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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 creatives
• The surprising fear of success (not just rejection)
• What happens when you consistently put yourself out there
• Artist mindset shifts around visibility, rejection, and growth
• How reaching out can lead to unexpected opportunities and community
• The ripple effect of confidence in both business and personal life
• Overcoming people-pleasing and learning to set boundaries

If 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

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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 pressure
• The difference between being an artist vs. a content producer
• Why constantly recording your process can pull you out of flow
• Reconnecting with creativity and making art for yourself
• The importance of unplugging from social media and expectations
• A simple challenge to help you rediscover your creative joy

If 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.

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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 common
• Simple 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 it
• How chasing rejection can actually unlock new opportunities
• A mindset shift to help you take creative risks again

If 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

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Connect with Michelle: https://www.beashappyasyourdog.com/

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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.

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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:
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Listen if you love:
Nature connection
Creative entrepreneurship
Handmade businesses
Sustainable design
Art and storytelling

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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

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Subscribe for more stories about nature, conservation, art, and reconnecting with the wild.

#NaturePodcast #WildlifeEducation #FridayThe13th #BlackCats #WildlyUnplug #NatureConservation

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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.

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✨ Watch Painting Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/@WildDevelopmentsStudio

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For more inspiration, check out www.WildDevelopmentsStudio.com.

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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.

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