Lauren Donahue shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Lauren, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I lose track of time when I’m completely unplugged, whether it’s during my morning routine, out in nature, or on a three-day Unplugged getaway. When I step away from my phone, email, and to-do lists, I can immerse myself in reading, journaling, hiking, or simply sitting by the water. Without constant notifications or even a watch, I shift my focus from the outlets in my life to my outlook on life and that’s when I truly find myself again.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Lauren, a wellness entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Unplugged with Lauren—a nine-step process designed to help people disconnect from the noise of the world so they can reconnect with themselves. I host transformative retreats around the globe, guiding people through experiences that focus on presence, nature, and meaningful connection. My journey has taken me from opening and selling two fitness studios, to hiking Kilimanjaro, to leading hundreds of thousands of people online in fitness and mindfulness. What makes my work unique is how I blend adventure, mindset, and wellness into everything I do. Right now, I’m focused on expanding my retreats and sharing the Unplugged process with more people, helping them shift from chasing the next outlet to embracing a better outlook.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Disconnection in the wrong sense, like constant distraction, overcommitment, and being more present with our devices than with each other, breaks the bonds between people. When we stop truly listening, stop showing up, and let busyness replace presence, relationships naturally start to drift. What restores those bonds is intentional connection…putting the phone down, looking someone in the eyes, sharing a meal, walking together in nature, or having an unhurried conversation. When we unplug from the noise, we create space for people to feel seen, heard, and valued again and that’s where connection grows.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
For years, I thought I had to keep everything polished and positive—holding my struggles close to my heart and only showing the highlight reel. But I’ve learned that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the bridge to connection. Very recently, I started showing up more openly on social media, especially on TikTok, sharing real-time stories and moments I never would have shared before. The response has been overwhelming…in just a couple of days, I gained over 26,000 followers, and the most well-received messages have been the raw, unfiltered ones. It’s a reminder that people are drawn to realness. Pain became power when I stopped hiding it, let myself be seen, and allowed my story to bring hope to someone else.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Fads are flashy and quick fixes…they promise instant results but rarely create lasting change. Foundational shifts, on the other hand, come from a deeper place of self-awareness and intentional practice. They’re about rewiring your mindset, habits, and how you show up daily, not just chasing the latest trend. In my Unplugged process, the focus is on sustainable transformation…disconnecting from distractions to reconnect with your core values and true self. That’s what creates real, lasting shifts versus temporary fads.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I’m doing exactly what I was born to do…facilitating genuine relationships so we can live in a more connected, compassionate world. For me, it’s about building community and creating spaces where people feel safe to unplug, be seen, and truly connect. While society often pushes us toward certain paths, I’ve found my purpose in gathering people and helping them rediscover themselves and each other. This calling to nurture connection fuels everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.unpluggedwithlauren.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenldonahue
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenldonahue
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenschwab
Image Credits
Greg Fulks
Jenny Affan
