The Informed Chiropractor Podcast

How Polyvagal Theory Transformed My Chiropractic Practice – Dr. Erina Olsen's Journey from New Zealand to Ireland

In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor Podcast—the go-to chiropractic podcast for neurologically focused chiropractors—we sit down with Dr. Erina Olsen to explore her journey from a curious 11-year-old in New Zealand to becoming a powerful voice for functional neurology in Ireland. After discovering the power of manual therapy, Dr. Olsen shifted her focus from osteopathy to chiropractic, graduating in the second class of the New Zealand College of Chiropractic. She shares the intense experience of helping the college gain accreditation and how those early challenges shaped her mission.

What started as a temporary locum opportunity turned into 20 years of practice ownership in a country where chiropractic is still unregulated. Dr. Olsen reveals how Polyvagal Theory in chiropractic helped her reframe care through the lens of nervous system regulation, transforming skeptical patients into believers using chiropractic adjusting techniques rooted in safety and connection. This episode dives into what it means to practice neurologically focused chiropractic in a disconnected world, why self-care is critical for chiropractors, and how mentorship plays a key role in long-term impact.

Whether deep into chiropractic mentorship or starting to integrate the nervous system into your adjusting protocols, this conversation is full of gems for functional neurology–minded chiropractors ready to lead the next evolution of care.

Timestamp
0:00  - 02:15 Introduction
2:15 - 07:16: Discovering Chiropractic and Early Career
7:16 - 15:15:  Transition to Ireland and Practice Experiences
15:15 - 18:58:  Chiropractic in Ireland and Regulatory Challenges
18:58 - 20:57: Introduction to the Vitality Shift and Polyvagal Theory
20:57 - 29:12: Impact of Polyvagal Theory on Practice and Patient Communication
29:12 -32:08  Inspiration and Motivation in Practice
32:08- 38:17: Final Thoughts.

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Polyvagal Inspired Pediatric Chiropractic and the Art of Visceral Work || Dr. Kate Finlayson.

Dr. Don MacDonald hosts Dr. Kate Finlayson on this episode of  The Informed Chiropractor podcast, where she discusses her journey in chiropractic care with a focus on pediatric practice. Dr. Kate shares how she transitioned from nursing to chiropractic after discovering the profession through YouTube videos and osteopathic treatments. She graduated from Macquarie University in Sydney and began working in Gladstone, Queensland, a coastal town she describes as ideal for her love of nature and smaller communities.

Starting her career during COVID-19 posed challenges, including border closures, but she adapted quickly. Mentored by Ally, a seasoned pediatric chiropractor, Dr. Kate embraced pediatric care, noting how adjusting infants leads to faster, life-changing results compared to adults. She completed a pediatric diploma to deepen her expertise, emphasizing early intervention’s role in shaping health trajectories.

When Ally moved back to Perth, Dr. Kate took over the practice, managing a surge in patients and expanding services to a nearby town. The workload initially led to burnout, but attending a polyvagal theory seminar helped her recognize stress patterns and prioritize self-care through Pilates, dog walks, and breathwork. She also incorporates principles from the MacDonald Safety Corridor Protocol, like co-regulation and visceral techniques, into her adjustments to enhance patient outcomes.
They closed the episode discussing plans to reconnect at an upcoming seminar in Sydney this June, underscoring the value of continuous learning and community in advancing chiropractic care.

Timestamp
0:00 – 14:30: Dr. Kate Finlayson's Journey into Chiropractic
14:30 – 14:48: Discovering Chiropractic and Early Career
14:48 – 15:14: Transition to Practice and Pediatric Focus
15:14 – 15:30: Pediatric Training and Practice Challenges
15:30 – 18:30: Impact of Polyvagal Theory on Practice
18:30- 21:32: Balancing Practice and Personal Life
21:32 - 25:00: Inspiration and Future Goals

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#ChiropracticCare #NervousSystemHealing #ChiropracticSuccess #PolyvagalTheory #Chiropractor #Chiropractors #ChronicIllnessWarrior #MindBodyConnection #Medicine #ChiropracticSuccess #ChiropracticCare #PracticeGrowth #ChiropracticMentorship #Pediatricchiropractor #burnout #early intervention. #Viral #Trending #Healthtalks #Healthpodcasts #Health #Healthinterviews #Babycare

