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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Happy Summer Y’All!

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Hope everyone is having a good summer so far! Catching up after the holiday! Enjoy! 

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🔗 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

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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.

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🔗 Connect with Peter:
Website: https://www.peterdraws.com/
Follow on Instagram: @Peterdraws
Youtube: @peter_draws

🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here:
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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

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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

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