Wildly Unplug

Lauren Connolly
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Nature

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!

  1. 2d ago

    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

    Wildly Rejected: Week 22 Update

  2. 4d ago

    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

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

  3. Sep 2

    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

    Wildly Rejected: Week 21 Update

  4. Aug 31

    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

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

  5. Aug 26

    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: Week 20 Update

  6. Aug 20

    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

    Wildly Rejected Weeks 16, 17, 18, 19 Update

  7. Jul 15

    Wildly Rejected Week 15 Update

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

    Wildly Rejected Week 15 Update

  8. Jul 9

    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

    Wildly Rejected: Week 13 & 14 Update
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Lauren Connolly
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    114
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wildly Unplug
  • Show Website
    Wildly Unplug