 

 

When Chiropractic Care Goes Beyond Humans: Healing Horses, Dogs, and Communities || Dr. Emir Lervy

On today’s episode of the Informed Chiropractor podcast hosted by Dr. Don Macdonald, Dr. Emir Lervy, a chiropractor from Northern Ireland, shares her journey from growing up in a family deeply rooted in holistic health to establishing her practice in 2008. Inspired by her mother’s recovery from sciatica and her brother’s improved sleep through chiropractic care, she pursued studies at the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic. Initially trained in a mechanistic approach, she transitioned to a vitalistic philosophy after rediscovering foundational texts like the “Green Books” and attending seminars emphasizing nervous system resilience. Her practice now blends human care with animal chiropractic, where she adjusts dogs and horses, observing their instinctive post-adjustment responses like yawning and relaxation.

Dr. Emir’s work extends beyond her clinic through community initiatives, such as monthly visits to a local school to adjust teachers. She integrates polyvagal theory to help patients recognize stress signals such as tense shoulders, irritability and teaches techniques like diaphragmatic breathing to build resilience. Emphasizing the importance of presence, she balances clinical work with outdoor activities and mindfulness, advocating for small, daily practices to counteract being overwhelmed. For new chiropractors, she advises confidence, trusting one’s skills, and avoiding perfectionism, urging practitioners to prioritize patient connection over rigid protocols.

 

Timestamp
0:00 – 6:16: Background of Dr. Emir
6:16 – 6:31: Early Influences and Career Path
6:31 – 8:31: Transition into Practice & Learning Journey
8:31 – 12:00: Chiropractic Techniques and Animal Adjustment
12:00 – 16:48: Polyvagal Theory & Practical Application
16:48 - 21:47: Advise For New Chiropractors
21:47 - 25:07: Final Thoughts

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#ChiropracticCare #NervousSystemHealing #ChiropracticSuccess #PolyvagalTheory #Chiropractor #Chiropractors #ChronicIllnessWarrior #MindBodyConnection #Medicine #ChiropracticSuccess #ChiropracticCare #PracticeGrowth #ChiropracticMentorship #PolyvagalTheory #ChiropracticPodcast #ChiropracticBusiness #ChiropracticLife #Trends

The Vision of the ASRF for the Chiropractic Research Revolution || Dr. Ryan Seaman

In this interview with Dr. Ryan Seaman, hosted by Dr. Don Macdonald, he shared his journey from practicing a pain-based model to achieving significant growth in transitioning to a subluxation-based model in Loxton, South Australia. Dr. Ryan purchased a retiring chiropractor’s practice. However, the clinic’s symptom-centered model clashed with his philosophy.

He recalls feeling physically ill during patient consultations, which centered on pain complaints. After abandoning this approach and adopting his neurologically focused model, his practice flourished, increasing patient numbers from 35 to 210 in three weeks. He discussed his transition from civil engineering to chiropractic, influenced by mentors like Craig Foote. Dr. Ryan Seaman highlighted the Australia Spinal Research Foundation's efforts, including funding three major studies this year, a systematic review on X-ray use, and a pediatric research fund.

This interview with Dr. Ryan Seaman reflects the transformative potential of passion and perseverance. Through the ASRF, he champions a future where chiropractic care is recognized not only for pain relief but for its profound impact on overall health. Listeners are urged to support this mission through donations, memberships, or by contributing case studies to advance the field. 

For more information on the foundation, visit https://spinalresearch.com.au/research/ 

Audio Time Stamps:

0:00 - 01:09: Dr. Ryan Seaman's Chiropractic Journey and Practice Transformation

01:09 - 04:32: Dr. Ryan Seaman Background

04:32 - 08:48: Challenges and Growth in Chiropractic Practice

08:48 - 13:16: Transition to Leadership in the Australia Spinal Research Foundation.

13:16 - 29:02: Supporting Chiropractic Research and Practice

29:02 - 34:48:  Challenges and Opportunities in Chiropractic Research.

34:48 - 35:21: Encouragement and Support for Chiropractic Practitioners.

