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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
Wednesday Apr 17, 2019
Wednesday Apr 17, 2019
Summary
The chiropractic profession seems to be under fire lately, all around the globe. Bad press, passionate politicians, and other medical practitioners have their own reasons for criticism. So, how we respond to the adversity will be what defines us. There are effective strategies for handling difficult conversations especially when they are emotionally charged. Let’s use these encounters as an opportunity for growth and connection with the people we serve.
Today, Martin Harvey supplies us with communication strategies to change adverse, even unfavorable perceptions within moments. These tried and true, affirming practices go beyond logic and leave an emotional impression of understanding and trust. Both amiable and drivers will find benefit in these strategies.
During this episode, Martin discusses examples of how to manage your emotions and react when approached with a difficult topic, how to create connection by asking permission before you share your beliefs, and a technique that can change people’s perceptions.
Key Takeaways:
- ● How to create opportunities when bad press brings you challenges. [1:50]
- ● Don’t go unhinged: Strategies for managing your emotions. [5:58]
- ● Establish credibility and connection before stating your case. [14:44]
- ● How to ask permission before offering your perspective. [23:10]
- ● Yes, and — Using your power to move a person toward a different perception. [31:23]
- ● Chiropractic has the potential to change the health of the world. [40:26]
- Learn More:
- Inside Out Practices
- The Shift Unplugged Seminar — Gold Coast May 31 - June 1
- Dr. Don McDonald
- The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
- @DrDonMacDonald on Twitter
- Dr. Don MacDonald on Facebook
Wednesday Apr 10, 2019
Wednesday Apr 10, 2019
Summary
How important are referrals in growing your practice? For most of us, the answer is: very important. If you live in Australia where chiropractors face restrictions such as the inability to advertise, no use of testimonials or case studies, qualified referrals can be the lifeblood of your practice. So, what are the best practices to gain the right kind of referrals without taking time away from your patient care?
Today, Craig Foote share tips from The Art of Inspiring Referrals program he designed as part of his Chiropractic Flight School resource. The resource includes videos, an online library, and in-person workshops loaded with information to assist chiropractors and their staff to further their skills and grow their practices.
During this episode, Craig discusses the current political environment for chiropractic in Australia, tips for inspiring current clients to become qualified referrers, and the framework for research funding and the current activities of The Spinal Research Foundation of Australia
Key Takeaways:
- Craig describes the current restrictive state of chiropractic in Australia. [2:16]
- The current guidelines for chiropractors in Australia vary state by state. [12:44]
- Even when things are difficult, it is change that brings about growth. [16:17]
- Craig shares tips from his The Art of Inspiring Referrals program. [17:55]
- The vision and structure of Australia’s Spinal Research Foundation. [38:36]
Learn More:
Australia's Spinal Research Foundation
The Shift Unplugged Seminar — Gold Coast May 31 - June 1
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
Wednesday Apr 03, 2019
Wednesday Apr 03, 2019
Summary
When your profession chooses you it is imperative you stay on course no matter what tries to slow you down. Whether it be a life-changing illness or a major setback, the will to continue on your quest will determine how clients perceive you and your ability to alter their health for the better.
Today, Sabrina shares her journey of becoming a chiropractor. Her teenage years were strife with debilitating headaches until a family friend recommended a chiropractor. Within months of treatments, her pain was relieved and her new life path became clear. She would study chiropractic and serve people the way she had been served. And, later when Lyme disease threatened her vitality, how she holistically got rid of it.
During this episode, Sabrina discusses her less than optimum chiropractic college experience, the speakers and students who made a lasting impact on her, the disease no one thought she would overcome, how her love of public speaking helped grow her business, and what inspired her to promote her favorite Brandi bombs.
Get your free ‘6-Steps for Increasing Your Retention in a Vitalistic Model’ download from TheVitalityShift.com!
Key Takeaways:
- Sabrina suffered for years with chronic headaches until a chiropractic experience changed her life. [1:29]
- Even though the subject matter was lacking, Sabrina found inspiration in guest speakers and in other students during her years in chiropractic college. [7:07]
- After two associate positions, Sabrina opened her current practice and beat the pavement by public speaking and offering free health classes to get clients. [17:28]
- How to tap into your client’s network to gain new clients. [22:16]
- How Sabrina rid herself of Lyme disease through natural healthcare practices. [27:21]
- What motivated Sabrina to help compile Brandi’s Facebook posts into the book, Sipping Brandi. [45:09]
Learn More:
The Shift Unplugged Seminar — Gold Coast May 31 - June 1
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
Wednesday Mar 27, 2019
Wednesday Mar 27, 2019
Are you making an impact in other people’s lives? The impact you make is your value. And, promoting your value should be an integral part of marketing and branding strategy. When you promote your value clients don’t feel as if you are selling to them, they see you as solving their problems. Isn’t it nice to feel valued by clients for the work you do?
