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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 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/
Wednesday Jan 16, 2019
Wednesday Jan 16, 2019
Almost everyone wants to get quick results or outcome in any given situation. This is a human condition though. However, there are certain situations that this doesn't really apply. Sometimes we need to learn to delay gratification. In delaying gratification, we may be able to fully get the results that we are expecting. This may not be easy but it can be learned.
On this episode, we have Brandi MacDonald. She talks about the importance of objective findings in easing the frustration of both the patients and chiropractors when results are not seen and how objective findings can help with delaying gratification. Get all the resources for this episode and listen to more at http://www.drdonmacdonald.com/
Wednesday Jan 09, 2019
Wednesday Jan 09, 2019
Sometimes, people don't say what they want. At times, these are influenced by the people that surround them. People may want a certain thing because everybody wants it or everybody’s doing it. In doing so, we may not feel genuine happiness once we accomplished it. It’s best to be clear on what we really want.
On this episode, we have Dr. Craig Hazel. He graduated from Parker College of Chiropractic in 2004. He is currently the president of the AFC (Alliance for Chiropractic in Ontario).
Dr. Craig talks about how he was able to discover chiropractic and his journey to become a chiropractor. He also shares about his experiences when he was starting out with his practice and how he managed to grow his practice. He also talks about his leadership in the AFC. Get all the resources for this episode and listen to more at http://www.drdonmacdonald.com/
Wednesday Jan 02, 2019
Wednesday Jan 02, 2019
Growth in different aspects of a person does not end. It may pertain to personality, emotions, or even way of thinking. What is important is there is the willingness to grow. For some people, confidence is really hard to grow. However, with the help of the people that surrounds you and most importantly, it should come from yourself.
On this episode, we have Dr. Pier Tierney, who is originally from Canada. She completed her degree in Chiropractic in Australia in 2009.
Dr. Pier talks about how she got into chiropractic. She shares about being able to balance the practice and avoiding burn out. She also shares about gaining confidence. Get all the resources for this episode and listen to more at http://www.drdonmacdonald.com/
Wednesday Dec 26, 2018
Wednesday Dec 26, 2018
For some people who are starting their practice, you can begin with a small practice. You don’t have to start with a big practice right away.
Starting with a small practice lets you grow your practice with you. You may experience struggles and trials while growing the practice and this is normal. These experiences will surely help you in your practice or personal life later on.
On this episode, we have Dr. Theo Koenen. He graduated from Parker College of Chiropractic in 1999 and he’ll be hosting a big seminar in Portugal.
Dr. Theo talks about how his chiropractic practice started. He shares his journey in growing his practice and provides ways on how not to experience burn out. Get all the resources for this episode and listen to more at http://www.drdonmacdonald.com/