274.5K
Downloads
203
Episodes
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
Dec 11, 2019
Dec 11, 2019
58 min
In this co-hosted episode, Dr. Don and Brandi MacDonald set out to help chiropractors increase their vitality, at home and in their practice. After working together for more than a decade, the duo has learned a thing or two about collaboration and planning. They both have distinct personality types that when used together propel them forward into an efficient and competent team. Their list of five things you should stop doing to be successful can be used as guidelines to make you and your practice happier, healthier, and wealthier.
After listening to this episode, you will have a better understanding of why it is important to change spaces when performing planning exercises, why making substantial decisions should be easy, and how to limit your non-intentional conversations to increase your productivity.
Key Takeaways:
- The 5 things you must stop in 2020 to increase your vitality as a chiropractor. [2:03]
- Indecisiveness [2:03]
- Self-doubt [21:50]
- Fear [26:32]
- Procrastinating [33:01]
- Non-intentional conversation [38:47]
- The process and intended results of a planning weekend. [45:49]
- An excerpt from Sipping Brandi read by Brandi. [49:35]
Learn More:
Dec 4, 2019
Dec 4, 2019
41 min
Host, Dr. Don MacDonald heads East to Winnipeg to speak with chiropractor and podcast host, Dr. Richard Ledda. Dr. Ledda explains the life events that led him to choose a career in chiropractic instead of ‘traditional’ medicine like some family members had done. He is a graduate of Northwestern Health Sciences University and the host of The Chiro Inspired Podcast. Rich shares poignant advice for recent graduates of chiropractic college and for those considering chiropractic as a profession.
During this episode, Rich shares the obesity and metabolic challenges he faced as a teen, how he deals with burnout, how he grew his practice, and his plans to grow his practice after reaching a plateau.
Key Takeaways:
- Rich grew up as an unhealthy, overweight kid but it wasn’t until his dad died that he made a change and decided chiropractic was his way forward. [2:43]
- Northwestern Health Sciences University provided Rich with a roundhouse of chiropractic philosophies and techniques. [8:10]
- Rich’s advice to students and new chiropractic graduates. [14:22]
- To grow his practice, Rich leaned into a relationship with his mentor, making the most of his systems and networks. [18:03]
- How Rich deals with burnout and maintains focus on his family when his practice feels overwhelming. [24:10]
- How the idea for The Chiro Inspired Podcast took root and what Rich has discovered by doing it. [27:56]
- If Rich could do it all over again he would tell himself to prepare for the worst but expect the best. [35:56]
Learn More:
Nov 27, 2019
Nov 27, 2019
59 min
Host, Dr. Don MacDonald heads to Boston Massachusetts to speak with Chiropractor and Educator, Dr. Martin Rosen. Dr. Rosen has led his local practice for 37-years. He has also toured, extensively teaching his unique version of a Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), his chiropractic philosophy, and about pediatric care. He has mastered his craft and has written several books about his experiences. He wholeheartedly believes chiropractors should receive adjustments as often as their patients and reminds them to speak their truth.
During this episode, Martin shares his chiropractic philosophy, how he manages the finances within his practice, and sage advice to chiropractors who have not yet found their footing.
Key Takeaways:
- When Martin discovered practicing law wasn’t for him he decided to practice chiropractic. [2:32]
- Why Martin chose to practice the Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT). [11:12]
- How Martin and his wife add practice members, get referrals and coordinate outreach programs. [18:20]
- Chiropractors should do unto others only if they do unto themselves. [24:00]
- How to handle the finances in your chiropractic practice. [34:23]
- Martin shares what drew him to become an educator and his favorite things to teach. [40:55]
- Martin’s advice for others based on his years of experience. [49:43]
Learn More:
Nov 20, 2019
Nov 20, 2019
46 min
Host, Dr. Don MacDonald goes back to the motherland to visit Dr. Destiny Krogsgaard in Kent, England. Destiny was called into chiropractic without ever having an adjustment. Her mother’s chiropractic experience was so transformative, Destiny knew from a young age that she wanted to help others heal themselves. Disillusionment crept in after her college experience and early associate positions only involved the mechanistic model. Then, at just the right time she attended a training that changed her focus and helped her regain purpose.
During this episode, Destiny shares her truths about being in a relationship with another chiropractor who didn’t share her views, the toll that working in a way that didn’t align with her took on her physically and emotionally, and her advice for other chiropractors who may be stewing in uncomfortability.
