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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
Aug 7, 2019
Aug 7, 2019
1hr 47 sec
If you are one of the many chiropractors who is ready to make a change in your practice, or you have implemented changes in your practice but are not yet realizing the results, perhaps you need to make a shift. If your practice is a direct reflection of you, what can you do to shift your mindset, shift your business practices, or shift your belief system?
In this final episode, Brandi shares a top ten list of the qualities and behaviors that chiropractors who blow up their practice embody. She gives specific examples of what works and why. If you are ready to make a shift in your life and your practice these tips can guide you through it.
Key Takeaways:
The top 10 traits of chiropractors who blow up their practice:
- They focus on more, not less. [15:58]
- They value action over analysis even when it feels uncomfortable. [21:02]
- They work on personal barriers including health, toxicity in relationships, staff dynamics, and emotional chaos. [23:17]
- They don’t own a number which owns their capacity. [30:39]
- Adaptation is their superpower. [35:40]
- They know marketing is a simple tool to serve more, not a creepy sales tactic. [38:23]
- They view their practice as game #7 sports all the time. [41:40]
- Each person that has succeeded has found a tribe, not just lip service. [42:51]
- They become consistently consistent, no matter how boring the grind is. [47:46]
- Comfortability is their nemesis. [51:21]
Learn More:
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
Jul 31, 2019
Jul 31, 2019
56 min
The future of healing may be vitalistic chiropractic care but without additional research and funding the world may never realize the potential benefits. Vitalistic chiropractic is at a stage of growth and it is necessary for our community to band together to promote the scientific research that is at the core of our professional beliefs.
In this very special interview, we welcome renowned chiropractor, neurophysiologist and author, Dr. Heidi Haavik to the podcast. Dr. Haavik graduated from New Zealand Chiropractic College where she currently holds the position of Director of Research. Her award-winning research in vitalistic chiropractic is paving the way for a new generation of Ph.D. students and the study of the effect subluxation has on the brain.
During this podcast episode, we discuss how we as chiropractors can fund future research specifically focusing on the vitalistic model, how the vitalistic model compares to the mechanical model, and the effect subluxation has on the brain and central nervous system.
Key Takeaways:
- ● Dr. Haavik discusses her family history in medicine and the early days at New Zealand Chiropractic College. [1:25]
- ● Dr. Haavik discovered she had a natural gift for healing and research. [5:46]
- ● Early research in the vitalistic model deepened the understanding of the link between subluxation and the brain. [17:22]
- ● Why the mechanistic chiropractic model is so limited in scope. [22:34]
- ● Does Heidi ever feel like she is plagued by the Underdog Curse? [30:29]
- ● Dr. Haavik discusses the new studies and clinical trials that have her excited right now.[34:50]
- ● Learn more about the Adopt a Ph.D. Student Program. [41:27]
- Learn More:
- Dr. Heidi Haavik
- Reality Check
- Vitality Shift Website
- True Concept Seminars
- Dr. Don MacDonald
- The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
- @DrDonMacDonald on Twitter
- Dr. Don MacDonald on Facebook
Jul 10, 2019
Jul 10, 2019
54 min
The belief system behind vitalistic chiropractic is the anchor that keeps us steadfast. It drives our purpose. It is the reason we do what we do. It allows us to maintain our dignity and it ensures we provide high-quality care no other medical therapy is able to offer. But when leaders in our profession waver on the true purpose of our work it can muddy the waters of our mission. Dedicated vitalistic professionals who carry our voices into the political arena need our support.
To speak with someone who is on the front line of chiropractic innovation, we head down south to Marietta, Georgia USA to absorb the wisdom of Life University, President, Dr. Rob Scott. Dr. Scott is a Canadian who ventured to the U.S. to get a fresh start and open an existing practice. He furthered his education to expand and refresh his belief in the body’s ability to self-regulate and to heal itself. His deeper philosophical vision has sustained his position as one of the leaders in maintaining vitalistic standards in chiropractic.
During this podcast episode, we discuss how to best market vitalistic chiropractic care, the underlying philosophical conversations chiropractors should be having, how to beat burnout by immersing yourself in child’s play, and what it is like to shift from running a private practice to working for a chiropractic university.