35:21 - 36:47: Final Thoughts and Inspirations.

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#ChiropracticCare #NervousSystemHealing #ChiropracticSuccess #PolyvagalTheory #Chiropractor #Chiropractors #ChronicIllnessWarrior #MindBodyConnection #Medicine #ChiropracticSuccess #ChiropracticCare #PracticeGrowth #ChiropracticMentorship #PolyvagalTheory #ChiropracticPodcast #ChiropracticBusiness #ChiropracticLife

A NECESSARY ENDING || 5 lessons from losing Lux.

In this heartfelt solo episode of The Informed Chiropractor, Dr. Don MacDonald shares the profound personal journey of saying goodbye to Lux, Brandi, and his beloved dog of over 12 years. Through the lens of Dr. Henry Cloud’s book Necessary Endings, Don explores what it truly means to let go, whether that’s a loyal companion, that toxic staff member, a limiting mindset, or an outdated version of ourselves or our practice.

This episode dives deep into five powerful lessons born from grief, reflection, and the wisdom of necessary endings:

• Grief is a sign of deep connection
  
  

• Endings are required for new growth.
  
  

• The pain of holding on can be greater than the pain of letting go.
  
  

• You must grieve the old to welcome the new fully.
  
  

• Endings make us more human—and more connected.
  
  

Whether you’re a chiropractor navigating change in your practice, re-evaluating systems, or feeling the call for a new season in life, this episode is for you. Dr. Don weaves insights from the Necessary Endings book with reflections on neurological safety, polyvagal theory, and the emotional weight often accompanying growth and evolution.

Sometimes, the very thing we’re holding onto is holding us back. This conversation may be the nudge to create space for the next level of your purpose and practice.

Time Stamps:
0:00 - 08:03: Necessary Endings and New Beginnings.
08:03 - 08:23: Experience  from Losing Lux
08:23 - 12:07: Lessons from losing Lux
12:07 - 15:02: Practical applications in Chiropractic Practice.
15:02 - 20:14: Handling Challenges in Relationships and Practice
20:14 - 24:27:  Upcoming Events and Program
24:27 - 26:49: Final Thoughts and Encouragement.

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#ChiropracticCare #NervousSystemHealing #ChiropracticSuccess #PolyvagalTheory #Chiropractor #Chiropractors #ChronicIllnessWarrior #MindBodyConnection #Medicine #ChiropracticSuccess #ChiropracticCare #PracticeGrowth #ChiropracticMentorship #PolyvagalTheory #ChiropracticPodcast #ChiropracticBusiness #ChiropracticLife

How Two Chiropractors Survived Financial Chaos and Doubled Their Practice With One Simple Shift

In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor, Dr. Don sits down with Dr. Sarah and Dr. Travis, who jointly run a chiropractic practice in Dawson Creek, BC, Canada, to talk about their journey from struggling in practice to finding success and balance. They share real challenges, from financial struggles to rebuilding their practice, offering honest insights that every chiropractor can relate to.

Dr. Sarah opens up about how chiropractic care changed her life as a teenager, while Dr. Travis talks about his leap of faith into the profession. They discuss the early years of practice, the tough decisions they had to make, and how mentorship and mindset shifts helped them break through their limitations.

They break down their “polyvagal theory” hack for calming stressed patients and why adjusting techniques matter more than they thought. Plus, Dr Sarah’s book on vagus nerve care is written for busy families!

Ending Tip: “If what you are doing isn’t working, try something new, even if it scares you.”

Watch now to steal their strategies for turning chaos into growth!

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 - 3:45: Welcome and introduction to the episode

3:45 - 8:20: The early struggles of practice and unexpected setbacks

8:20 - 12:15: How we met and why chiropractic care

12:15 - 18:30: The challenges of chiropractic school and lessons we learned

18:30 - 24:10: Starting our first practice and facing financial difficulties

24:10 - 30:40: Hitting a plateau and struggling to grow our business

30:40 - 37:20: Making a shift

37:20 - 43:15: How Polyvagal Theory changed our approach to patient care

43:15 - 49:30: Rebuilding our practice with a new vision and structure

49:30 - 54:00: Paying off debt, financial breakthroughs, and finding balance

Key Takeaways

✔ Growth comes from challenges, and every chiropractor hits roadblocks along the way

