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. Wildly Rejected- First Week Update!

    6D AGO

    Wildly Rejected- First Week Update!

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when you stop avoiding rejection… and start chasing it? In this Week 1 recap of the Wildly Rejected challenge, Lauren shares how committing to 1,000 rejections is already shifting her mindset, confidence, and creativity in unexpected ways. After diving in headfirst—sending bold pitches, applying for collaborations, and reaching out to major art brands—Lauren is surprised by what’s happening: responses are coming in, opportunities are opening, and a deeper realization is unfolding. This episode explores: How taking action builds confidence for artists and creativesThe surprising fear of success (not just rejection)What happens when you consistently put yourself out thereArtist mindset shifts around visibility, rejection, and growthHow reaching out can lead to unexpected opportunities and communityThe ripple effect of confidence in both business and personal lifeOvercoming people-pleasing and learning to set boundariesIf you’re an artist, creative entrepreneur, or anyone struggling with fear of rejection, self-doubt, or putting yourself out there—this episode will challenge you to take action and rethink what’s possible. Because sometimes… the moment you start asking, everything starts to change. Get Ashley's Tracker here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-184085682  Subscribe for more nature + creativity inspiration Like & comment: What’s one small moment you can celebrate today? 🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join Support the show

    7 min
  2. If It's Not Recorded...Did It Even Happen?

    APR 1

    If It's Not Recorded...Did It Even Happen?

    Send us Fan Mail If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it… does it make a sound? What about your art? In this episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren explores a question many modern creatives quietly struggle with: If it’s not recorded, shared, or posted… does it even count? After catching herself mid-painting—ready to stop and film content—Lauren chose instead to stay in the moment. What followed was a powerful reminder about creativity, presence, and why we started making art in the first place. In a world where artists are expected to be creators, marketers, videographers, and business owners all at once, it’s easy to lose the joy of the actual craft. This episode dives into: Creative burnout and content creation pressureThe difference between being an artist vs. a content producerWhy constantly recording your process can pull you out of flowReconnecting with creativity and making art for yourselfThe importance of unplugging from social media and expectationsA simple challenge to help you rediscover your creative joyIf you’re an artist, creative entrepreneur, or anyone feeling overwhelmed by the need to constantly share—this episode is your permission slip to slow down, unplug, and create just because you love it. Because your art still matters… even if no one saw you make it. Subscribe for more nature + creativity inspiration Like & comment: What’s one small moment you can celebrate today? 🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join Support the show

    9 min
  3. Wildly Rejected- Becoming the Bison

    MAR 27

    Wildly Rejected- Becoming the Bison

    Send us Fan Mail What if rejection wasn’t something to avoid—but something to chase? In this episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren shares a raw and honest story about getting targeted by a phishing scam, navigating creative burnout, and making a bold decision: to collect 1,000 rejections. As artists and creatives, we’re often told to put ourselves out there—but fear of rejection, online scams, and constant pressure to create can leave us stuck, overwhelmed, and playing small. This episode explores: How artist scams and phishing emails are becoming more commonSimple ways to protect yourself online (especially as a creative)The hidden burnout behind contests, submissions, and “exposure”Why rejection feels so personal—and how to reframe itHow chasing rejection can actually unlock new opportunitiesA mindset shift to help you take creative risks againIf you’ve ever felt afraid to share your work, hesitant to reach out, or stuck in a cycle of overthinking—this episode is your reminder that growth lives on the other side of “no.” Because the more you ask… the more chances you give the world to say yes. Get Ashley's Tracker here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-184085682  Subscribe for more nature + creativity inspiration Like & comment: What’s one small moment you can celebrate today? 🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join Support the show

    18 min
  4. Be As Happy As Your Dog with Michelle

    MAR 25

    Be As Happy As Your Dog with Michelle

    Send us Fan Mail Connect with Michelle: https://www.beashappyasyourdog.com/  Subscribe for more nature + creativity inspiration Like & comment: What’s one small moment you can celebrate today? 🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join What if happiness isn’t about having more… but noticing more? In this episode of Wildly Unplug, we sit down with author Michelle to explore how dogs—and nature—can teach us powerful lessons about gratitude, presence, and living a more fulfilling life. From her unconventional journey into nonfiction writing to the inspiration behind Be As Happy As Your Dog, Michelle shares how mindset shifts, positive psychology, and even everyday moments (like going for a walk!) can dramatically change how we experience life. We dive into: Why gratitude and attitude matter more than “stuff” What dogs can teach us about living in the present moment The science behind happiness and negativity bias How serendipity can lead to unexpected joy Tips for reconnecting with nature and finding your “pack” The importance of slowing down and truly experiencing life If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, this episode is a reminder that happiness might already be right in front of you.  Make time. Get outside. Notice more. Support the show