Key Takeaways:
- ● Dr. Scott describes how he was introduced to chiropractic and the underlying philosophical conversation he engaged in. [2:56]
- ● The biggest challenges Dr. Scott faces working at Life University versus owning and running his private chiropractic practice. [13:41]
- ● To avoid burnout and rejuvenate his spirit, Dr. Scott participates in coaching youth sports. [16:52]
- ● The concept of vitalism and what Life University is doing to grow vitalistic chiropractic. [20:05]
- ● As President of Life University Dr. Scott keeps the conversation focused on the meaningful difference of chiropractic care. [27:30]
- ● How chiropractors can market subluxation and the scientific evidence of vitalistic healthcare. [33:06]
- ● Dr. Scott shares the different ways prospective students or mentors can become involved with Life University. [47:06]
- Learn More:
- Life University Website
- Vitality Shift Website
- True Concept Seminars
- Dr. Don MacDonald
- The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
- @DrDonMacDonald on Twitter
- Dr. Don MacDonald on Facebook
Jul 3, 2019
Jul 3, 2019
57 min
Why should you get organized and get involved with your local chiropractic association? Because in chiropractic care there is no single recipe for creating wellness in patients. Every person translates and deals with their pain differently. And, as chiropractors, we still have the benefit of being able to offer neurologically-based care while resisting absorption into the traditional medical system. This offers us the unique position of providing patients with a state of well-being beyond compare. This is the incentive to make our voices heard.
Today we are heading East to Nova Scotia to speak with the President of the Nova Scotia Chiropractic Association and Co-founder of Wellness Media, Dr. Chad Mykietiuk. In 2008, Chad graduated from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and almost immediately involved himself in chiropractic politics. His fascination with the body’s natural ability to self-regulate and self-heal has been the motivating factor in his quest to validate and invigorate wellness in the chiropractic community.
During this podcast episode, we discuss how chiropractic colleges can get caught up in the mechanistic aspects of care, the two major defining characteristics of chiropractic, and why every chiropractor who has something to say should get involved in local associations and always do what is right over what is convenient.
Key Takeaways:
- Chad knew he was going to be in a health-related profession but it was an injury that led him to chiropractic. [2:12]
- What Chad knew about chiropractic before and after attending Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). [6:03]
- Starting their chiropractic practice turned out to be a long and bumpy road for Chad and Megan. [10:13]
- A borrowed CD gave Chad a renewed sense of love for his profession so he shifted to wellness instead of chasing pain. [18:53]
- Chad’s advice for chiropractors who wish to become involved in the politics of the profession. [24:49]
- The two major defining characteristics of the chiropractic paradigm and the problem with making policies that create a standard. [31:32]
- Chad created Wellness Media to provide resource materials for chiropractors and their offices. [49:53]
- Get organized, get involved, and do what is right over what is convenient. [52:22]
Learn More:
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
Jun 26, 2019
Jun 26, 2019
55 min
Healthy chiropractors have healthy practices full of healthy patients. If this is true, why have you been skipping your daily exercise program, eating a protein bar at your desk, and stressing out about your non-stop schedule? What training program do you engage in to make you the best chiropractor you can be? Are you practicing gender-specific physical activities that are designed to increase your overall well-being?
Today, Dr. Michael Hall and Brandi MacDonald join me to discuss the Top 2 downloaded Breaking the Underdog Curse podcast episodes of all time. Brandi is currently celebrating the success of her new book, Sipping Brandi. And our long-time mentor, Dr. Hall is enjoying sharing his Functional Neurology Series with audiences all over the world.
During this podcast episode, we discuss the different physical and mental requirements for male and female chiropractors, how to maintain a healthy practice, the role weight loss plays in overall health, how to get your energy back, and tips on how to make a mind-shift milestone and lifestyle change.
Key Takeaways:
- Dr. Hall describes the key to resolution for females chiropractors who internalize their stress. [4:34]
- Brandi makes the point that connection to clients can be lost when a chiropractor is lost in their own survival mechanisms. [14:20]
- Dr. Hall shares the connection between depression and exercise, the effect stress has on our neurological system, and how to handle adrenal fatigue. [18:36]
- Looking at the different needs male chiropractors have. [32:02]
- Creating a training program for chiropractors to help them reduce stress and be the best chiropractors they can be. [41:40]
- Why just losing weight doesn’t make you healthier. [44:35]
- Brandi describes the steps necessary to maintain a state of ease. [49:28]
Learn More:
Changing Lives by Restoring the Curve with Dr. Michael Hall
Building Sustainable, Long-term, Healthy Relationships with Brandi MacDonald
Sipping Brandi: Facebook Wisdom for Extraordinary Chiropractors and Teams
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
Jun 19, 2019
Jun 19, 2019
42 min
We, humans, have three majors drivers. Genetics gives us innate tendencies or instincts, social systems encourage us to adopt certain beliefs and ways of being, and our ego grants us our identity and self-acceptance. When all of these aspects are in alignment and we lift the veils we can truly become who we are as a person. If we take the extra step out of our comfort zone we are able to reach a state of flow. Chiropractors can achieve flow by being healthy, staying in their zone, and by increasing patient volume incrementally by 4%.
