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. On Safari with Scott Brills

    3d ago

    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
  2. Week 9 recap

    4d ago

    Week 9 recap

    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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Maine Climbing with Noah

    May 13

    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

    32 min
  8. Wildly Rejected- Week Six Update

    May 11

    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

    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
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wildly Unplug
  • Show Website
    Wildly Unplug