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What happens when the excitement wears off… and the waiting begins?

In this Week 3 update of the “Wildly Rejected a.k.a. Becoming the Bison” Lauren steps fully into the storm—where the “no’s” start to outweigh the “yeses,” and most opportunities sit in the uncomfortable space of maybe.

This episode dives into the part of the journey no one talks about:

• The emotional shift from excitement to endurance
• Why rejection starts to feel… normal
• How “no” doesn’t kill an idea—it redirects it
• The hidden weight of waiting (and why it’s actually the hardest part)

Lauren shares the story behind this week’s cover image—a baby raccoon photographed in Hocking Hills State Park—and how sometimes the most meaningful moments don’t win awards, but still shape everything.

Plus, a powerful mindset shift that reframes the entire rejection process:
👉 You don’t gain rejections by asking—you reduce the infinite “no’s” that already exist.

Week 3 Stats:
44 asks | 5 yeses | 7 rejections | and a growing list of “in review”

If you’re in a season where nothing feels certain, where responses are slow, and where momentum feels quiet—this episode is your reminder:
This is the part where most people stop… and where things actually begin.

🎧 And a surprise highlight—Lauren interviews Gabby Carr, the creator of the 1000 Rejection Challenge (episode coming soon!).

🎙️ Wildly Unplug is a podcast about reconnecting with nature, creativity, and yourself through storytelling, conservation, and exploration.

👉 Follow along with the full “1000 Rejections” journey and weekly updates on Substack.

And until next time… unplug, get outside, and see what develops. 🌿

Get Ashley's Tracker here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-184085682

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In this week’s episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren shares the real challenge behind her “1000 Rejections” journey—and it’s not what you might think.

Week one was about taking the leap. Week two? Learning how to start again.

After gaining momentum, a pause crept in—and with it came doubt, overthinking, and the fear of slipping back into old patterns. From a meaningful rejection by the Sea Turtle Conservancy to a fun (but surprisingly emotional) loss at the Key West dog show, this episode dives into the emotional reality of putting yourself out there again after things don’t go your way.

Lauren unpacks:

• Why rejection isn’t the hardest part—restarting is
• How taking action (not overthinking) restores energy and confidence
• Turning rejection into redirection (and creative opportunity)
• The mindset shift from chasing wins to building consistency
• What “Becoming the Bison” really means in practice

Plus, she shares her Week 2 stats, lessons learned, and a powerful reminder inspired by Muhammad Ali: you don’t lose when you get knocked down—you lose when you stay down.

If you’ve ever felt stuck after a setback, this episode is your nudge to try again.

🎙️ Wildly Unplug is a podcast about reconnecting with nature, creativity, and yourself through storytelling, conservation, and exploration.

👉 Follow along with the full “1000 Rejections” journey and weekly updates on Substack.

And until next time… unplug, get outside, and see what develops. 🌿

Get Ashley's Tracker here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-184085682

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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.

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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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