Today, I am not speaking with a chiropractor from an exotic location. As we reach 100 shows, I am in my office reflecting on some of my favorite podcast episodes and the episodes with the most downloads.
During this podcast episode, I review lessons from Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s books Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, and The Evolving Self. I share our top six downloaded podcast episodes and highlights from episodes that contained vital information for keeping our group of dedicated vitalistic chiropractors healthy, happy, and in the know with regards to topics that affect our practices.
Need some inspiration for your next staff meeting? Brandi MacDonald’s new book, Sipping Brandi: Facebook Wisdom for Extraordinary Chiropractors and Teams is now available on Amazon or your favorite bookseller.
Key Takeaways:
- Dr. Don shares feedback and thank you’s from the planners and speakers from Shift Unplugged Australia. [1:10]
- Lessons from Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's books Flow and The Evolving Self. [5:00]
- The Three Veils are the genetic, social, and ego. [14:43]
- Dr. Don reviews the Top 6 Breaking the Underdog Curse podcast episodes from this past year. [27:14]
- Highlights of our favorite conversations from the past 99 podcast episodes. [35:07]
Learn More:
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
Jun 12, 2019
Jun 12, 2019
44 min
Our bustling daily schedules may make us lose sight of the fact that we are healers. Chiropractors have the ability to elevate human consciousness by adjusting subluxations which allows the body and mind to function at their highest level. Unleashing the body’s innate abilities is a gift we must protect. To best protect our practices, we must unite to ensure the current political atmosphere remains in the best interests of our patients.
Today we travel to Sydney, Australia to speak again with Dr. Nimrod Weiner, who writes a blog worthy of reading twice and sharing repeatedly. Through his writing, he tackles deep-rooted, vitalistic subject matter and offers courses of action designed to bring chiropractors together to present a united front.
During this podcast episode, Dr. Weiner reveals his three most popular blog posts and adds his personal, inspirational thoughts about each, he solidifies his position as a true believer and broadcaster of the philosophy of chiropractic, and offers advice to chiropractors who feel they don’t have a say in the political ties that bind them.
Need some inspiration for your next staff meeting? Brandi MacDonald’s new book, Sipping Brandi: Facebook Wisdom for Extraordinary Chiropractors and Teams is now available on Amazon or your favorite bookseller.
Key Takeaways:
- Dr. Weiner’s blog is a politically-charged outlet empowering chiropractors to make their own decisions about their future. [1:33]
- The burgeoning grassroots efforts and ‘Rally 5’ local groups that unite chiropractors. [9:28]
- How Australian chiropractors work together to change policies and assist each other in becoming successful. [10:21]
- Dr. Weiner explores three of his most popular posts, On Experiencing Magnificence, Chiropractic’s: 3 Chains of Logic, and Passively Watching its Demise... [12:47]
- From a global perspective, the chiropractic philosophy, paradigm, and principles can help elevate humanity. [34:50]
- Words of inspiration from Dr. Weiner for chiropractors about the role they play in caring for humanity. [38:53]
Creating Congruence with Your Practice with Dr. Nimrod Weiner
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
May 29, 2019
May 29, 2019
53 min
Summary
The people you surround yourself with can have a major impact on your life, work, and attitude. Finding your tribe might just be the most important thing you can do to help yourself see the world, and your practice in a new, inspirational light. Working with others who have tried and tested office processes, patient services, and community involvement can lessen the time it takes to achieve your goals and build a thriving practice.
Today we travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to speak with Emily Miller an integral part of the team who provides high-level care and psychological comfort to children at Life Potential Chiropractic. Emily and her husband, Dr. Tony Miller attended our Vitality Shift seminar and the Transformers Mastermind.
