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Wildly Unplug

Lauren Connolly

Escape the Hustle. Wildly Unplug helps you break free from the chaos and reconnect with nature and yourself. Host Lauren Connolly—artist and naturalist—shares inspiring stories and actionable tips for embracing mindfulness, outdoor adventures, and intentional living. Each episode features guests like biologists, adventurers, and creatives, offering unique ways to find balance through art and nature. Tune in discover what develops when you get outside & unplug! Stay Wild!

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31 episodes
weekly
Avg 30 min
English

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#92
June 9 · 15 min
Wildly Rejected: Week 10 Update
Send us Fan Mail Week 10 of the 1,000 Rejection Challenge brought an unexpected lesson: not every acceptance is actually a win. In this episode of Wildly Unplugged, Lauren shares how the excitement of receiving a children's book publishing offer quickly turned into a crash course on vanity publishing, author scams, and the importance of doing your research before signing a contract. After receiving an acceptance for Vinnie the Vulture Finds His Place, Lauren dug deeper into the publisher's claims, reviewed the contract, and ultimately walked away from a deal that didn't feel right. She also shares another hard-earned lesson involving lawyers, a vehicle recall, and why slowing down to investigate opportunities can save you money, stress, and regret. Along the way, Lauren provides an update on her 1,000 Rejection Challenge, discusses submitting to literary agents, writing a second children's book (Nancy the Nurse Shark Finds Her Place), spotting contest scams, and the surprising benefits of taking a break before burnout takes over. If you've ever wondered: How to spot a vanity publisher What red flags to watch for in publishing contracts Whether literary agents are worth pursuing How to avoid scams targeting artists and authors What the 1,000 Rejection Challenge can teach about resilience How to recognize and prevent creative burnout ...this episode is for you. Key Topics: ✔ Vanity publishing vs. traditional publishing ✔ Children's book publishing journey ✔ Literary agent submissions ✔ Author and artist scams ✔ Rejection Challenge Week 10 update ✔ Creative entrepreneurship ✔ Burnout prevention for creatives ✔ Self-publishing lessons learned ✔ Building resilience through rejection ✔ Writing and illustrating children's books Challenge Stats Update: 📊 Total Asks: 123 ✅ Accepted: 31 ❌ Rejected: 31 ⏳ In Review: 61 Sometimes the biggest victory isn't getting accepted—it's knowing when to walk away. Connect with Wildly Unplugged: Discover what develops when you unplug and step outdoors through stories of nature, conservation, creativity, and personal growth. Support the show
#91
June 3 · 35 min
On Safari with Scott Brills
Send us Fan Mail Learn more / book a trip: Safari experiences: https://www.pamojasafaris.com What if you could build a life that combines travel, wildlife, and entrepreneurship… and actually make it work? In this episode of Wildly Unplugged, I sit down with Scott to talk about how he turned a passion for adventure into a career—running safari experiences in Africa, food tours in Japan, and creative fundraising journeys around the world. From driving sneaker-shaped cars across continents to building a safari company from the ground up, Scott shares what it really takes to create a life outside the traditional path. We dive into: How he combined entrepreneurship, travel, and wildlife into one career The reality of building a business (and why it took years to work) Wild adventure stories—from cheetahs jumping on vehicles to crossing Africa What it’s actually like to go on an African safari (and how safe it is) The concept of forest bathing and why nature is essential for mental reset Following curiosity instead of convention If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling more, working for yourself, or reconnecting with the wild—this episode is your reminder that it’s possible… just not always easy. Adventure doesn’t just happen—you build it. 🌿 About Wild Developments Studio: Helping you reconnect with nature through art, storytelling, and creative exploration. 🎧 Podcast: Wildly Unplugged 🎨 Art + Classes: (your links) 📩 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join ✨ Don’t forget to: 👍 Like 💬 Comment (Have you ever tried climbing?) 🔔 Subscribe for more nature, creativity, and adventure 🎧 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
#90
June 3 · 9 min
Wildly Rejected: Week 9 Update
Send us Fan Mail The honeymoon phase is over. Now what? In this honest episode of Wildly Unplugged, Lauren Connolly shares a raw update from her 1,000 Rejection Challenge, reflecting on burnout, creative resilience, art rejection, and navigating major life transitions. After months of pitching podcasts, submitting artwork, applying for grants, and pursuing opportunities, Lauren reveals the surprising statistics behind her challenge—and why her feelings don't always match the facts. This episode explores: The reality of rejection and creative burnout Why art rejections hurt differently than other setbacks What 115 asks, 29 acceptances, and 28 rejections have taught her The emotional transition of becoming an empty-nest parent Finding purpose beyond productivity and hustle culture Building a creative life rooted in faith rather than external validation How creators, artists, writers, podcasters, and entrepreneurs can keep showing up when growth feels slow If you've ever wondered whether your work matters, struggled with self-doubt, felt stuck in a season of uncertainty, or questioned whether anyone is paying attention, this episode is for you. Wildly Unplugged is a podcast about nature, conservation, creativity, personal growth, and discovering what develops when you unplug and step outdoors. Support the show
#89
May 27 · 45 min
