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Welcome to The Informed Chiropractor, the go-to podcast for neurologically based chiropractors who are ready to make chiropractic relevant again. Hosted by Dr. Don MacDonald, a 26+ year chiropractor, speaker, and creator of the MacDonald Safety Corridor Protocol, this show blends vitalistic chiropractic principles with modern neuroscience through the lens of the Polyvagal Theory. Every week, we explore how to shift from a mechanistic model to a salutogenic, nervous system-forward approach that fosters true regulation, coregulation, and healing. Whether you’re navigating burnout, refining your adjusting, or searching for a clearer way to communicate the value of chiropractic, this podcast is your home. You’ll hear interviews with global experts, real talk from Dr. Don and Brandi MacDonald, and actionable tools to build a practice rooted in safety, interoception, and chiropractic certainty. 👉 If you’re a purpose-driven chiropractor who wants to lead with connection, adjust with clarity, and reclaim the art of healing, you’re in the right place. Key themes covered: Neurologically based chiropractic care Chiropractic and the Polyvagal Theory Creating safety and co-regulation in practice Coregulation and the social engagement system The salutogenic model of health Interoception and the nervous system Practice growth without burnout Subscribe now and join thousands of chiropractors worldwide reimagining what’s possible through a nervous system forward practice.
Episodes

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
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.
You can connect with us on other platforms:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinformedchiropractor
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theInformedChiropractor
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