Your Imagination is Your Superpower with Sarah Bush

Send us Fan Mail What if imagination isn't just for artists—but one of the most powerful tools we have for navigating life? In this episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren Connolly talks with mixed-media artist and writer Sarah Bush about creativity, imagination, nature, technology, and what happens when we begin trusting our own ability to create again. From her studio in New Mexico, Sarah grows plants for natural dyes, works with indigo, rust, pressed flowers, and other materials, and explores the connection between the creative process and the natural world. But this conversation goes much deeper than making art. Sarah believes creativity and imagination are human abilities—not artistic talents reserved for a select few. Every time we solve a problem, change plans, comfort someone, envision a possibility, or figure out what to make for dinner with three missing ingredients, we're already using our imagination. So why do so many adults insist they're “not creative”? Lauren and Sarah explore what happens to imagination as we grow older, why perfection and social media can make people afraid to create, and why learning something new requires being willing to make something imperfect. They also dive into the growing influence of artificial intelligence on human creativity. Can AI expand our imagination—or could it slowly discourage us from drawing, writing, experimenting, and making things ourselves? The conversation explores how technology can either disconnect us or become a tool for genuine human connection, why boredom may actually be good for creativity, and why embracing imperfect human-made things may become even more important in an increasingly AI-generated world. Sarah also shares her experiences creating with nature: growing Japanese indigo, making natural dyes and inks, gardening in New Mexico, noticing seasonal changes, and treating plants and the landscape as creative partners. Whether you consider yourself an artist or insist you “aren't creative,” this conversation is an invitation to notice something you may have forgotten: You already have an imagination. The question is whether you're willing to use it. In this episode, we explore creativity and imagination, reconnecting with nature, natural dyes and Japanese indigo, overcoming perfectionism, learning through experimentation, social media and creativity, boredom and imagination, AI and art, technology and human connection, creativity as a spiritual practice, and why imperfect human creativity still matters. Sarah Bush writes about creativity as a spiritual practice and how imagination can help change the world through her Substack newsletter, The Pink Teacup. You can also explore her mixed-media artwork through Sarah Bush Artworks. Wildly Unplug explores what happens when we step away from the noise, reconnect with nature, and make room for creativity, curiosity, and adventure. Support the show