    31 min
  5. Accented Glory with Tonya Cross

    MAR 18

    Accented Glory with Tonya Cross

    Send us Fan Mail Find Tonya here: https://www.accentedglory.com Instagram / Socials: @accentglory Tonya Cross, Founder of Accent Glory, Tonya is a pharmacist, designer, entrepreneur, and creative business coach. Her handcrafted accessories blend cultural storytelling, sustainability, and unique design. What happens when creativity, entrepreneurship, and nature all intersect? In this episode of Wildly Unplug, I sit down with Tonya Cross, founder of Accent Glory, to talk about building a creative business from a simple personal need and turning it into a nationally recognized brand.Tonya shares how her journey began when she struggled to find natural hair-friendly accessories—and decided to make her own. What started as a creative outlet quickly grew into a thriving business featuring handcrafted hair accessories, jewelry, handbags, and creative workshops.But this conversation goes deeper than business.We explore how creativity can be therapy, why craftsmanship and sustainability matter, and how reconnecting with nature—something as simple as standing barefoot in the grass—can shift your perspective and ground your life.If you're a creative entrepreneur, artist, or someone searching for inspiration, this episode is packed with insight and encouragement. In this episode we talk about: • How Accent Glory started from a personal need • The journey from idea to national recognition (including features like Martha Stewart) • Designing accessories that protect natural hair • The cultural history and symbolism of the cowie shell • Sustainable design and wear-testing handmade products • Turning a creative passion into a business • Building brand visibility and audience trust • Why connecting with nature regularly can change your mindset Connect with Wild Developments 🌿 Website: https://wilddevelopmentsstudio.com 🎧 Podcast: Wildly Unplug 📸 Instagram: @wilddevelopmentsstudio 🎨 Explore art, workshops, and nature journaling resources 🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd11... Listen if you love: Nature connection Creative entrepreneurship Handmade businesses Sustainable design Art and storytelling Support the show

    29 min
  6. Friday the 13th- Animals We Fear (But Actually Need)

    MAR 12

    Friday the 13th- Animals We Fear (But Actually Need)

    Send us Fan Mail Are black cats really unlucky? Why are snakes, bats, vultures, and sharks feared by humans? In this episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren Connolly explores the myths and superstitions behind animals often labeled as “creepy,” “dangerous,” or unlucky—especially with Friday the 13th approaching. From snakes and sharks to bats, vultures, frogs, and insects, many of the animals people fear are actually some of the most important species keeping ecosystems balanced and healthy. Lauren also shares the story of Monroe, the tiny black kitten found in the middle of Monroe Road who became part of her family—proving that black cats might bring the opposite of bad luck. 🌿 Discover why misunderstood wildlife plays a critical role in nature and why the animals we fear most may be the ones quietly saving our ecosystems. Topics in this episode: • Friday the 13th superstition explained • Why snakes help control rodent populations • The ecological importance of sharks • Why bats are essential for farmers • How vultures prevent disease outbreaks • Why frogs are indicators of environmental health • The truth about black cats Download the Wildly Unplug Guide here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd11... Subscribe for more stories about nature, conservation, art, and reconnecting with the wild. #NaturePodcast #WildlifeEducation #FridayThe13th #BlackCats #WildlyUnplug #NatureConservation Support the show

    10 min
  7. Inspiration Continues! From Orphan to Inspiration | Bettie’s 11 Miracles, Faith, Near-Death Survival & Finding Hope

    MAR 4

    Inspiration Continues! From Orphan to Inspiration | Bettie’s 11 Miracles, Faith, Near-Death Survival & Finding Hope

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren sits down with Betty, author of From Orphan to Inspiration: How 11 Miracles from God Helped Me Escape Death and Find Hope. Originally recorded in October 2024 and released in 2026 — this conversation feels divinely timed. Bettie shares her journey growing up in Uganda, surviving multiple near-death experiences, almost losing her life during the birth of her twin boys, and how a calling from the Holy Spirit led her to write a memoir centered around 11 life-changing miracles. We talk about: • Escaping death and surviving trauma • Faith, resilience, and listening to God’s voice • Overcoming fear as a first-time author (English as a second language) • Raising faith-driven entrepreneurial kids (Simon Twins Tie Dye) • Gardening in Oregon and connecting with nature • Why nature is one of the best ways to reconnect with God This episode is about hope — especially for those walking through hardship, grief, or uncertainty. If you need a reminder that God is still present… this conversation is for you. 🔗 Bettie’s Book: From Orphan to Inspiration  Website- https://www.bettysimon.com/ Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@betty_simon 🌿 Follow along with Wildly Unplug for more stories of nature, conservation, and creativity. Until next time — get outside and see what develops. 🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: 👉https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join ✨ Watch Painting Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/@WildDevelopmentsStudio Click here to submit your tale. Connect with me on social media! Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn TikTok X Pinterest For more inspiration, check out www.WildDevelopmentsStudio.com. Wildly Unplug is part of the iRoar Network Support the show

    32 min
  8. Burnout to Nature: A Free Guide to Reconnect with Creativity

    FEB 27

    Burnout to Nature: A Free Guide to Reconnect with Creativity

    Send us Fan Mail 🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: 👉https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join Welcome to Wildly Unplug, a podcast about nature connection, creativity, conservation, and stepping away from hustle culture. In this short solo episode, I’m sharing the story behind my free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide: Paint. Observe. Connect. — a simple, practical guide designed to help you recover from burnout, reconnect with nature, and rediscover your creativity. A few years ago, I wasn’t just tired — I was disconnected. Productive on the outside, empty underneath. What changed everything wasn’t another productivity system. It was stepping outside. Listening to birds instead of notifications. Watching light move across leaves. Letting watercolor spread across a page without pressure. The Wildly Unplug Starter Guide blends: • Nature observation • Gentle creative prompts • Mindful awareness • Simple outdoor rituals • Conservation-rooted curiosity No expensive gear. No survival skills. No dramatic life overhaul required. Just small, intentional shifts. If you’re feeling overstimulated, creatively stuck, or craving something slower and more meaningful — this episode (and this guide) is for you. Join the Wild Developments Studio community and start reconnecting with nature, art, and yourself. Until next time — get outside, see what develops, and stay wild. Support the show

    7 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
    85
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wildly Unplug
  • Show Website
    Wildly Unplug