Today, I have an amazing underdog story to share with you. Steve Sims joins me on the podcast to discuss his journey from an unsatisfied bricklayer to completely content world-class concierge. He is the Founder of Bluefish, a company that is known for getting the affluent whatever they want whenever they want it.
During this episode, Steve shares how he helps people do the impossible, how he created his own business without realizing it, and his advice for growing a business.
Get your free ‘6-Steps for Increasing Your Retention in a Vitalistic Model’ download from TheVitalityShift.com!
Key Takeaways:
- ● Steve describes his journey of never accepting something that brought him discomfort. [1:52]
- ● How Steve became ‘The Man that Can’ with his own concierge company. [9:10]
- ● Steve wrote Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen to help entrepreneurs get out of their own way. [14:31]
- ● The best sales technique is to solve, not sell.[20:31]
- ● How to connect with the clients you want. [30:30]
- Learn More:
- Steve D. Sims Website
- Text ‘SIMS’ to 345345 to connect with Steve
- The Art of Making Things Happen Podcast
- The Shift Unplugged Seminar — Gold Coast May 31 - June 1
- Dr. Don McDonald
- The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
- @DrDonMacDonald on Twitter
- Dr. Don MacDonald on Facebook
Wednesday Mar 20, 2019
Wednesday Mar 20, 2019
What do you think of when you hear the word rigid? As a Chiropractor, you probably visualize the adjustments necessary to bring someone into alignment. But what if the inflexibility, the rigidity exists in the mind? We move past barriers by setting a discipline. Then, we are able to create space for ourselves and explore our creativity, create new habits, and live in flow.
What rituals have you settled into that no longer serve you or your practice?
Today, my wife, Brandi MacDonald rejoins the podcast. Brandi is a speaker, author, and coach. Her soon to be released book, Sipping Brandi, is a collection of her Facebook posts and blogs written for Chiropractors and their staff. She helps Chiropractors to break free of what is blocking their personal growth and the growth of their practice.
During this episode, Brandi and I share the highlights from the Shift Unplugged Phoenix, details about the upcoming Shift Unplugged in the Gold Coast, the Sipping Brandi book launch, and our take on the obstacles to overcome from the book, Flow.
Key Takeaways:
- Highlights from Shift Unplugged in Phoenix: Making connections with like-minded people, sourcing wisdom, and support for Chiropractors. [1:08]
- Tips on how to create a space for creativity by setting disciplines. [7:59]
- Reviewing the Three Veils to Overcome from Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s book, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. [14:32]
- What Chiropractors can expect from the upcoming Shift Unplugged in the Gold Coast, Australia. [28:55]
- Sipping Brandi is a compilation of Brandi’s Facebook posts and blogs designed for neurologically-focused Chiropractors and their staff. [32:21]
Learn More:
The Shift Unplugged Seminar — Gold Coast May 31 - June 1
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
Wednesday Mar 13, 2019
Wednesday Mar 13, 2019
What is unique about chiropractic care? How you answer this question defines the success of chiropractors everywhere. Because without our philosophy we are nothing. Every person under your care deserves your best intention. It is through you that their quality of life will improve.
Today, we welcome Dr. Donald Francis back to the podcast. Currently practicing in Scotland, Dr. Francis is a Palmer College graduate who is continuously researching and applying new techniques, including Sacro Occipital Technique, to enhance his patient’s condition and care plan. Many of his clients who are suffering from incurable illnesses have seen noticeable improvements since being adjusted.
During this episode, Dr. Francis shares his desire to empower chiropractors to confidently assess and adjust their clients, real patient success stories, and why some might consider him a dirty, rotten, Vitalistic Chiropractor.
Key Takeaways:
- Dr. Francis sings the praises of Palmer Chiropractic College Technique Department. [2:38]
- Most chiropractors go through a ‘technique’ evolution. [9:44]
- People with ALS, NMD, Parkinsons, and other incurable illnesses have experienced significant improvements after adjustments. [16:14]
- Dr. Francis uses SOT principles when applying the technical process of moving cranial spinal fluid and dura mater membranes. [28:20]
- Mastering the Adjustment of Complex Segments is a seminar in the UK that equips chiropractors with the confidence to assess and adjust. [43:19]
Learn More:
Dr. Donald Francis - Podcast Episode #1, June 6, 2018
Mastering the Adjustment of Complex Segments Seminar, UK
The Shift Unplugged Seminar — Gold Coast June 2019
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
Wednesday Mar 06, 2019
Wednesday Mar 06, 2019
Summary
Little things can make a big difference in how you show up in your practice. If you want to provide the best care for your patients, take care of yourself first. Getting sufficient restful sleep, slowing down, and replenishing your energy will help you deliver high-quality care and more closely align with what you want your practice to reflect.
