Wildly Unplug
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!
The Wisdom of the Wild with Sy Montgomery
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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-p...
The Scattering with Mark Benson
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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, an...
Wildly Rejected: Week 22 Update
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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 yo...
Dreams of a Scientist: Science for Everyone- Octopus Vision & Discovery
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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 <...
Wildly Rejected: Week 21 Update
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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 stil...
Wheeland Brothers: Surfing, Songwriting & Life Beyond the Rat Race
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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...
Wildly Rejected: Week 20 Update
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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 isla...
Wildly Rejected Weeks 16, 17, 18, 19 Update
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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...
Wildly Rejected Week 15 Update
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Happy Summer Y’All!
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Wildly Rejected: Week 13 & 14 Update
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Hope everyone is having a good summer so far! Catching up after the holiday! Enjoy!
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Ryan & The Remedy with Ryan Galway
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🔗 Connect with Ryan:
https://www.ryangalway.com
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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 s...
Wildly Rejected: Week 12 Update
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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...
Peter Draws with Peter
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🔗 Connect with Peter:
Website: https://www.peterdraws.com/
Follow on Instagram: @Peterdraws
Youtube: @peter_draws
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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 realit...
Wildly Rejected: Week 11 Update
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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 me...
All My Pieces Art with Melanie
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🕊️ In Memory of Melanie
Since recording this episode, Melanie unexpectedly passed away. Her joy for art, storytelling, animals, and life itself shines throughout this conversation. I’m deeply grateful our paths crossed, even briefly, and I hope this episode inspires others to slow down, create, and appreciate the people who leave lasting impressions on our hearts.
Follow Melanie / All My Pieces Art:
Website: https://allmypiecesart.com
Instagram: @allmypiecesart
Facebook: All My Pieces Art
What happens when burnout leads you somewhere unexpected?
In this...
Wildly Rejected: Week 10 Update
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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.
<...On Safari with Scott Brills
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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...
Wildly Rejected: Week 9 Update
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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 burnoutWhy art rejections hurt differently than other set...Nature Photography with Peter Sewell
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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 grow...
Wildly Rejected - Week 8 Update
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2023 Solo Retreat to Cade’s Cove Playlist- https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/photography-expedition/pl.u-e98lGamUzoR5jl
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National Geographic Photography with Jason Edwards
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🔗 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...
Wildly Rejected- Week 7 Update
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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...
Maine Climbing with Noah
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🔗 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 bod...
Wildly Rejected- Week Six Update
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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...
1,000 Rejections with Gabbie Carr
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🔗 Connect with Gabby:
Website: https://gracefullygabbie.my.canva.site
Follow her journey: @gracefullygabby
TikTok: @gabbys1000nos
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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 sh...
Wildly Rejected- Week Five Update
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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 mean...
Re-Nature with Clara Schroeder
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🔗 Connect with Clara:
Find her work, book, and resources here:
👉 https://www.claraschroeder.com/book
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What if the reason we feel overwhelmed, burned out, or disconnected… is because we’ve lost our relationship with nature?
In this episode of Wildly Unplugged, I sit down with ecotherapist and author Clara Schroeder to explore the powerful connection between mental health, nature, and sustainability. We dive into how disc...
Wildly Rejected- Week Four Update
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Week 4 of the 1000 Rejections Challenge brought an unexpected shift—not in results, but in mindset.
This week, Lauren reflects on entering the Montgomery Photography Contest, an event she’s participated in for years. While this year didn’t result in a win, it marked a powerful personal breakthrough. Instead of stress, comparison, and frustration, she found herself relaxed, present, and genuinely cheering on other artists.
In this episode, Lauren shares what it feels like to move from needing validation to embracing the process, how redefining rejection is changing her experi...
Isaac and the Sky with Mark Benson
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🔭 Where to Find Mark
Website: https://authormarkbenson.com
Instagram: @waysidewriter
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What happens when grief meets the cosmos?
In this episode of Wildly Unplug, I sit down with author and NASA Solar System Ambassador Mark Benson to explore space, storytelling, healing, and human connection.
We dive into his novel, Isaac and the Sky—a story that blends astronomy, loss, and identity—and unpack how looking at...
Wildly Rejected- Week Three Update
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What happens when the excitement wears off… and the waiting begins?
In this Week 3 update of the “Wildly Rejected a.k.a. Becoming the Bison” Lauren steps fully into the storm—where the “no’s” start to outweigh the “yeses,” and most opportunities sit in the uncomfortable space of maybe.
This episode dives into the part of the journey no one talks about:
The emotional shift from excitement to enduranceWhy rejection starts to feel… normalHow “no” doesn’t kill an idea—it redirects itThe hidden weight of waiting (and why it’s actu...Wildly Rejected- Week Two Update
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In this week’s episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren shares the real challenge behind her “1000 Rejections” journey—and it’s not what you might think.
