventional dreams, this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss: • Songwriting and storytelling • The creative process behind Heart Matter • Music industry lessons and touring experiences • Overcoming fear and self-doubt • Creativity, burnout, and authenticity • Nature, mindfulness, and personal reflection • The importance of taking risks and chasing dreams • Independent music, record labels, and modern artists 🌿 Follow Wildly Unplug for more conversations about nature, creativity, conservation, storytelling, and the human experience. 🎧 Like the vibe of the Wildly Unplug intro/outro music? It was custom-made by the incredibly talented Danny on Fiverr! 🌿✨ Seriously brought the vision to life perfectly. Go check him out: https://www.fiverr.com/danny85805?source=inbox Support the show

Wildly Rejected: Week 12 Update

Send us Fan Mail Week 12 of the 1,000 Rejection Challenge brought an unexpected realization: I had four rejections this week... and they weren't the most important thing that happened. In this episode, I share why that feels like a major milestone, the surprising power of encouragement after last week's troll encounter, and how a few kind messages reminded me that words can build people up just as easily as they can tear them down. I also talk about stepping outside my comfort zone by entering the Trekell Pet Portrait Competition using two materials I'd never completed a project with before—gouache and wood panels. Plus, a classroom full of students using my aquatic animal watercolor kits gave me one of the most rewarding moments I've experienced since starting Wild Developments Studio. Along the way, we'll discuss creativity, resilience, trying new things, spending time on the water in Key West, and why sometimes the biggest wins aren't found in acceptance emails or contest results at all. If you've ever felt discouraged by rejection, questioned whether your work matters, or needed a reminder to keep creating anyway, this episode is for you. Topics include: rejection, resilience, creativity, watercolor, gouache painting, pet portraits, conservation education, nature connection, personal growth, art challenges, overcoming criticism, and the 1,000 Rejection Challenge. Unplug, get outside, and see what develops. Support the show

Peter Draws with Peter

Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Connect with Peter: Website: https://www.peterdraws.com/ Follow on Instagram: @Peterdraws Youtube: @peter_draws 🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join What happens when an artist stops overthinking, trusts their gut, and simply starts creating? In this episode of the Wildly Unplug podcast, Lauren sits down with artist and YouTuber Peter Draws for a deep conversation about creativity, intuition, artistic identity, nature, burnout, social media, and the messy reality of building a creative life online. Peter shares how he accidentally became a full-time artist, why he never planned on an art career, and how YouTube helped him carve out his own unconventional path. The conversation explores pen and ink illustration, creative block, sketchbooks, perfectionism, editing YouTube videos, trusting your intuition, and the connection between art and nature. If you’ve ever struggled with calling yourself an artist, felt stuck creatively, or wondered how to balance creativity with social media, this episode is for you. In this episode: How Peter Draws became a full-time artist Why he works directly in ink without sketching first How nature helps calm the mind and spark creativity The childhood books that influenced his artistic style The hidden reality of filming and editing art videos Creative intuition, overthinking, and following your gut Sketchbooks, doodling, and artistic evolution Why mistakes can actually improve your art Exploring different art mediums and overcoming fear Advice for reconnecting with nature and creativity Whether you’re an illustrator, watercolor artist, creative entrepreneur, nature lover, or someone recovering from hustle culture and burnout, this episode will leave you inspired to unplug, create, and trust yourself a little more. 🎧 Like the vibe of the Wildly Unplug intro/outro music? It was custom-made by the incredibly talented Danny on Fiverr! 🌿✨ Seriously brought the vision to life perfectly. Go check him out: https://www.fiverr.com/danny85805?source=inbox Support the show

Wildly Rejected: Week 11 Update

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a week feels like nothing is moving forward? In this week's 1,000 Rejection Challenge update, Lauren shares a surprisingly eventful "stagnant" week that included a film festival rejection, an unforgettable encounter with an internet troll, and an unexpected opportunity connected to NASA. Along the way, she explores the difference between criticism from strangers and the negative voice we often carry inside ourselves—one she has officially named "Salomon." Lauren also reflects on the realities of podcasting, the temptation to measure success by money or numbers, and why meaningful connections may be the greatest return on investment. From rejection and self-doubt to resilience, creativity, and rocket launch applications, this episode is a reminder that progress often feels slow while we're living it. After 136 asks, the scoreboard stands perfectly balanced: 30 acceptances, 30 rejections, and countless lessons learned in between. Whether you're pursuing a creative dream, facing criticism, building something from scratch, or simply wondering if your efforts matter, this episode is for you. #RejectionChallenge #CreativeJourney #Podcasting #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #NatureInspired #WildlyUnplug #Creativity #OvercomingSelfDoubt #NASA #ArtistLife #Storytelling Support the show