During this podcast episode, Emily shares how she overcame Crohn's disease, her journey to chiropractic, how she and Tony built their practice by partnering with teachers and schools, and how she overcame her challenges to find her personal truth.
Join our next Transformers Mastermind in Toronto, September 6th & 7th.
Key Takeaways:
- Emily explains her first and second introduction to chiropractic care, [2:19]
- After working with children in a local hospital, Emily left her job to open a practice with her husband. [8:56]
- Building a patient roster was Emily’s primary goal when first opening the practice. [12:02]
- Emily’s thirst for additional knowledge about chiropractic led her to attend a Vitality Shift Seminar. [16:48]
- Emily has the opportunity to provide psychological comfort when speaking with parents about a child’s diagnosis. [20:40]
- Emily shares the ups and downs of being a married couple in the same office. [27:30]
- Emily describes the board breaking and goal writing exercises from the Transformers Mastermind. [31:00]
- Parting words of wisdom from Emily about finding herself while obtaining her goals. [48:50]
Learn More:
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
May 22, 2019
May 22, 2019
50 min
Meeting face-to-face with other chiropractors in the community can build beneficial bonds and lead to exciting new ventures. Working together strengthens our local practices as well as the international chiropractic community as a whole. Graduating students of chiropractic can gain knowledge from the lessons and research of veteran practitioners. Connecting with each other on a human level is how we will move forward.
Today we drop into New Zealand, to speak with a man who has been instrumental in building the chiropractic community there, Dr. Phil McMaster. He is the President and one of the original Founders of the New Zealand College of Chiropractic. He also served as the Chairman of the New Zealand Chiropractic Education Trust Board.
During this podcast episode, we discuss the early days of attending a chiropractic college and how it’s changed, the importance of useful research to the chiropractic community, leadership, tolerance, and how when we work together we all win.
The next Vitality Shift Immersion Day is in Montreal, Canada on November 2, 2019. Register to attend here.
Key Takeaways:
- Dr. McMaster attended a chiropractic career seminar and made the decision to become a chiropractor but had never had an adjustment before. [2:00]
- To build his new practice, Dr. McMaster moved to a place he loved and made connections through his love of rugby, his kids, and by sponsoring local events. [8:18]
- Chiropractic is a lifestyle so even when taking breaks, Dr. McMaster was hanging out with other chiropractors. [12:59]
- The Chiropractic First New Zealand Limited group was formed by friends who then created the New Zealand College of Chiropractic. [14:37]
- Dr. McMaster describes the closely linked network of chiropractors in New Zealand and how they work together to resolve issues. [22:02]
- The research agenda at the college is nurtured by collaborating with outside organizations and led by the college’s pioneer students. [33:56]
- Dr. McMaster’s advice for new or chiropractors who want to connect with others. [43:43]
Learn More:
New Zealand College of Chiropractic
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
May 15, 2019
May 15, 2019
44 min
Our individual communication style is an accumulation of a lifetime of personal experiences. But the language we use at home or with friends may not seamlessly integrate into our practices. The people we depend on to keep our offices running smoothly and efficiently need to feel valued for their contributions, They also need to be empowered to perform their duties with minimal direction.
Today, Brandi MacDonald joins me to discuss tips on how chiropractors can successfully integrate the salutogenesis framework of care in a pathogenetically regulated environment. She also does a deep dive into interoffice communications based on her previous Chiropractic Assistant classes, and what attendees can expect from the Shift Immersion Program, the Shift Unplugged Seminar, and the Transformers Mastermind.
Key Takeaways:
- ● For chiropractors, practicing the salutogenesis framework of care can be difficult in a pathogenetically regulated environment. [1:08]
- ● Could you be devaluing your Chiropractic Assistant (CA) without recognizing it? [14:06]
- ● Why a simple question is the best way to improve office communications. [23:26]
- ● What NOT to take away from this podcast and the importance of debriefing. [29:43]
- ● What can Chiropractors and CA’s expect from the Shift Immersion Program and Shift Unplugged? [32:36]
- ● The Transformers Mastermind is an intimate gathering for in-depth communications training. [37:28]
- Learn More:
- Brandi MacDonald Website
- Brandi MacDonald on Facebook
- True Concept Seminars
- Dr. Don MacDonald
- The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
- @DrDonMacDonald on Twitter
- Dr. Don MacDonald on Facebook