Wildly Rejected- Week Six Update

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WEEK SIX of the 1000 Rejections Challenge got messy… because this week’s theme is SCAMS.

In this episode of Wildly Unplug, I share the uncomfortable side of being a creative online: pay-to-play art contests, questionable “opportunities,” fake-feeling validation, and learning when to walk away — even when dream collaborations are dangling in front of you.

This week I dive into:
🎨 The “People’s Artist” competition controversy
🗽 The Times Square art exhibit rejection that turned into a $5,000 sales pitch
🚩 Why I turned DOWN a creator platform connected to brands like National Geographic
💔 The emotional difference between rejection and being manipulated
🧠 Why scams hit harder than honest rejection
🌿 The importance of trusting your gut as an artist

I also share some hopeful moments from the week, including:
✨ Reaching out to Jeff Corwin to be on the podcast
📚 Submitting psychological thriller short stories
🎙️ Applying for the Women Who Podcast Awards
🖼️ A possible gallery opportunity in the Florida Keys

If you are an artist, writer, podcaster, creative entrepreneur, or someone chasing a dream online, this episode is a reminder that not every “yes” is worth accepting — and sometimes rejection is actually protection.

📍ABOUT WILDLY UNPLUG
Wildly Unplug explores nature, creativity, conservation, storytelling, burnout recovery, and reconnecting with the world beyond the screen. Hosted by wildlife artist, conservation storyteller, and founder of Wild Developments Studio, Lauren Connolly.

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