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The Growing Small Towns ShowAuthor: Rebecca Undem
The future of small towns doesn't depend on us finding more people; we need to better engage the ones who are already there. Each week, join Rebecca Undem, small-town champion and rural entrepreneur, as she chats with people who are doing their part to grow their community. You'll hear ideas and learn ways to better support your business community, create a sense of belonging for all, and foster a rich arts and culture scene in your small town. If you live in a small town, care deeply about your community, and share the belief that "if you're not growing, you're dying", this is the podcast for you. Language: en Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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S6:E4 - Bearing the Weight of Expectations with Anna McLean
Episode 4
Monday, 23 February, 2026
Many small-town people carry more than their fair share and, in some cases, tie their self-worth to how much they do for others or to their role in their small town (we're lovingly looking at you, farmers and ranchers and Heads of Everything). In this episode, therapist Anna and our host Rebecca explore burnout, boundaries, and why emotional awareness and resilience can coexist. It's a grounded conversation about choosing alignment over obligation and building healthier communities from the inside out. About Anna: Welcome! I'm Anna. I am dedicated to helping individuals and families find peace and healing through life's challenges using a holistic approach to therapy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master's degree in Social Work, I have the privilege of supporting youth and adults facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship difficulties, trauma, behavioral concerns, ADHD, and other challenges. I integrate evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), mindfulness practices, and solution-focused techniques. These tools help youth and adults gain insight, develop effective coping strategies, and move toward a more emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually fulfilling life. I believe therapy is a safe space for honest reflection, growth, and healing. Whether you're feeling stuck or simply seeking support in achieving your goals, I'm here to walk with you on your journey in a supportive and compassionate environment. Let's connect—you deserve to feel supported and heard. Outside the therapy room, I find joy in spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, gardening, and enjoying a good cup of coffee. In this episode, we cover: How self-worth often gets tied to roles, productivity, and people-pleasing What burnout really looks like—emotionally and physically Why "grit" doesn't require suppressing feelings How shame and comparison keep people overextended Practical ways to notice when something no longer aligns Links + Resources Mentioned: Anna's website: www.betterdaystw.com Want to get your business in front of our audience? We are looking for podcast sponsors! Each season, we feature a select group of Small Business Partners—brands that share our mission to celebrate small-town life and big ideas. With a 4–6% average Facebook engagement rate (well above the industry average), 2,600+ loyal followers, and 45,000 monthly content views, we have an amazing, highly engaged audience of people who can't wait to learn more about you. When we feature you, your story, and your product/service, it's like a friend's recommendation, because it is. Want to know more? Reach out to us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org We have a membership! Join the GST Club — a virtual support community built for those leading change in small-town America. For $30/month, you'll get twice-monthly live calls with Rebecca, access to a private network of fellow small-town changemakers, replay recordings, frameworks, and early access to GST events. It's for anyone from volunteers and entrepreneurs to city officials who believe small towns deserve big ideas and better leadership. Part think-tank. Part pep-talk. Part creative jam session. All support. We Want to Hear From You! We really, really do, and if you'll let us, we'd love to feature your actual message just like we did with Terri's (with your permission, of course!) Some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're have two "participation dance" elements of the show: "Small town humblebrags": Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things. "Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges": Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that. If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you! Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!
