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. 10h ago

    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

    Wildly Rejected: Weeks 23-25 Updates & a Pause

  2. Sep 21

    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 Wisdom of the Wild with Sy Montgomery

  3. Sep 14

    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 nightmareMark's unique launch event turning a bookstore into an art gallery featuring work by local high school artistsWhy fear can keep us from making important decisionsThe influence of Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, and Mary ShelleyWhy Mark no longer believes in ghosts—but remains fascinated by the true histories behind ghost storiesHis idea for turning abandoned church steeples into community observatoriesWhy access to art mattersHis next, even darker—and somehow much funnier—novelThe 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

    The Scattering with Mark Benson

  4. Sep 9

    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

  5. Sep 7

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    117
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wildly Unplug
  • Show Website
    Wildly Unplug