Nature Photography with Peter Sewell
Send us Fan Mail Link to Peter's Website- https://www.petersewell.com/photography.html What happens when life completely falls apart… and you choose to start over? In this episode of Wildly Unplugged, I sit down with Peter Sewell to talk about travel, photography, resilience, and how reconnecting with the world can help you reconnect with yourself. After a major life transition, Peter set out on a journey that would take him across continents, cultures, and ultimately into a new chapter of life—one filled with adventure, storytelling, and deep personal growth. We explore: The “Eat, Pray, Love” moment that changed everything What traveling to lesser-known countries taught him about humanity Near-death experiences and navigating fear in unfamiliar places The power of gratitude journaling (and how it can change your perspective) How nature can ground you—even in the simplest moments From climbing mountains to being chased by wildlife, to finding peace in silence and stillness, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the hardest seasons lead to the most meaningful transformations. You don’t need to go far to reconnect—but sometimes, the journey changes everything. 🌿 About Wild Developments Studio: Helping you reconnect with nature through art, storytelling, and creative exploration. 🎧 Podcast: Wildly Unplugged 🎨 Art + Classes: (your links) 📩 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join ✨ Don’t forget to: 👍 Like 💬 Comment (Have you ever tried climbing?) 🔔 Subscribe for more nature, creativity, and adventure 🎧 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
#88
May 26 · 32 min
Wildly Rejected - Week 8 Update
Send us Fan Mail 2023 Solo Retreat to Cade’s Cove Playlist- https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/photography-expedition/pl.u-e98lGamUzoR5jl Support the show
#87
May 20 · 46 min
National Geographic Photography with Jason Edwards
Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Connect with Jason: https://www.jasonedwards.co/en-us What does it really take to become a wildlife photographer for National Geographic? In this episode of Wildly Unplugged, I sit down with Jason Edwards—former zookeeper turned world-renowned wildlife photographer—to uncover the raw, unfiltered truth behind a career that many people dream about… but few truly understand. From working with big cats and primates to photographing some of the most remote places on Earth, Jason shares what it actually takes to capture powerful images in the wild—and the personal cost that often comes with it. We explore: The reality behind wildlife photography (beyond the highlight reel) Why passion alone isn’t enough—you need resilience The physical and mental challenges of life in the field The role of journaling in storytelling and processing experiences How nature helps you reconnect with yourself after burnout Why slowing down matters in a fast, digital world Jason also shares stories from his book Icebergs and Iguanas, along with deeply personal reflections on creativity, identity, and finding your way back after losing connection with your craft. This episode is for anyone who: Dreams of working in nature Feels disconnected from their creativity Needs a reminder to slow down and be present Sometimes the wild doesn’t just show you the world… it shows you yourself. Stay Wild. 🌿 About Wild Developments Studio: Helping you reconnect with nature through art, storytelling, and creative exploration. 🎧 Podcast: Wildly Unplugged 🎨 Art + Classes: (your links) 📩 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join ✨ Don’t forget to: 👍 Like 💬 Comment (Have you ever tried climbing?) 🔔 Subscribe for more nature, creativity, and adventure 🎧 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
#86
May 18 · 14 min
Wildly Rejected- Week 7 Update
Send us Fan Mail Wildly Rejected Week 7: Becoming the Bison, Avoiding Art Scams & Celebrating a Sea Turtle Win In this Week 7 update of the Wildly Unplug podcast, Lauren Connolly shares the latest chapter of the Wildly Rejected Challenge, also known as Becoming the Bison: a creative challenge to face rejection head-on instead of running from it. This week brings a mix of discernment, disappointment, and a big creative win. Lauren shares updates on questionable pay-to-play art opportunities, alleged misleading art competition tactics, her decision to step back from suspicious platforms, and why artists deserve more transparency when paying submission fees. But it’s not all rejection. Lauren also celebrates Loggerhead Lagoon placing second in Blue Koi Gallery’s Earth and Elements Art Competition, reflects on submitting Finding Frogman to film festivals, and shares her current challenge stats: 98 submissions, 22 accepted, 18 rejected, 37 in review, and 21 still waiting. This episode is about more than collecting “no’s.” It’s about learning discernment, protecting your creative energy, finding legitimate opportunities, and remembering that every rejection can still lead to growth, stories, and unexpected yeses. Come along for creative honesty, nature distractions, Cincinnati weather chaos, indigo bunting excitement, art competition lessons, and a reminder to keep putting your work into the world. Support the show
#85
May 13 · 32 min
Maine Climbing with Noah
Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Connect with Noah / Equinox Guiding Service: https://equinoxguidingservice.com Can rock climbing actually help you overcome fear? In this episode of Wildly Unplugged, I talk with Noah from Equinox Guiding Service about rock climbing, mountaineering, and how stepping outside your comfort zone can completely transform your mindset. Whether you’re afraid of heights or just feeling stuck in life, this conversation breaks down how climbing teaches: Confidence through small wins How to manage fear in real time Why you don’t need insane upper body strength to start The mental side of outdoor adventure How nature helps you reset and reconnect We also talk about: Climbing in Maine & Acadia Beginner gear and how to get started Ice climbing and environmental changes The psychology of risk, fear, and growth 🌿 About Wild Developments Studio: Helping you reconnect with nature through art, storytelling, and creative exploration. 🎧 Podcast: Wildly Unplugged 🎨 Art + Classes: (your links) 📩 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join ✨ Don’t forget to: 👍 Like 💬 Comment (Have you ever tried climbing?) 🔔 Subscribe for more nature, creativity, and adventure 🎧 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
