Wild Developments – Details, episodes & analysis

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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.

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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 Journal is all about creating educational opportunities that connect people to the natural world through journaling, fostering a deeper sense of stewardship and community. Join us as she shares her journey and insights on how nature journaling brings people closer to both the outdoors and each other.

Wild Wisdom Takeaways:

1. Get outside and start small – Nature is accessible no matter where you live. Begin with simple observations like an ant crawling or the clouds shifting. Whether you draw or write, the act of journaling will help you connect to the world around you.
2. Create a practice of seasonal mindfulness – Like Kathy's botanical journaling, observing and recording seasonal changes—flowers blooming, weather shifts, or animal behaviors—can ground you in the rhythms of the natural world.
3. Join a nature journaling group – Sharing your work with others fosters community and can lead to new insights and inspiration. Whether you join a local group or connect online, learning alongside others enriches your experience of nature.

Northern Rockies Nature Journaling

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 New England Fall Foliage Trip: October 13-19, 2024
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Intro & Outro: Bernie Baggs

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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 Website
Linda's YouTube

Wild Wisdom:

1. Passion Fuels Connection

   Photography is more than equipment—it's about passion. A deep connection with your subject brings out the best in your work and allows you to communicate the heart of nature to your audience.

2. Be a Steward of the Environment

   Whether you're a photographer or not, each of us has a role in conservation. Small actions like planting native species, reducing fertilizer use, and supporting conservation organizations can make a big difference.

3. Spend Time Observing Nature 

   The more time you spend in nature, the deeper your understanding of it will grow. Respect the space of the animals you encounter, and you'll be rewarded with incredible moments that few people experience.

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 New England Fall Foliage Trip: October 13-19, 2024
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Intro & Outro: Bernie Baggs

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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:

1. Self-Advocacy is Empowering: Michelle emphasizes the importance of advocating for yourself, especially when navigating travel with a hidden disability. By calmly explaining her needs, she has found that most people are willing to assist, which has boosted her confidence in traveling independently.
2. Hidden Sunflower Lanyard Program is a Valuable Resource: The Hidden Sunflower Lanyard program has been instrumental in helping Michelle and others with hidden disabilities navigate airports with ease. This free and accessible tool allows travelers to discreetly signal that they may need additional assistance.
3. Nature Provides Healing and Connection: Michelle highlights how spending time in nature can be a source of peace and restoration, encouraging others to find their own way of connecting with the outdoors, whether through journaling, walking, or simply enjoying the beauty of a garden.

Michelle's Mission
Hidden Sunflower


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 New England Fall Foliage Trip: October 13-19, 2024
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Intro & Outro: Bernie Baggs

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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:

1. Empowerment Through Reflection: By giving participants in her docu-series handheld cameras to document their personal reflections, Amber encourages an authentic, self-driven storytelling experience. This approach allows for raw, unscripted moments that deepen the connection between participants and the audience.
2. Reframing Climate Action: Instead of asking, "What can I do to save the planet?" Amber encourages us to ask, Who are we in nature? By identifying with an earth archetype, we can better understand our role and begin working in harmony with the earth rather than feeling burdened by the climate crisis.
3. Deep Connections to Land and Ancestry: Amber's pivotal moment in Scotland, where she felt a deep, physical connection to the land of her ancestors, underscores the importance of place and ancestry in shaping our relationship with the earth. Her journey shows that reconnecting with nature often begins by understanding our roots and origins.

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

 New England Fall Foliage Trip: October 13-19, 2024
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For more inspiration, check out www.WildDevelopmentsStudio.com.

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Robin Motzer's Wildlands blends art, poetry, and environmental activism to inspire personal and ecological healing. Through her Substack platform and habitat restoration projects, she encourages individuals to reconnect with nature and engage in conservation efforts. Discover how Robin’s journey from artist to environmental advocate can guide you toward a more mindful and restorative relationship with the earth.

Wildlands, https://robinmotzer.substack.com

Habitat Restoration, www.sustainabletucson.org

Wild Wisdom Highlights:

1. Art as Activism: Robin Motzer demonstrates how art can be a powerful tool for environmental advocacy, using creative expression to raise awareness and inspire action for habitat restoration.
2. Reconnection with Nature: The podcast emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with the natural world as a means of personal healing and ecological stewardship, encouraging listeners to explore their surroundings and engage in conservation.
3. Community and Collaboration: Robin highlights the value of building community through collaborative projects and initiatives, showing how collective efforts can lead to significant environmental impact and foster a sense of shared responsibility.

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

 New England Fall Foliage Trip: October 13-19, 2024
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Intro & Outro: Bernie Baggs

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In this episode of Wild Developments, Lauren chats with watercolor artist Kate Talcott, owner of Splatter and Bloom. Kate shares how she turned a creative hobby into a thriving business while balancing family life and her love for nature-inspired art. Tune in for tips on making watercolor accessible, embracing artistic growth, and finding joy in the process.

https://splatterandbloom.com/

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

 New England Fall Foliage Trip: October 13-19, 2024
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Join us on the next episode of Wild Developments as Julia Manning shares her inspiring journey of resilience and discovery across all 50 states. From the serene landscapes of Arizona, where she grew up, to the unexpected beauty she found in places like Massachusetts and North Dakota, Julia's story reminds us to "bloom where you're planted." Discover how running became her window to explore nature and find peace, forging deep connections with landscapes and communities along the way. Don't miss this insightful conversation about finding joy and embracing change in the great outdoors.

Julia's Instagram
Julia's LinkedIn

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 New England Fall Foliage Trip: October 13-19, 2024
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Intro & Outro: Bernie Baggs

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In this episode, Carley shares her journey as an animal rehabber, focusing on her educational work with NOLA Kitten Nursery and her TikTok Live community. She discusses her experiences with wildlife, including heartwarming stories of opossum rescues and the importance of mental health in animal rescue. Carly also introduces us to Eileen, a resilient opossum with an incredible survival story. Join us to learn about the challenges and rewards of wildlife rehabilitation and how Carly balances it all.

NOLA Kitten Nursery Linktree

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

 New England Fall Foliage Trip: October 13-19, 2024
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Connect with me on social media!
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For more inspiration, check out www.WildDevelopmentsStudio.com.

Intro & Outro: Bernie Baggs

JL Aerial Views
First Person View Imaging, guaranteed to get your client's attention! "WILD" 15% off first service

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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