Today, we welcome Dr. Laura Foster who practices in Newmarket Ontario. Her 20-year Chiropractic career started at Palmer College of Chiropractic and through determination and grassroots efforts she created a successful family practice. In addition, she facilitates wellness retreats in mind-blowingly peaceful destinations like Costa Rica and Rock Mountain in British Columbia.
During this episode, Dr. Foster shares how she knew Chiropractic was the only practice for her, her experience with the Chiropractic Leadership Alliance, and how she staves off burn out through self-care.
Key Takeaways:
- After an injury during medical school, Laura ‘found’ Chiropractic more welcoming than the sanitized hospital environment. [1:24]
- The importance of being able to shift the way you think about Chiropractic. [6:16]
- Dr. Foster realized the importance of getting adjustments and keeping herself well during her apprenticeship as she served a large number of patients. [9:05]
- Dr. Foster shares her experience with the Chiropractic Leadership Alliance Program. [15:37]
- Getting out of the office and knocking on doors was the key to Dr. Foster growing her business. [18:35]
- How to turn desperation energy or burn out into a success story. [25:59]
- Dr. Foster created Soul Inspired Retreats to blend her love of serving people with her love of travel. [35:40]
Learn More:
Dr. Laura Foster Retreats & More
Chiropractic Leadership Alliance Program
The Shift Unplugged Seminar — Gold Coast June 2019
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
Wednesday Feb 27, 2019
Wednesday Feb 27, 2019
Being in service and healing others is the philosophical foundation of chiropractic care. But for some, growing a practice and making as much money as possible can muddle the nature of our profession. Burn out can creep up on those who have forgotten their purpose, or the why behind their predilection for Chiropractic.
Today, we welcome Dr. Patrick Sim who practices in Adelaide Australia. Dr. Sim believes all chiropractors should be in service to their patients and paying it forward. So much so, that he helped to create the Australian Chiropractic College Initiative.
During this episode, Dr. Sim describes the lure of bio-geometric integration, the roadblocks he and other chiropractors face in Australia, and what led him into politics and ultimately to create an educational facility that focuses on healing, not churning out pain-based chiropractors.
Key Takeaways:
- Sports and social events dominated Dr. Sim's university life while chiropractic didn't become his focus until after joining a practice. [1:51]
- Applying the chiropractic philosophy through adjustments to patients allowed Dr. Sim to see the difference he was making in people's lives. [10:06]
- Dr. Sim attracted patients through local advertising, but by far the largest contributor to the growth of his business was word of mouth. [14:52]
- Getting back to the primary principle of being in service to others kept burnout at bay. [17:27]
- In an effort to protect the true nature of chiropractic care, Dr. Sim helped to create the Australian Chiropractic College Initiative. [19:37]
- What can a chiropractor do to help the ACC initiative? [35:27]
Learn More:
The Australian Chiropractic College Initiative
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
At times, people tend to be this other person that people want them to be. One can’t fully embrace or be in their top shape for their practice or profession if they’re not themselves. They worry too much of what other people would say instead of living their life for themselves. We have only one life and the best way to live it is to be you.
On this episode, we have Dr. Sharon Dongarra. She graduated from Life University in 2010. She is currently practicing in Baltimore and specializes with kids.
Dr. Sharon talks about how chiropractic had helped with her depression and it paved the way for her to pursue the practice. She also shares how she deals with anxiety and gives advice on being true to oneself. Get all the resources for this episode and listen to more at http://www.drdonmacdonald.com/
Wednesday Jan 23, 2019
Wednesday Jan 23, 2019
Age is just a number as a lot of people would say. Sometimes, people would hesitate to venture out or take risks because they think they’re old or too young for it. Let not age hinder what we want to achieve. It is not the basis for one’s success. Live the dream that you aim for.
On this episode, we have Dr. Ben Purcell. He graduated from Macquarie University in 2008 and is currently practicing in Australia.
Dr. Ben talks about how he got into Chiropractic. He shares his journey into his successful practice. He also shares what has changed when he took the shift. Get all the resources for this episode and listen to more at http://www.drdonmacdonald.com/