Key Takeaways:
- Destiny was called to chiropractic because of her mother’s experience. When she joined chiropractic college she had never been adjusted. [1:35]
- Several life events led Destiny back to an associate position but she knew there had to be something more. [7:09]
- After attending classes in neurologically-based Chiropractic training, things started coming together for Destiny but her husband, a chiropractor, wasn’t moving in the same direction. [11:48]
- With so many new options and ideas presenting themselves, Destiny was overwhelmed and exhausted. She decided to open her own practice. [19:40]
- Destiny’s advice is to find like-minded people you can connect with and learn from. [36:23]
Learn More:
Nov 13, 2019
Nov 13, 2019
46 min
Host, Dr. Don MacDonald speaks to a returning podcast guest, Dr. Alison Young from Queensland, Australia. Alison shares important lessons she learned from constantly attending seminars and committing herself to lifelong learning. These are principles you can implement in your practice and toward your personal development. Alison reflects on the core philosophy of who she is, what she believes in, and how her beliefs have shifted.
During this episode, you’ll hear about why paying attention to the business side of your practice will keep you and your practice healthier, the state of chiropractic in Australia and how the chiropractic community there came together, and the results of shifting into the vitality model.
Key Takeaways:
- Ali explains the changes she has made that have led to the massive growth of her practice and her personal development work. [2:22]
- Ali recommends pre-planning business expenses and performing a profit analysis that includes the cost per visit. [7:46]
- How Ali finds peace during her off hours and connects with her family. [12:14]
- Shifting to the life model allowed Ali to better relate to her practice members who are parents. [25:36]
- The Chiropractic Assistant (CA) in Ali’s office takes care of many aspects of the practice member’s visit leaving Ali more time to spend connecting with her practice members. [33:04]
- The current state of chiropractic in Australia. [36:35]
Learn More:
Nov 6, 2019
Nov 6, 2019
35 min
Host, Dr. Don MacDonald heads over to merry old England to speak with a Danish chiropractor who moved countries to follow her calling to become a healer. After years of struggling with the purpose of the pain-based, mechanistic model, Dr. Jane Hvas knew chiropractic could provide so much more to her practice members. She embraces the Vitalistic model 100% and since she has shifted, it has given her and her practice new energy.
During this episode, you’ll hear about Dr. Hvas’ multi-national chiropractic education, what other coaches could and couldn’t do for her and her practice, and the advice she gives other chiropractors who haven’t yet shifted.
Key Takeaways:
● Jane knew she would one day become a healer but her mother’s chiropractic experience is what led her to chiropractic. [2:08]
● Jane was entrenched in fear and stuck in survival mode as there were no outlets for Vitalistic care. [6:04]
● Jane knew deep down that a chiropractor could offer more than pain relief and the impatient practice member that almost caused her to retire. [13:46]
● The benefits of coaching and attending the Vitality Shift. [20:19]
● Dealing with her burn-out was a major struggle and major accomplishment for Jane. [28:46]
● Jane’s advice for shifters and newbies, get clear about your chiropractic philosophy. [30:20]
Learn More:
Penkridge Chiropractic Clinic
Vitality Shift Website
True Concept Seminars
Dr. Don MacDonald
@DrDonMacDonald on Twitter
Oct 30, 2019
Oct 30, 2019
38 min
Host, Dr. Don MacDonald speaks with the President of the London, Ontario Chiropractic Society, Dr. Michelle Campbell. Michelle, like many chiropractors, was an athlete who was introduced to chiropractic to heal her body from the punishment of being a competitive figure skater. In addition to the significant relief she felt after treatments, she had a moment of clarity and felt destined to pursue chiropractic as a profession. After graduating from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), she worked as a Locum until an illness in the family led her to the place where she would open her practice.
During this episode, you’ll hear about Michelle’s experience at the Transformer’s Mastermind, her advice for newly graduated chiropractors, and how she dealt with significant life events while being a solo practitioner.
