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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 Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
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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