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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
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
🎙 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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