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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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#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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🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here:
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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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After a break filled with big life changes, I’m back—and I’m excited to share what’s been blooming behind the scenes.

In this episode, I open up about our move to Florida, navigating this season with my family, and how a little unexpected quiet time helped spark a whole new wave of creativity.

While life has been busy, I’ve been building a watercolor tutorial series designed to help you reconnect with nature through art. Each one-hour session features wildlife painting, fun animal facts, personal stories, and simple, limited palettes—making creativity feel approachable, calming, and doable.

I also share some of the playful projects and new series that have emerged along the way, including hidden message Valentine cards, snowy wildlife tracks, art unboxings, and “What Your Favorite Artwork Says About You.”

This episode is an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and remember that you don’t need perfect conditions to create meaningful moments with nature.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just craving a creative reset—this one’s for you.

✨ Learn more and watch the tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/@WildDevelopmentsStudio
🌿 Stay connected on Social Media: @WildDevelopmentsStudio

Get outside, see what develops, and stay wild!

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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:

1. Head to a quiet natural spot—forest, hill, beach, or park.
2. Close your eyes. Feel your heartbeat. Hear your breath.
3. Slowly open your senses:

• Notice the colors, shapes, and light
• Tune into sounds near and far
• Smell the air, the earth, the trees
• Touch a tree, feel the grass, or place bare feet on the ground

🌐 Stay Connected With Delia

Follow Delia on Instagram: @delia_co

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

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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), connect with your creativity, and even find a nature-inspired prompt to help you unplug and reflect this week. Whether you're new to guesting or looking to elevate your presence behind the mic, this episode is your invitation to show up fully—and stay rooted in your wild voice.

hear your story! Click here to submit your tale.

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

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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 artinfo@springfieldtwp.org. This one’s for every artist who’s ever heard “no” and kept creating anyway because when you finally hear “yes,” there’s a SURGE of excitement that makes it all worth it!!!

Let’s hear your story! Click here to submit your tale.

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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 Amazon KDP said no. And the steps you can take to self-publish your own book!

If you’re writing your own book — or thinking about it — I’d love to hear about it.
Tag me. DM me. You’ve got a cheerleader in me. 💌

And if you want to read Wildly Unplug: A Creative Guide to Reconnect with Nature, it launches on Earth Day, April 22, 2025 — available on Amazon.

Click here to buy "Wildly Unplug: A Creative Guide to Reconnect with Nature"

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