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. All My Pieces Art with Melanie

    5d ago

    All My Pieces Art with Melanie

    Send us Fan Mail 🕊️ 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 heartfelt episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren sits down with animal portrait artist Melanie of All My Pieces Art to discuss how art, storytelling, and creativity helped transform her life after a long and stressful healthcare career. Melanie shares her inspiring journey from healthcare executive to self-taught artist in just eight months, revealing how a therapist’s suggestion to try coloring eventually evolved into a thriving art business focused on emotional storytelling through pet portraits and wildlife art. Together, they explore the healing power of creativity, burnout recovery, slowing down, nature connection, and why animals hold such deep emotional meaning in our lives. From drawing soulful pet portraits to caring for aging parents, navigating stress, rediscovering childhood memories, and finding purpose later in life, this conversation is a reminder that it is never too late to start something new. ✨ In this episode: How art became a tool for healing burnout The emotional connection behind pet portraits Why storytelling matters in art Creativity after retirement How slowing down can change your life Nature, animals, and unconditional love Overcoming imposter syndrome as an artist Rediscovering yourself through creativity 🌿 Whether you're an artist, animal lover, creative soul, or someone searching for a slower and more meaningful life, this episode will leave you inspired to reconnect with what matters most. 🎙️ Wildly Unplugged shares stories of nature, conservation, creativity, and the people discovering what develops when they unplug and step outdoors. #WildlyUnplugged #PetPortraitArtist #BurnoutRecovery #CreativityHealing #NaturePodcast #WildlifeArt #ArtistJourney #MentalHealth #Storytelling #AnimalLovers #ArtPodcast #CreativeLiving #Watercolor #NatureConnection #SelfTaughtArtist 🎧 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

    46 min
  2. Wildly Rejected: Week 10 Update

    6d ago

    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 publisherWhat red flags to watch for in publishing contractsWhether literary agents are worth pursuingHow to avoid scams targeting artists and authorsWhat the 1,000 Rejection Challenge can teach about resilienceHow 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

    15 min
  3. On Safari with Scott Brills

    Jun 3

    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

    36 min
  4. Wildly Rejected: Week 9 Update

    Jun 3

    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 burnoutWhy art rejections hurt differently than other setbacksWhat 115 asks, 29 acceptances, and 28 rejections have taught herThe emotional transition of becoming an empty-nest parentFinding purpose beyond productivity and hustle cultureBuilding a creative life rooted in faith rather than external validationHow creators, artists, writers, podcasters, and entrepreneurs can keep showing up when growth feels slowIf 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

    10 min
  5. Nature Photography with Peter Sewell

    May 27

    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

    46 min
  6. Wildly Rejected - Week 8 Update

    May 26

    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

    32 min
  7. National Geographic Photography with Jason Edwards

    May 20

    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

    46 min
  8. Wildly Rejected- Week 7 Update

    May 18

    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

    15 min
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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
    102
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wildly Unplug
  • Show Website
    Wildly Unplug