#84
May 11 · 14 min
Wildly Rejected- Week Six Update
Send us Fan Mail 🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join Get Ashley's Tracker here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-184085682 WEEK SIX of the 1000 Rejections Challenge got messy… because this week’s theme is SCAMS. In this episode of Wildly Unplug, I share the uncomfortable side of being a creative online: pay-to-play art contests, questionable “opportunities,” fake-feeling validation, and learning when to walk away — even when dream collaborations are dangling in front of you. This week I dive into: 🎨 The “People’s Artist” competition controversy 🗽 The Times Square art exhibit rejection that turned into a $5,000 sales pitch 🚩 Why I turned DOWN a creator platform connected to brands like National Geographic 💔 The emotional difference between rejection and being manipulated 🧠 Why scams hit harder than honest rejection 🌿 The importance of trusting your gut as an artist I also share some hopeful moments from the week, including: ✨ Reaching out to Jeff Corwin to be on the podcast 📚 Submitting psychological thriller short stories 🎙️ Applying for the Women Who Podcast Awards 🖼️ A possible gallery opportunity in the Florida Keys If you are an artist, writer, podcaster, creative entrepreneur, or someone chasing a dream online, this episode is a reminder that not every “yes” is worth accepting — and sometimes rejection is actually protection. 📍ABOUT WILDLY UNPLUG Wildly Unplug explores nature, creativity, conservation, storytelling, burnout recovery, and reconnecting with the world beyond the screen. Hosted by wildlife artist, conservation storyteller, and founder of Wild Developments Studio, Lauren Connolly. 🌿 Discover what develops when you unplug and step outdoors. 🎧 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
#83
May 6 · 31 min
1,000 Rejections with Gabbie Carr
Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Connect with Gabby: Website: https://gracefullygabbie.my.canva.site Follow her journey: @gracefullygabby TikTok: @gabbys1000nos 🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join What if rejection wasn’t something to avoid—but something to chase? In this episode of Wildly Unplug, I sit down with content creator Gabby (Gracefully Gabby), who went viral for her bold goal: getting 1,000 rejections. What started as a breaking point turned into a powerful mindset shift—one that’s changing how she approaches business, creativity, and life. If you’ve ever struggled with fear of rejection, impostor syndrome, or putting yourself out there as an artist, entrepreneur, or creative—this conversation will hit home. Gabby shares how actively seeking rejection helped her: -Build confidence and resilience -Land unexpected “yes” opportunities (including a trip to Italy!) -Reframe failure into forward momentum -Grow as a content creator, artist, and entrepreneur We also dive into: How to handle rejection as an artist or creative Why “no response” still counts as a no The emotional side of putting your work into the world Fear of success (yes, it’s real) How to stay motivated when nothing seems to be working The power of visibility and sharing your journey publicly As someone currently doing my own 1000 rejection challenge, this conversation felt especially personal—and might just inspire you to start your own. Because here’s the truth: - If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. 🌊 About the Podcast: Wildly Unplug shares stories of nature, creativity, and conservation, exploring what happens when we step away from the noise and reconnect with the wild. 🌿 Takeaway: Rejection isn’t the end—it’s proof you showed up. 🎧 Listen if you’re into: nature-inspired creativity, personal growth, artist mindset, entrepreneurship, overcoming fear, content creation, creative business, and building confidence 🎧 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
#82
May 4 · 9 min
Wildly Rejected- Week Five Update
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren shares a real-time update from her 1000 Rejections Challenge—recorded fresh after a dentist visit (yes, novocain and all). What starts with burnt potato chips (the cover photo is not cookies 😅) turns into a deeper reflection on creative risk, momentum, and the unexpected wins that come from simply asking. Lauren opens up about something she almost didn’t share—reaching out to past podcast guests she recorded with over a year ago. What she expected to be awkward or even rejected turned into four meaningful yeses, proving that sometimes the biggest barriers are the ones we create ourselves. She also dives into: A shift in momentum—more acceptances than rejections (for now) Entering a magazine cover contest with one of her most “her” paintings yet—quintessentially Key West A new personal rule for art submissions: create work that can live beyond the contest Exploring a new creative lane with psychological thriller short stories—and possibly a full collection This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t always look polished. Sometimes it looks like trying something new, burning the chips, and doing it anyway. If you’ve been holding back from putting your work out into the world, this is your nudge. Stay wild. 🌿 🎧 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

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