Wildly Unplug

National Geographic Photography with Jason Edwards

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2278247/fan_mail/new] 🔗 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 [https://www.fiverr.com/danny85805?source=inbox] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2278247/support]

Week 7 update

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2278247/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2278247/support]

Maine Climbing with Noah

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2278247/fan_mail/new] 🔗 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 [https://www.fiverr.com/danny85805?source=inbox] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2278247/support]

Wildly Rejected- Week Six Update

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2278247/fan_mail/new] 🌿 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 [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 [https://www.fiverr.com/danny85805?source=inbox] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2278247/support]

1,000 Rejections with Gabbie Carr

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2278247/fan_mail/new] 🔗 Connect with Gabby: Website: https://gracefullygabbie.my.canva.site Follow her journey: @gracefullygabby TikTok: @gabbys1000nos 🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join What if rejection wasn’t something to avoid—but something to chase? In this episode of Wildly Unplug, I sit down with content creator Gabby (Gracefully Gabby), who went viral for her bold goal: getting 1,000 rejections. What started as a breaking point turned into a powerful mindset shift—one that’s changing how she approaches business, creativity, and life. If you’ve ever struggled with fear of rejection, impostor syndrome, or putting yourself out there as an artist, entrepreneur, or creative—this conversation will hit home. Gabby shares how actively seeking rejection helped her: -Build confidence and resilience -Land unexpected “yes” opportunities (including a trip to Italy!) -Reframe failure into forward momentum -Grow as a content creator, artist, and entrepreneur We also dive into: How to handle rejection as an artist or creative Why “no response” still counts as a no The emotional side of putting your work into the world Fear of success (yes, it’s real) How to stay motivated when nothing seems to be working The power of visibility and sharing your journey publicly As someone currently doing my own 1000 rejection challenge, this conversation felt especially personal—and might just inspire you to start your own. Because here’s the truth: - If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. 🌊 About the Podcast: Wildly Unplug shares stories of nature, creativity, and conservation, exploring what happens when we step away from the noise and reconnect with the wild. 🌿 Takeaway: Rejection isn’t the end—it’s proof you showed up. 🎧 Listen if you’re into: nature-inspired creativity, personal growth, artist mindset, entrepreneurship, overcoming fear, content creation, creative business, and building confidence 🎧 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 [https://www.fiverr.com/danny85805?source=inbox] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2278247/support]