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🕊️ 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

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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 publisher
• What red flags to watch for in publishing contracts
• Whether literary agents are worth pursuing
• How to avoid scams targeting artists and authors
• What the 1,000 Rejection Challenge can teach about resilience
• How 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.

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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

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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 burnout
• Why art rejections hurt differently than other setbacks
• What 115 asks, 29 acceptances, and 28 rejections have taught her
• The emotional transition of becoming an empty-nest parent
• Finding purpose beyond productivity and hustle culture
• Building a creative life rooted in faith rather than external validation
• How creators, artists, writers, podcasters, and entrepreneurs can keep showing up when growth feels slow

If 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.

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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

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2023 Solo Retreat to Cade’s Cove Playlist- https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/photography-expedition/pl.u-e98lGamUzoR5jl

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🔗 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

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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.

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🔗 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

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