Week 9 recap

Week 9 recap

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

Nature Photography with Peter Sewell

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

Wildly Rejected - Week 8 Update

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2278247/fan_mail/new] 2023 Solo Retreat to Cade’s Cove Playlist- https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/photography-expedition/pl.u-e98lGamUzoR5jl [https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/photography-expedition/pl.u-e98lGamUzoR5jl] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2278247/support]

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]

Wildly Rejected- 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]