Week one was about taking the leap. Week two? Learning how to start again.
After gaining momentum, a pause crept in—and with it came doubt, overthinking, and the fear of slipping back into old patterns. From a meaningful rejection by the Sea Turtle Conservancy to a fun (but surprisingly emotional) loss at the Key West dog show, this episode dives into the emotional reality of p...
Wildly Rejected- First Week Update!
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What happens when you stop avoiding rejection… and start chasing it?
In this Week 1 recap of the Wildly Rejected challenge, Lauren shares how committing to 1,000 rejections is already shifting her mindset, confidence, and creativity in unexpected ways.
After diving in headfirst—sending bold pitches, applying for collaborations, and reaching out to major art brands—Lauren is surprised by what’s happening: responses are coming in, opportunities are opening, and a deeper realization is unfolding.
This episode explores:
How taking action builds confidence for artists and creativesThe surprisi...If It's Not Recorded...Did It Even Happen?
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If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it… does it make a sound?
What about your art?
In this episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren explores a question many modern creatives quietly struggle with: If it’s not recorded, shared, or posted… does it even count?
After catching herself mid-painting—ready to stop and film content—Lauren chose instead to stay in the moment. What followed was a powerful reminder about creativity, presence, and why we started making art in the fir...
Wildly Rejected- Becoming the Bison
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What if rejection wasn’t something to avoid—but something to chase?
In this episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren shares a raw and honest story about getting targeted by a phishing scam, navigating creative burnout, and making a bold decision: to collect 1,000 rejections.
As artists and creatives, we’re often told to put ourselves out there—but fear of rejection, online scams, and constant pressure to create can leave us stuck, overwhelmed, and playing small.
This episode explores:
How artist scams and phishing emails are becoming more com...Be As Happy As Your Dog with Michelle
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Connect with Michelle: https://www.beashappyasyourdog.com/
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What if happiness isn’t about having more… but noticing more?
In this episode of Wildly Unplug, we sit down with author Michelle to explore how dogs—and nature—can teach us powerful lessons about gratitude, presence, and living a more fulfill...
Accented Glory with Tonya Cross
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Find Tonya here: https://www.accentedglory.com
Instagram / Socials: @accentglory
Tonya Cross, Founder of Accent Glory, Tonya is a pharmacist, designer, entrepreneur, and creative business coach. Her handcrafted accessories blend cultural storytelling, sustainability, and unique design.
What happens when creativity, entrepreneurship, and nature all intersect?
In this episode of Wildly Unplug, I sit down with Tonya Cross, founder of Accent Glory, to talk about building a creative business from a simple personal need and turning it into a nationally recognized brand.Tonya shares how her journey...
Friday the 13th- Animals We Fear (But Actually Need)
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Are black cats really unlucky? Why are snakes, bats, vultures, and sharks feared by humans?
In this episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren Connolly explores the myths and superstitions behind animals often labeled as “creepy,” “dangerous,” or unlucky—especially with Friday the 13th approaching.
From snakes and sharks to bats, vultures, frogs, and insects, many of the animals people fear are actually some of the most important species keeping ecosystems balanced and healthy.
Lauren also shares the story of Monroe, the tiny black kitten found in the middle of Monroe...
Inspiration Continues! From Orphan to Inspiration | Bettie’s 11 Miracles, Faith, Near-Death Survival & Finding Hope
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In this powerful episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren sits down with Betty, author of From Orphan to Inspiration: How 11 Miracles from God Helped Me Escape Death and Find Hope.
Originally recorded in October 2024 and released in 2026 — this conversation feels divinely timed.
Bettie shares her journey growing up in Uganda, surviving multiple near-death experiences, almost losing her life during the birth of her twin boys, and how a calling from the Holy Spirit led her to write a...
Burnout to Nature: A Free Guide to Reconnect with Creativity
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Welcome to Wildly Unplug, a podcast about nature connection, creativity, conservation, and stepping away from hustle culture.
In this short solo episode, I’m sharing the story behind my free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide: Paint. Observe. Connect. — a simple, practical guide designed to help you recover from burnout, reconnect with nature, and rediscover your creativity.
A few years ago, I wasn’t just tired...
From Chaos to Color: Creating Through Change
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After a break filled with big life changes, I’m back—and I’m excited to share what’s been blooming behind the scenes.
In this episode, I open up about our move to Florida, navigating this season with my family, and how a little unexpected quiet time helped spark a whole new wave of creativity.
While life has been busy, I’ve been building a watercolor tutorial series designed to help you reconnect with nature through art. Each one-hour session features wildlife painting, fun animal facts, personal stories, and simple...
