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Dive into the vibrant world of chiropractic care through a Polyvagal Lens with ”The Informed Chiropractor.” Hosted by Dr. Don MacDonald, this illuminating series explores chiropractic’s vitalistic and salutogenic models through the insightful lens of the Polyvagal Theory. Each episode offers a blend of engaging interviews with industry experts and personal reflections on chiropractic’s foundational principles. Here, we unravel the keys to human health, wellness, and innate potential, bridging the time-tested truths of chiropractic practice with cutting-edge neuroscientific understanding of the Polyvagal Theory. Whether you’re a seasoned chiropractor seeking to refine your approach or a student eager to tap into the roots and future of chiropractic care, this podcast promises to enlighten, challenge, and inspire. Join us on a transformative journey as we explore the nuances, challenges, and triumphs of a practice dedicated to unlocking the body’s inherent vitality through the quest for Safety through a Polyvagal Lens.
Episodes
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
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.
You can connect with us on other platforms:
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 #Healthpractice
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