✔ Financial struggles don’t have to define your practice, smart shifts can turn things around

✔ Understanding the nervous system and Polyvagal Theory can improve patient care

✔ Authenticity matters; finding a practice style that feels right makes a big difference

✔ The right mentorship can help you see the gaps in your business and make necessary changes.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinformedchiropractor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/informed_chiropractor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theInformedChiropractor

#ChiropracticCare #NervousSystemHealing #ChiropracticSuccess #PolyvagalTheory #Chiropractor #Chiropractors #ChronicIllnessWarrior #MindBodyConnection #Medicine #ChiropracticSuccess #ChiropracticCare #PracticeGrowth #ChiropracticMentorship #PolyvagalTheory #ChiropracticPodcast #ChiropracticBusiness #ChiropracticLife

The Journey from Self-Doubt to Success: A Young Chiropractor’s Story

HOST: Dr. Don Macdonald
Guest: Dr. Talissa Shekelton

This is a special episode of the Informed Chiropractor podcast. We have Dr. Talissa, who is not only a chiropractor but also a chiropractor’s patient herself. Her chiropractic journey reads like a movie script. She was born with a failing bladder, survived on antibiotics for years, and was misdiagnosed with epilepsy by 12. But here’s the twist: she didn’t just survive. She rewired her broken nervous system, stumbled into chiropractic care while bagging groceries, and now heals hundreds by blending raw science with soul.

In this no-filter chat, she opens the playbook on why safety amplifies every adjustment, how to spot neurological “danger” in a patient’s posture, and why taking your health seriously makes you a better chiropractor. You will hear about burnout breakdowns, ugly crying to mentors, and the exact moment she realized her body wasn’t broken—it was brilliant.


Timestamps:

0:00 – 0:47: Safety First  

How Dr. Talissa’s near-death experience shaped her chiropractic philosophy.

0:47 – 3:37: Doctors Said I’d Never Thrive
Surviving childhood illness, chronic fatigue, and medical gaslighting.

3:37 -  6:12: Checkout Aisle Miracle 

The life-changing chat with a stranger (and future mentor) while scanning groceries. 🛒

6:12 – 7: 45:  Student to Star Associate 

Why she took a train to nowhere (and found her dream job).

7:45 –10:34: My First Year Almost Broke Me

 Brutal truths about systems, support, and hustling in a tiny clinic.

10:34 – 15:24:  Burnout Diaries 

 worked like I’d die tomorrow… until I almost did.
15:24 – 20:17:  Polyvagal Theory Made Simple 

How to feel danger in a patient’s body (and flip it off).

20:17 – 20:22: Stop Running, Start Trusting 

 The adjustment trick that saved her energy (and sanity).

22:22 – 25:24: Finally  Leveling Up
Mentorship, ugly crying, and building a practice family.

25:44 –28:42: Lift Heavy, Adjust Better
Why she now deadlifts farmers (and out-adjusts truck drivers)

28:42 – 32:50:  Final Pep Talk
Your body isn’t broken; it’s brilliant. Let it heal.

Spoiler: This isn’t just for chiropractors. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt “too damaged” to dream big.
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Dr. Rachel Swan Thriving in Practice, Mindset & Patient Care…..The Chiropractor’s Roadmap

🎙 Host: Dr. Don Macdonald
🎙 Guest: Dr. Rachel Swan
In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor, Dr. Don Macdonald sits down with Dr. Rachel Swan to discuss her journey in chiropractic, the impact of mentorship, and her passion for long-distance walking pilgrimages. She shares insights on personal transformation, the role of the polyvagal theory in practice, and the power of 20 seconds of courage.

The conversation moves to Dr. Swan's origin story, how she got into chiropractic, her mentors, her education, and early career success. There's a discussion about her vitalistic approach before school and her experiences during chiropractic school. She mentions mentors like Dr. Lisa Sheldon and Dr. James Carter. Later, they discuss her decision to open her own practice, her initial challenges, and how she built her patient base. The conversation shifts to her passion for pilgrimage walks, how she got into them, their impact on her life, and her plans to organize group walks.

