Send us a text Welcome back to Wildly Unplug , where we reconnect with nature and creativity through immersive stories and grounded conversations. In this episode, we dive deep—literally—with Delia , a freediver, mindful travel coach, and global conservation advocate who’s redefining what it means to live wildly and unplugged. 🧘♀️ How to Reconnect With Nature Today Delia’s favorite nature ritual is something anyone can do—no travel required. Try this: Head to a quiet natural spot—forest, hill,...
May 15, 2025•32 min•Ep. 67
Send us a text Thinking of being a guest on a podcast—or already lining up interviews to share your story or mission? In this episode of Wildly Unplug , we explore the art of being a standout podcast guest with heart, clarity, and confidence. From preparing before recording to shining in your area of expertise and following up with intention, this guide walks you through the do’s and don’ts of a meaningful podcast appearance. You’ll also learn how to speak with purpose (without sounding scripted...
May 08, 2025•18 min•Ep. 66
Send us a text In this episode of Wildly Unplug , Lauren celebrates her latest public art installation— Man’s Best Friend —featured on a utility box as part of the SURGE project in Springfield Township. She shares the behind-the-scenes joy of the artist community and offers real talk on navigating art contests, rejection, and creative resilience. If you're an artist looking to apply or sponsor a future utility box, visit www.theartsconnect.us or email [email protected] . This one’s for ...
May 01, 2025•13 min•Ep. 65
Send us a text Hey nature lovers – Lauren here, and today’s podcast is a little different. I want to take you behind the scenes of one of the most personal, emotional chapters of my creative journey so far. This is the story of how I wrote a book, poured my entire soul into it… and then got rejected. Not by a publisher, but by a platform that’s supposed to make self-publishing accessible. This is the story of Wildly Unplug: A Creative Guide to Reconnect with Nature – and what happened when Amazo...
Apr 24, 2025•17 min•Ep. 64
Send us a text 📖 Wildly Unplug Is Almost Here – A Sneak Peek into the Book That Started It All Welcome back, Explorers, to Wildly Unplug – the podcast where we breathe deep, slow down, and reconnect with what really matters: nature, creativity, and our sense of wonder. I’m your guide, Lauren, and today’s episode – and blog – is extra special. I’m beyond excited to officially announce something I’ve poured my heart into... 🌿 Wildly Unplug: A Creative Guide to Reconnect with Nature launches on A...
Apr 17, 2025•18 min•Ep. 63
Send us a text Hey there, wild ones—and welcome back to Wildly Unplug , the podcast where we trade burnout for beauty, hustle for healing, and discover ourselves again through nature, art, and adventure. So… you’re thinking podcasting might be for you? Then I’m here to tell you—it IS. If you feel the nudge, the whisper, the wild idea that you have something to say— follow that. The world needs your voice. Your stories. Your perspective. In this episode, I breakdown for you how to get started on ...
Apr 10, 2025•21 min•Ep. 62
Send us a text Welcome back to Wildly Unplug —where we share stories of nature, creativity, and conservation, and discover what unfolds when you step outside and reconnect with your inner wild. In today’s episode, I had the joy of speaking with Steffi, a holistic psychologist, intuitive artist, and the creator behind In Essence You Are Beautiful —a deeply moving project that helps others reconnect with their true selves through art, tapping, nature therapy, and more. Steffi’s mission is as beaut...
Apr 03, 2025•30 min•Ep. 61
Send us a text Welcome back to Wildly Unplug , where we share stories of nature, conservation, and creativity—and explore what develops when we unplug and step outside. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce fellow podcaster Amy , creator and host of the Grounded in Maine podcast. With over 100 episodes, Amy’s show explores the vast world of sustainability with a refreshing, relatable perspective. Our conversation covered everything from homesteading myths to simple acts of mindful living—and a few la...
Mar 27, 2025•30 min•Ep. 60
Send us a text Welcome back to Wildly Unplug —where we share stories of nature, art, and conservation . Today, I’m excited to give you a behind-the-scenes look at a memorable experience I had presenting Tide Lines: Journaling Nature’s Journey at the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Conference in the beautiful city of St. Augustine, Florida in December, 2024. Lauren’s Top Tip for Connecting with Nature: 🔌 Don't overthink it. Whether you’re nervous about drawing or unsure what to wri...
Mar 20, 2025•23 min•Ep. 59
Send us a text Welcome back to Wildly Unplug , where we share stories of nature, conservation, and creativity . Today, I had the pleasure of chatting with Courtney Lynn Grace , an author, movie buff, and lifelong dog lover , about her journey into writing and her heartwarming children’s book, Finding a Home: The Adventures of Lady the Beagle . Courtney’s story is a testament to following your passions, embracing creativity, and letting inspiration take you on unexpected journeys . Practical Tips...