Key Takeaways:
Michelle shares how she was introduced to chiropractic and the moment when she knew it would be her career. [1:08]
- After graduating from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), Michelle worked as a Locum until she decided where she wanted to settle down and start her practice. [10:28]
- Michelle shares how she managed being a mother and starting a new practice, and the mistakes she made. [17:22]
- Michelle learned the hard way that the mind and body need time to recover after significant life events. [21:00]
- Michelle shares the highlights, insights, and breakthroughs she experienced as a result of attending the Transformation Mastermind. [27:25]
- Remove the worry from your life, slow down and enjoy the ride are Michelle’s words of wisdom for other chiropractors. [34:55]
Learn More:
Oct 16, 2019
Oct 16, 2019
1hr 10 sec
Host, Dr. Don MacDonald speaks with long-time friend, colleague, and Vitality Shifter, Dr. Dan Fisher. At the age of nine, Dan experienced a surprisingly painful growth spurt. A chiropractor who was treating Dan’s brother at the time started treating Dan as well. After a month of chiropractic care and the total alleviation of pain, Dan was hooked. The chiropractor recommended Dan dedicate his life to chiropractic. Dr. Dan is currently in his 29th year as a chiropractor. His practice in Vegreville, Alberta is thriving due to the lessons he learned along the way, including some powerful financial ones.
During this episode, you’ll hear about Dr. Dan’s time at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), a partnership that turned sour, the seminars and coaching he has participated in, and how knowing his business led to hundreds of dollars in monthly savings.
Key Takeaways:
● The inspirational figure who encouraged Dr. Dan to become a chiropractor. [2:42]
● Dan describes his experience at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). [9:19]
● A business lesson: Chiropractors are colleagues, not competitors. [15:28]
● Parker seminars, Total Solutions, and the difference of the Vitality Shift. [22:59]
● Dan’s advice for new chiropractors or those wanting to inject authenticity into their practice. [35:36]
● How Dr. Dan shifted his finances to lower the overhead of his practice. [40:37]
● How Dr. Dan utilizes the Vitality Shift in his Canadian practice. [49:39]
Learn More:
Vitality Shift Website
True Concept Seminars
Dr. Don MacDonald
@DrDonMacDonald on Twitter
Fisher Chiropractic on Facebook
Oct 9, 2019
Oct 9, 2019
38 min
Host, Dr. Don MacDonald heads just South of Dublin Ireland to speak with a married couple who share a chiropractic practice. Since joining the Vitality Shift, Marie and John Osborne are taking a new approach to their practice and their lives. By overcoming their limiting beliefs and technique-driven practice member care they have flourished by focusing on their personal well-being so they can better serve their practice members. Even though they have minimized the number of offices they have, they have maximized their potential.
During this episode, you’ll hear how John overcame the all too common practice of self-sabotage to create a deeper connection with his practice members, the steps Marie has taken to nurture herself so she isn’t running on empty, and how they delegate tasks based on strengths to keep the office running smoothly.
Key Takeaways:
Chiropractic ignited something in Marie but she took the long road to becoming a chiropractor. [1:53]
John knew he wanted to be a chiropractor after his first adjustment, it was the philosophy that drew him in. [5:50]
With three chiropractic offices, John continuing his work as an apprentice, and new babies in the house, the couple knew something needed to shift. [10:23]
Marie explains the limiting beliefs that led to her identity crisis. [14:35]
John realizes self-sabotage and lack of connection with his patients was holding him back in his practice. [19:03]
John and Marie explain their lives and practices before and after Vitality Shift. [25:54]
Lessons learned and advice for chiropractors. [33:55]
Learn More:
Oct 2, 2019
Oct 2, 2019
42 min
Welcome to the ‘new’ Vitality Shift podcast. This passion project was born out of our desire to assist chiropractors in making the necessary mindset shifts to achieve success and move to the next level. After over 100 episodes of the Breaking the Underdog Curse podcast, we decided to shift gears from focusing on the external factors that affect chiropractors and their practices and commence focusing on the internal elements that contribute to positive results and outcomes.
In this premiere episode, Dr. Don and Brandi expound on the content in the Transformers Mastermind including becoming aware of the past programming that could be keeping you stuck, the connection between your identity and beliefs, and achieving a state of ease.
Key Takeaways:
- ● Why Breaking the Underdog Curse is rebranded into the Vitality Shift for Chiropractors. [1:38]
- ● The Transformers Mastermind and the connection between your identity and your beliefs when moving to the next level. [7:26]
- ● Fray your limiting beliefs and generational patterns. [18:29]
- ● Become aware of your programming and then use your will to overpower it. [29:04]
- ● Surrender and achieving a state of ease. [32:36]
- ● The 3 levels of thinking. [36:14]
- Learn More:
- Vitality Shift Website
- True Concept Seminars
- Dr. Don MacDonald
- @DrDonMacDonald on Twitter