Wildly Unplug

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 t...

03-20

23:09

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 to...

03-13

31:59

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-bei...

03-06

30:27

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 Spac...

02-27

27:46

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 balco...

02-20

27:50

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 real b...

02-13

30:12

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 e...

02-06

29:13

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 "go...

02-04

04:37

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 h...

12-13

13:02

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 Obse...

12-05

36:15

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 co...

11-28

21:53

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...

11-21

11:28

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 wor...

11-14

36:05

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...

11-07

38:58

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 t...