Mar 13, 2025•32 min•Ep. 58
Send us a text Welcome to another episode of Wildly Unplug , where we share stories of nature, conservation, and creativity . This episode features Tabitha Westbrook , a licensed counselor, trauma specialist, and advocate for healing through the outdoors. From helping trauma survivors to working with horses in therapy , Tabitha’s journey is a testament to the power of nature, resilience, and self-care . Join us as we explore how connecting with the outdoors can transform mental health and well-b...
Mar 06, 2025•30 min•Ep. 57
Send us a text In this episode of Wildly Unplugged , we had an inspiring conversation with Mama T , the founder of Mama T Energy , about self-discovery, confidence, and the power of embracing your true self . From her background in theater and communications to her work as a coach and energy guide , Mama T shares her journey of breaking through limiting beliefs and helping others do the same. Practical Tips to Unplug & Connect with the Wild: If you’re looking to observe Nature in an Urban Sp...
Feb 27, 2025•28 min•Ep. 56
Send us a text In this episode of Wildly Unplug , I had the pleasure of speaking with Robyn , founder of A Life of Choice , about personal transformation, overcoming adversity, and using tools like the Enneagram and motivational mapping to better understand ourselves. She also shares how nature has been a guiding force in her life, from childhood to today. Practical Tips to Unplug & Connect with the Wild: Robyn’s tip? Start where you are. 🔌 Observe the nature closest to you —even from a bal...
Feb 20, 2025•28 min•Ep. 55
Send us a text In this episode of Wildly Unplugged , I had the pleasure of speaking with Claudine , founder of Outdoor Play Connection , about the importance of getting kids outside, overcoming common barriers to nature, and making outdoor exploration more accessible for families. Practical Tips to Unplug & Connect with the Wild: If you’re looking to start small , Claudine suggests: 🔌 Find 20 minutes. You don’t need a whole weekend—just 20 minutes of intentional outdoor time can provide rea...
Feb 13, 2025•30 min•Ep. 54
Send us a text In this episode of Wildly Unplugged , I sit down with Elizabeth Minton, a psychotherapist, Qigong instructor, and founder of The Calming Ground , a space dedicated to helping people slow down, reconnect with nature, and cultivate mindfulness. Practical Tips to Unplug & Connect with the Wild: If you can’t escape to the forest, Elizabeth suggests simple ways to incorporate nature into your day : 🔌 Breathe with awareness – Visualize each inhale as a gift from the trees and each ...
Feb 06, 2025•29 min•Ep. 53
Send us a text 🌿 Wildly Unplugged Podcast 🎙️ Welcome to Wildly Unplugged , where we share stories of nature, conservation, and creativity. Discover what develops when you unplug and step outdoors. 🌎✨ Formerly Wild Developments Podcast , this new name and look better reflect what we’re all about—breaking free from the daily grind, getting outside, and reconnecting with the wild through art, adventure, and storytelling. With a refreshed color palette of sky blue and pine green (no more Disney "...
Feb 04, 2025•5 min
Send us a text In this heartfelt episode of Wild Developments, host Lauren Connolly reflects on her transformative Artist in Residence experience at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From painting vibrant landscapes to grappling with personal and professional challenges, Lauren shares candid updates on her creative journey, lessons learned, and exciting plans for the podcast’s future. With the holidays approaching, Lauren opens up about the importance of slowing down, staying true to her ...
Dec 13, 2024•13 min•Ep. 52
Send us a text In this episode of Wild Developments Studio , Lauren Connolly interviews biologist, environmental policy officer, and author Sally Ann Hunter. Sally shares her journey from literature to biology, inspired by David Attenborough, and discusses her passion for nature writing and marine conservation. She also explores the themes of her novel Transfigured Sea , using the ocean as a metaphor for personal transformation and healing. Sally Ann Hunter Website Wild Wisdom: Be a Keen Observe...
Dec 05, 2024•36 min•Ep. 51
Send us a text This week on the Wild Developments podcast, we talk to Jeff and Dot from Loveland Presbyterian Church’s Community Garden about how they manage their plots, give back to the community, and what keeps them inspired season after season. Wild Wisdom: Gardening is a lifelong learning journey – Each season brings new lessons, from dealing with unpredictable weather to learning about pest control. Grow what you love – Focus on planting vegetables your family will enjoy and use. Build com...
Nov 28, 2024•22 min•Ep. 50
Send us a text This week, I’m gearing up for my artist-in-residence experience at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! I'll be spending November immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the Smokies, capturing the landscape through photography, watercolor, and nature journaling. It’s going to be a transformative month, and I can’t wait to share the journey with you all! Keep an eye out for updates on the podcast and social media for behind-the-scenes looks at my adventure. Wild Wisdom: Start Yo...
