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. 1d ago

    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

  2. Jul 15

    Wildly Rejected Week 15 Update

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

    Wildly Rejected Week 15 Update

  3. 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

  4. Jun 24

    Ryan & The Remedy with Ryan Galway

    Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Connect with Ryan: https://www.ryangalway.com 🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join 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 shares his journey from DJing and tour management to finally releasing his own music and concept album Heart Matter. The conversation explores the emotional side of songwriting, overcoming self-doubt, finding your artistic identity, and why some of the best creative breakthroughs happen when you stop waiting for permission and simply begin. From touring with Bon Jovi to launching Sleepless Lyfe Records, Ryan opens up about grief, ambition, perseverance, music industry realities, and the lessons he’s learned from years behind the scenes. This episode also dives into the healing power of music, reconnecting with yourself through creativity, and how nature can help ground us during overwhelming seasons of life. If you love conversations about music, storytelling, personal growth, creative courage, and following unconventional dreams, this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss: • Songwriting and storytelling • The creative process behind Heart Matter • Music industry lessons and touring experiences • Overcoming fear and self-doubt • Creativity, burnout, and authenticity • Nature, mindfulness, and personal reflection • The importance of taking risks and chasing dreams • Independent music, record labels, and modern artists 🌿 Follow Wildly Unplug for more conversations about nature, creativity, conservation, storytelling, and the human experience. 🎧 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

    Ryan & The Remedy with Ryan Galway

  5. Jun 22

    Wildly Rejected: Week 12 Update

    Send us Fan Mail 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 never completed a project with before—gouache and wood panels. Plus, a classroom full of students using my aquatic animal watercolor kits gave me one of the most rewarding moments I've experienced since starting Wild Developments Studio. Along the way, we'll discuss creativity, resilience, trying new things, spending time on the water in Key West, and why sometimes the biggest wins aren't found in acceptance emails or contest results at all. If you've ever felt discouraged by rejection, questioned whether your work matters, or needed a reminder to keep creating anyway, this episode is for you. Topics include: rejection, resilience, creativity, watercolor, gouache painting, pet portraits, conservation education, nature connection, personal growth, art challenges, overcoming criticism, and the 1,000 Rejection Challenge. Unplug, get outside, and see what develops. Support the show

    Wildly Rejected: Week 12 Update

  6. Jun 17

    Peter Draws with Peter

    Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Connect with Peter: Website: https://www.peterdraws.com/ Follow on Instagram: @Peterdraws Youtube: @peter_draws 🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join 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 reality of building a creative life online. Peter shares how he accidentally became a full-time artist, why he never planned on an art career, and how YouTube helped him carve out his own unconventional path. The conversation explores pen and ink illustration, creative block, sketchbooks, perfectionism, editing YouTube videos, trusting your intuition, and the connection between art and nature. If you’ve ever struggled with calling yourself an artist, felt stuck creatively, or wondered how to balance creativity with social media, this episode is for you. In this episode:  How Peter Draws became a full-time artist  Why he works directly in ink without sketching first How nature helps calm the mind and spark creativity The childhood books that influenced his artistic style The hidden reality of filming and editing art videos Creative intuition, overthinking, and following your gut Sketchbooks, doodling, and artistic evolution Why mistakes can actually improve your art Exploring different art mediums and overcoming fear Advice for reconnecting with nature and creativity Whether you’re an illustrator, watercolor artist, creative entrepreneur, nature lover, or someone recovering from hustle culture and burnout, this episode will leave you inspired to unplug, create, and trust yourself a little more. 🎧 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

    Peter Draws with Peter

  7. Jun 16

    Wildly Rejected: Week 11 Update

    Send us Fan Mail 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 meaningful connections may be the greatest return on investment. From rejection and self-doubt to resilience, creativity, and rocket launch applications, this episode is a reminder that progress often feels slow while we're living it. After 136 asks, the scoreboard stands perfectly balanced: 30 acceptances, 30 rejections, and countless lessons learned in between. Whether you're pursuing a creative dream, facing criticism, building something from scratch, or simply wondering if your efforts matter, this episode is for you. #RejectionChallenge #CreativeJourney #Podcasting #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #NatureInspired #WildlyUnplug #Creativity #OvercomingSelfDoubt #NASA #ArtistLife #Storytelling Support the show

    Wildly Rejected: Week 11 Update

  8. Jun 10

    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

    All My Pieces Art with Melanie
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5
out of 5
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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
    109
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wildly Unplug
  • Show Website
    Wildly Unplug