Dr. Swan shares her experience with the 90-day mentoring program, how it transformed her personally and professionally, and the integration of polyvagal theory into her practice. She mentions the importance of self-trust and interoception. The episode wraps up with advice for chiropractors feeling lost or burnt out, emphasizing courage and finding the right community.

For more informations on our upcoming seminar in sydney in June, check it out here: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/australia

Time Stamps / Podcast Episode:

0:00 - 2:16: Introduction & Background

2:16 - 4:09: Mentorship & Early Influences

4:09 - 7:05: Practicing in Australia & Canada

7:05 - 9:46: The Walking Chiropractor: Discovering Pilgrimages

9:46 - 12:04: How Far Do You Walk on a Pilgrimage?

12:04 - 14:55: Chiropractic, Polyvagal Theory & Personal Growth

14:55 - 18:25: Joining The Informed Chiropractor & 90-Day Mentorship

18:25 - 21:55: Words of Wisdom for Chiropractors

21:55 - 23:26: The Role of Courage & Future Pilgrimages

23:26 - 25:00: Closing & Final Thought.

This is a must-watch episode for those aiming for a successful chiropractic practice.

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Leveling Up Your Chiropractor’s game in 2025...Real Talk, Resolutions, and Self-Integrity

This is another solo episode of The Informed Chiropractor Podcast with Dr. Don, He shares practical advice and strategies to help chiropractors grow their practice and thrive in 2025.

From handling real-life challenges in patient care to building better habits and setting goals, this episode is all about actionable insights to keep your practice ahead of the game. Dr. Don discusses the 2025 90-Day Program, a powerful resource designed to help you elevate your chiropractic practice and achieve meaningful results.He also mentioned the new initiative by Brandi to help women stay fits and better as a unique fitness goal for the year; Body by Brandi.
You can check that out here;
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/body-by-brandi

In this episode you will learn:

• Real-life lessons for managing unexpected challenges in practice.
• The impact of your own health habits on patient care.
• Setting resolutions to stay ahead in the chiropractic world.
• The importance of self-integrity and creating boundaries between your life, health nad business.
• How the 2025 90-Day Program can transform your practice.

Show Notes / Podcast Episode:

• 00:00 - 03:01: Intro.
• 03:01 - 07:42: Managing real-life challenges in chiropractic practice.
• 07:42 - 10:25: The importance of focusing on your health habits.
• 10:25 - 12:36: Setting goals and resolutions for your chiropractic business.
• 12:36 - 14:25: Self-integrity and creating boundaries for long-term success.
• 14:25 - 19:04: An introduction to the 2025 90-Day Program.
• 19:04 - 20:15: Outro

Dr. Don’s straightforward approach and actionable tips make this episode a must-listen for chiropractors ready to take their practice to new heights in 2025.

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90 Days Changed Everything: Dr. Ali Miller's Chiropractic Success Story

In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor, Dr. Ali talks about how her passion for helping children and families shaped her journey into chiropractic care. Inspired by her mother’s life-changing experience with chiropractic, Dr. Ali decided to create that same kind of impact for others.

She shares how her early love for working with kids led her to focus on pediatric care. After graduating from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, she opened her Family Health Chiropractic & Wellness practice. She earned additional pediatrics and pregnancy care training through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA).

Dr. Ali also reflects on her experience with the 90-day mentoring program, The Macdonald Safety Corridor Program which she credits as a major turning point for her practice. It gave her the tools to break records and take her business to new levels, all while staying true to her purpose.

Listen as we discuss:

• How Dr. Ali found her calling in family-focused chiropractic care.
• The importance of pediatric and prenatal training in building trust with families.
• How mentorship helped her grow her practice and confidence.
• Her advice for chiropractors looking to make a lasting impact.

Dr. Ali’s story is a great reminder that when you combine passion and focus, you can make a difference in people’s lives and build a practice that you love.

Episode Highlights:
(00:00 - 03:20): Dr. Ali’s Early Inspiration
(03:20 - 12:00): Building a Pediatric Practice
(12:00 - 21:50): How Mentorship Transformed Her Growth
(21:50- 23: 46): Advice for Staying Focused on Your Goals

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