Nov 21, 2024•11 min•Ep. 49
Send us a text In this episode of Wild Developments , I sit down with Jennifer Faye Colombo, a talented watercolor artist from Norwalk, Connecticut, who shares her journey of rediscovering her passion for art after a successful career in theatrical scenery design. Jen dives into her creative process, the importance of setting intentions, and how nature—especially water—inspires her artwork. From ocean-themed paintings to personal growth tools like journals and affirmation card decks, Jen’s work ...
Nov 14, 2024•36 min•Ep. 48
Send us a text In the latest episode of Wild Developments , I sit down with Steph West, the inspiring founder of Starfish Social Club. Steph shares her journey of supporting neurodivergent kids and teens, helping them grow from socially challenged to socially competent, confident, and connected individuals. Steph's approach is grounded in the belief that every small action matters, much like the starfish story that inspired her club's name. She works with one child at a time, making a lasting im...
Nov 07, 2024•39 min•Ep. 47
Send us a text In this thrilling Halloween-themed episode of the Wild Developments Podcast , we take you on a journey to uncover the legend of the Loveland Frogman. A cryptid that’s long been part of Ohio’s local lore, the Loveland Frogman is said to be a 4-foot tall humanoid amphibian with webbed hands and glowing eyes. Through my documentary Finding Frogman , created with JL Aerial Views, we explored all three sighting locations, showcasing Loveland's beautiful scenery and its connection to th...
Oct 31, 2024•27 min•Ep. 46
Send us a text National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.): 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) Or simply dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) Text "START" to 88788 National Human Trafficking Hotline (U.S.): 1-888-373-7888 Text "HELP" or "INFO" to 233733 These helplines provide free, confidential support 24/7 for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices...
Oct 24, 2024•38 min•Ep. 45
Send us a text In this episode of Wild Developments Studio, we delve into the world of solo travel as a means for personal growth with Geleen, a solo travel confidence and connection coach. Geleen shares how her journey of visiting nearly 40 countries—mostly solo—enabled her to rediscover her confidence, plan more effectively, and forge meaningful connections across the globe. She discusses how solo travel helped her recognize her strengths and catalyzed significant personal transformation. Trav...
Oct 17, 2024•38 min•Ep. 44
Send us a text In this episode, we chat with Jason Zakwelski, a high school chemistry teacher and host of The Science Pawdcast , where he blends his love for science and pets. Jason shares hilarious stories from his classroom, the science behind his viral social media account featuring his dogs, and what we can learn from the empathy of our furry companions. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of science, animals, and the importance of staying connected to nature. Wild Wisdom from Jason ...
Oct 10, 2024•40 min•Ep. 43
Send us a text On today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Kathy Settevendemie, Treasurer and Secretary of Northern Rockies Nature Journal, as well as a dedicated Native Plant Specialist. With a rich background as a Montana native plant grower, past president of the Montana Native Plant Society, and former high school art teacher, Kathy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the world of nature journaling. As a teacher, consultant, and artist, Kathy's work at Northern Rockies Nature Journ...
Oct 03, 2024•33 min•Ep. 42
Send us a text In this episode of Wild Developments Studio , wildlife photographer Linda Wilinski shares her insights on capturing the essence of nature and the importance of conservation through photography. From her favorite gear and techniques to her most memorable wildlife encounters, Linda provides a glimpse into how passion and respect for the natural world shape her work. Tune in to learn how to deepen your connection with nature and become a better steward of the environment. Linda's Web...
Sep 26, 2024•31 min•Ep. 41
Send us a text In this episode, Michelle shares her experiences as a solo traveler with a hidden disability and the challenges she overcame using the Hidden Sunflower Lanyard program. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and how it helped her navigate airports and gain confidence. Michelle also discusses her love for nature and how she finds peace in botanical gardens, inspiring others to connect with the outdoors. Wild Wisdom Highlights: Self-Advocacy is Empowering : Michelle emphasiz...
Sep 20, 2024•31 min•Ep. 40
Send us a text Amber's work with Earth Archetypes is a beautiful blend of creativity, environmentalism, and personal growth. Whether through the docu-series, podcast, or interactive elements, she's inviting people to reflect on their relationship with the earth in a new, meaningful way. If you're curious about your archetype or want to take the quiz, visit eartharchetypes.com and begin your journey toward a deeper connection. Earth Archetypes Wild Wisdom Highlights: Empowerment Through Reflectio...
Sep 12, 2024•36 min•Ep. 39
