The Informed Chiropractor Podcast

The Safety Sandwich: A Polyvagal Approach to Chiropractic Adjusting

In this solo episode, Dr. Don MacDonald talks about the powerful connections between chiropractic care, the nervous system, and the polyvagal theory. He shares insights from his recent events, including Level Two of the MacDonald Safety Corridor protocol. He explains how his approach continues to evolve through feedback from chiropractors in both North America and Australia.

Dr. Don explains that when babies are born, they cannot self-regulate. They rely on safe, consistent co-regulators, typically a parent, to help develop the part of the nervous system responsible for calmness, connection, and resilience. If someone never had this kind of safety growing up, they may struggle to regulate their nervous system as adults. Interesting right? Chiropractors can unknowingly become the first "safe human" a person encounters, and that has huge implications.

From this lens, he introduces the “Safety Sandwich,” a practical application of polyvagal theory in chiropractic. It’s not a technique on its own, but a way to enhance any technique by placing it inside a regulated, neurologically safe experience. The sandwich begins before the adjustment with tone, environment, posture, and presence, and ends after the thrust, with a calming decompression or breath-based close.

He talked about:

• Your nervous system state changes patient outcomes. Stressed? Your "threat vibes" dilute adjustments.
• Safety vs comfort zones. Push 5% beyond your comfort zone to grow, but stay regulated (like an athlete in "the zone").

He reminds listeners that the Macdonald Safety Corridor is continuously evolving based on practice experience and feedback from real chiropractors. There are more seminars ahead, including one in Amsterdam on September 6th and the Informed Chiropractor Super Conference in Toronto this December.

If you are curious about how the polyvagal theory directly supports and elevates chiropractic work, you can now access a free one-hour intro course on the homepage at theinformedchiropractor.com.

This episode is a powerful reminder that the body doesn’t just respond to what you do, it responds to how you do it. Go watch the video yourself. You will never look at adjusting the same way again.

Audio Timestamp
0:00 -1:12: Development of Co-Regulation and Ventral Vagal System

1:12 - 2:59: Introduction to the Podcast Episode

2:59 - 8:18: The Safety Sandwich and Polyvagal Theory

8:18 - 12:54: Advanced Techniques and Feedback from Chiropractors

12:54 - 14:36: Upcoming Events and Resources

14:36 - 19:10: Co-Regulation and Self-Regulation in Chiropractic Care

19:10 - 21:35: Safety vs. Comfort Zone

21:35 - 23:49: Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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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 #Trends

What Today’s Chiropractic Students Really Think and Why the Future Looks Bright

In this heartfelt and energizing episode of The Informed Chiropractor podcast, Dr. Don Macdonald reconnects with Kyla Butz, a former student intern in his practice and now a rising chiropractic leader preparing to graduate from Palmer College. What starts as a nostalgic catch-up quickly becomes a deep dive into the reality of chiropractic school today, the shift away from vitalism, and the importance of building community, skill, and purpose before stepping into practice.

Kyla shares what it’s really like inside the walls of Palmer, how she went from having zero chiropractic background to falling in love with the philosophy, and why she believes seminars, clubs, and mentorship are the secret weapons of chiropractic success.

We discussed:

• How seminar culture is growing and transforming chiropractic education
  
  
• Why early technique training gives students a huge advantage in clinic and post-grad
  
  
• What it takes to develop leadership and confidence through adjusting clubs like KTC
  
  
• How the polyvagal lens is helping students understand safety, tone, and true patient care
  
  
• The power of safe environments from adjusting rooms to classroom culture
  
  
• Real stories of mentorship that fuel the next generation of principled chiropractors
  
  

Whether you are a student chiropractor, a seasoned doc, or someone wondering what the future of this profession looks like, this episode will fill your tank.

Kyla’s story and experience proves that the next generation of chiropractors isn’t just ready... they are rising with heart, hands, and a vision that goes far beyond the spine.
Go watch the video yourself, this conversation will remind you why you fell in love with chiropractic in the first place.

 

Audio Timestamp
0:00 - 1:31: Seminars and Student Engagement

1:31 - 5:40:  Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

5:40- 10:26: Kyla's Journey to Chiropractic School

10:26 - 14:22: Navigating Chiropractic School and Philosophy

14:22 - 18:30: Kairos Training Culture (KTC) and Personal Growth

18:30 - 20:32: The Importance of Seminars and Community

 

20:32 -22:51: Challenges and Opportunities in Chiropractic Education

 

22:51 - 23:05: Preparing for Practice and Future Goals

 

23:05 - 24:33: The Impact of Chiropractic Education on Personal Development

24:33 - 26:22: Experiences from Level One Seminar
26:22 - 28:41: Implementing Techniques in Practice

28:41 - 30:08: Winning a Scholarship from CNAC

30:08 - 32:08: Importance of Mentorship and Community

32:08 - 35:28: Final Words of Wisdom

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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

How to Attract More Chiropractic Patients Using Smart Video Content & Trust-Building Strategies

Are you a chiropractor trying to grow your practice but feel overwhelmed by marketing options? In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor, we diversified a little to help practice members, as we talked about modern strategies that actually bring new patients through your doors.

Joined by chiropractic marketing expert Billy Sticker, we explore how short-form video content, office tour videos, and simple FAQ-style reels can build trust and reduce the fear that keeps people from booking their first visit. We also connect this approach to the polyvagal theory, showing how creating a sense of neurological safety can make or break that first impression.
Here is a highlight or a sneak peek into what we talked about.

• Why 40-second vertical videos outperform long intros (and how to make them)
  
  
• How platforms like Facebook and Instagram use AI to get your content in front of your ideal patients
  
  
• Why an office tour video can help ease the nervous system and increase show-up rates
  
  
• The power of creating a pre-visit video library to shorten the report of findings and save your team time
  
  
• How real chiropractors have grown from $30k/month to seven-figure practices with simple, authentic content
  
  
• New AI tools that answer your phones, qualify leads, and even help you stay HIPAA-compliant
  
  
• Why your content doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to show who you are
  
  

If you have ever asked, “How do I get more chiropractic patients through social media?” or “How do I use AI without losing my mind (or license)?” this episode is for you. With the world evolving, so must our practice too. Whether you are brand new to video or just need a better strategy, this conversation will inspire you to take the first step.
  Go watch the episode yourself, and start building trust before a patient ever walks through your doors.

Ready to turn your clinic into a local sensation? Watch the full episode to see Billy’s AI hacks and video tricks in action, Your next viral reel is just one click away


Audio Timestamp
00:00 - 02:14: Introduction to the Informed Chiropractor Podcast
02:14 - 02:45: Billy Sticker's Background and Transition to Chiropractic Marketing
02:45 - 07:23: Evolution of Marketing Services Offered by Chiro Candy
07:23 - 09:14: Tips for Chiropractors on Social Media and Video Marketing
09:14 - 14:36:Advanced Marketing Strategies Using AI and Video
14:36 - 18:27: Differences Between Horizontal and Vertical Videos
18:27 - 21:56: Consistency and Relevance in Posting
21:56 - 23:03: Targeting and AI in Advertising
23:03 - 26:26: Types of Video Content for Chiropractors
26:26 - 28:37: Polyvagal Theory and Neurological Safety
28:37 - 34:06: Pre-Appointment Content and Patient Education
34:06 - 40:12: AI Tools and Automation in Practice
40:12 - 40:35: Balancing AI and Manual Processes
40:35 - 43:18: Chiropractic Marketing Strategies
43:18 - 45:11: Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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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 #Engagement #Viral #Trends #Trendz

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

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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#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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