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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 benefits.

🔌Take an everyday activity outside. Eat a meal, have your morning coffee, or read a book outdoors.

🔌 Observe. Listen to the birds, feel the wind, or watch the clouds—simple things can be powerful when done with intention.

📸 Follow on Instagram: @OutdoorPlayConnection
🌎 Visit the website: OutdoorPlayConnection.com

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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 exhale as your gift back.
🔌 Keep a small nature object nearby – Holding a stone, pinecone, or plant can help you feel grounded.
🔌 Take a sit spot break – Find a quiet place outside, even if it’s just for a few minutes, and observe what’s around you.

Connect with Elizabeth

🌎 Website: TheCalmingGround.com
🎙️ Podcast: The Calming Ground Podcast
📱 Social Media: @TheCalmingGround on Facebook

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🌿 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 away green"!), this podcast is here to stand out, inspire, and invite you to explore.

We’re keeping things simple—no long intros, just real conversations with fascinating guests. Want to know more about them? Check the show notes for all the details.

And an exciting update—there’s a Wildly Unplugged book on the horizon! Packed with stories, actionable tips, checklists, and reflection prompts, it's designed to meet you where you are, whether you're new to the outdoors or a seasoned explorer. More on that soon!

📅 New episodes drop every Thursday at 8 AM EST.

⚡ 🔌 Tip to Unplug: Take a break, shake up your routine, go for a walk outdoors with your phone in your pocket in do-not-disturb mode, and see what creative ideas and clarity come to you!

🎧 Tune in, get inspired, then unplug and see what happens when you step outside. 🌿

A production of Wild Development Studio. As always, engage with nature responsibly.

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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 mission, and finding balance amidst life’s chaos. She also dives into some of her favorite tools for artists and naturalists—perfect for anyone looking to explore and connect with nature.

Tune in for an honest and inspiring episode about creativity, resilience, and preparing for an exciting 2025. Don’t miss Lauren’s special announcement about the podcast’s temporary break and what’s to come in the new year!

Wild Wisdom from This Episode:

1. Slow Down to Connect:
   True creativity and connection with nature require us to slow down and be present. Rushing through life not only diminishes the quality of our work but also prevents us from truly embodying the values we wish to share with others.
2. Resilience Through Reflection:
   Reflective practices, like writing your own eulogy, can offer powerful insights into whether you’re living the life you aspire to. It’s never too late to realign your actions with your values and legacy.
3. Adapt and Simplify:
   Life throws challenges our way—like losing all your data—but they can be opportunities to streamline processes, improve systems, and focus on what truly matters.
4. Preparation is Protection:
   Simple tools, like a portable door lock or a sturdy hiking stick, can make all the difference in feeling secure and prepared during adventures in nature.
5. Creativity Knows No Boundaries:
   With the right tools, like compact art supplies, you can create anywhere—whether on a mountain trail or in a quiet moment at home. Embrace the freedom of creativity, even amidst a busy life.

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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:

1. Be a Keen Observer: Take time to immerse yourself in nature. Whether you’re walking through a park or sitting by the beach, observe the small details – the leaves, the patterns of wildlife, the changes in the environment. Observation is the key to connecting with and protecting our world.
2. Reduce Your Plastic Footprint: Plastic waste is one of the biggest threats to the ocean. Reduce single-use plastics by bringing reusable bags and containers wherever you go, and be mindful of litter disposal to prevent it from ending up in waterways.
3. Support Sustainable Transport: Consider switching to electric vehicles or using public transportation to reduce your carbon footprint. Small changes in how we travel can have a large impact on reducing pollution and protecting ecosystems.

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

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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:

1. Gardening is a lifelong learning journey – Each season brings new lessons, from dealing with unpredictable weather to learning about pest control.
2. Grow what you love – Focus on planting vegetables your family will enjoy and use.
3. Build community – A garden thrives with collaboration, whether it’s sharing seeds or learning new techniques.

Loveland Presbyterian Church Community Garden
YouTube Video

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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:

1. Start Your Own Nature Journal
   Take a notebook outside and start small—trace a leaf or sketch what you see. It’s all about observing nature and being present in the moment.
2. Take Time to Slow Down
   Step away from the hustle and spend time in nature. Whether it’s your backyard or a local park, let yourself fully absorb the beauty around you.
3. Share Your Nature Story
   Document your experience in a creative way, whether through photography, art, or writing. Sharing these moments can inspire others to connect with nature too.

Let’s get outside and see what develops! 🌿✨

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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 brings peace and beauty into the lives of others. Join us as we explore watercolor's fluidity and creativity's healing power.

Jennifer Faye Colombo Website

Wild Wisdom:

1. Set Intentions for Your Creations
   When embarking on an art project, commission, or even journaling, set an intention. Ask yourself: "What do I want this piece to evoke or represent?"
2. Bring Nature Into Your Art
   Incorporate natural elements—whether water, landscapes, or wildlife—into your artistic practice to connect with the soothing and inspiring power of the natural world.
3. Quiet the Mind Through Nature
   Take a moment each day to sit quietly in nature. Disconnect from technology and just observe the world around you, letting inspiration or clarity naturally emerge.

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

Connect with me on social media!
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For more inspiration, check out www.WildDevelopmentsStudio.com.

Wild Developments is part of the iRoar Network

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