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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
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
In this fun episode of The Informed Chiropractor, Dr. Don MacDonald joins forces with the esteemed Dr. Damien O'Dwyer to explore the fascinating intersection of Chiropractic Neuroscience and their shared experiences as dyslexic chiropractors.
With 19 years under his belt, Dr. O'Dwyer brings a wealth of knowledge from his upbringing in Australia, his PhD studies, and his chiropractic education at the AECC in Bournemouth, UK.
The duo delves into case studies and the latest research, shedding light on how neuroscience is revolutionizing chiropractic techniques and enhancing patient outcomes.
This enlightening discussion not only offers valuable insights for elevating chiropractic practices but also serves as an inspiring testament to overcoming personal challenges within the profession.
Show Notes:
00:00:00 - Discussion on shared dyslexia
00:04:45 - Dr. O'Dwyer's journey from medical research to chiropractic
00:05:11 - Background on growing up in a large, health-focused family in Australia
00:09:04 - Transition from high school to medical research
00:12:16 - Achieving goals and the realization towards becoming a health practitioner
00:14:18 - Encounter with Lindsay Rowe and decision to study chiropractic
00:23:33 - Understanding dyslexia and its impact on learning and professional life
00:29:03 - Realizations from teaching and adapting to dyslexia
00:38:52 - Introduction to the vitality shift and the alignment of chiropractic practice
00:48:32 - Insights from Polyvagal Theory and its practical use in chiropractic
00:52:05 - The importance of sustained ease in chiropractic practice and patient care
To discover more about our events and connect with like-minded professionals:
✅ Official Website: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com
📲 Let’s Connect!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevitalityshift
Thursday Mar 21, 2024
Thursday Mar 21, 2024
In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor, host Dr. Don Macdonald flies over to Germany (virtually) for an insightful interview with Dr. Aileen Hurkett, a passionate and dedicated chiropractor based in the picturesque town of Spire in the Southwest of Germany. Dr. Hurkett, an AECC grad from Bournemouth, UK, in 2015, has been a long standing member of The Informed Chiropractor group and an active participant in several of Dr. Macdonald’s seminars.
Throughout the episode, she shares her unique journey into the chiropractic field, the evolution of her practice from a musculoskeletal to a neurologically focused approach, and the transformative impact of incorporating polyvagal theory into her life and practice. Dr. Hurkett also opens up about a recent personal trauma and how she's used her skills to navigate through it, providing valuable insights and inspiration for chiropractors everywhere.
Show Notes:
00:00 - The making of Dr. Aileen Hurkett
05:20 - Chiropractic landscape in Germany
07:15 - Transitioning to Vitalistic Chiropractic Care
10:40 - Opening a practice in her hometown
14:50 - The role of Polyvagal Theory in practice
18:00 - Handling recent personal trauma
21:00 - Evolution of her chiropractic techniques
23:50 - Incorporating neurology and pediatrics into Practice
29:10 - Managing a practice and family life
32:00 - Advice for chiropractors
35:00 - Resilience, growth, and the future of chiropractic
To discover more about our events and connect with like-minded professionals:
✅ Official Website: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com
📲 Let’s Connect!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevitalityshift
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor, host Dr. Don McDonald interviews Dr. Whitney Wihlidal, a seasoned chiropractor with over 24 years of experience practicing in Orillia, Ontario. Dr. Willedahl shares an in-depth look at his career, starting from his initial encounter with chiropractic during his university years, his decision to pursue a chiropractic career, and the subsequent steps that led to him owning a successful practice. Throughout the interview, Dr. Wihlidal emphasizes the importance of community involvement, investing in personal and professional development, and the significant role that applying the polyvagal theory has played in enhancing his chiropractic techniques and patient communication. He also reflects on the learnings from diversifying into property and the strategic decisions that have fueled continuous growth in his practice, ultimately offering valuable insights for both emerging and established chiropractors.
02:46 Dr. Whitney's Journey into Chiropractic
05:53 The Impact of Chiropractic on Health
07:08 Transition to Chiropractic School
10:59 Starting a Chiropractic Practice
14:14 Transitioning to a New Practice Location
16:53 Growing a Chiropractic Practice
17:42 The Power of Community in Chiropractic Practice
17:53 The Importance of Involvement in Local Sports
18:10 The Role of Chiropractic in Family Health
18:19 The Impact of Community Engagement on Patient Acquisition
18:45 The Power of Personal Connection in Chiropractic
19:41 The Value of Face-to-Face Interaction in Chiropractic
20:05 The Evolution of Business Cards in Chiropractic
21:11 The Integration of Polyvagal Theory in Chiropractic
21:28 The Journey of Understanding the Polyvagal Theory
23:32 The Power of Polyvagal Theory in Patient Communication
29:02 The Lessons from Business Ventures Outside Chiropractic
29:30 The Importance of Investing in Yourself as a Chiropractor
35:02 The Power of Chiropractic in Health and Healing
36:15 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
To know more about our upcoming events:
✅ Visit our official website: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com
📲 Let’s Connect!
Follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevitalityshift
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/informed_chiropractor/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheInformedChiropractor
Website: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
In this episode of the The Informed Chiropractor podcast, host Dr. Don McDonald speaks with Dr. Tanya Chambers, a chiropractor from Ontario. Dr. Chambers discusses her journey into chiropractic, sharing that she was nudged toward the discipline after initially considering pediatrics. She emphasizes the importance of feeling comfortable with one's chiropractor for effective care. She also discusses how she applies the principles of Polyvagal theory to her practice, stressing the vital role of making patients feel safe and comfortable. Dr. Chambers also shares advice for students and chiropractors, suggesting they visit other practitioners' offices to learn and always be themselves, prioritizing self-care and maintaining their passion for their work.
02:50 Dr. Tanya Chambers' Journey into Chiropractic
05:29 Exploring Other Career Paths
07:42 Discovering Chiropractic and Starting Practice
13:27 The Importance of Community Engagement in Practice
17:10 Expanding the Practice and Teamwork
18:26 Working as a Husband-Wife Team in Chiropractic
19:46 Balancing Business and Personal Relationships
20:14 The Challenges of Separating Work and Personal Life
20:50 The Intersection of Passion and Work
21:40 Introduction to the Polyvagal Theory
22:53 Applying the Polyvagal Theory in Practice
23:29 The Art, Science, and Philosophy of Chiropractic
26:46 The Importance of Communication in Chiropractic
31:01 Advice for Chiropractic Students
33:41 Reflections and Advice for Younger Self
35:52 The Importance of Self-Care for Chiropractors
39:28 Closing Thoughts and Final Advice
To know more about our upcoming events:
✅ Visit our official website: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com
📲 Let’s Connect!
Follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevitalityshift
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/informed_chiropractor/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheInformedChiropractor
Website: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
After a hiatus, Dr. Don is relaunching the podcast today with a brand new name.
In this solo episode, Dr. Don discusses rebranding from Vitality Shift Podcast for Chiropractors to The Informed Chiropractor and how the principles of chiropractic care can blend with the revolutionary insights of the Polyvagal Theory. He describes how implementing the Polyvagal Theory with chiropractic principles can more profoundly impact patients' nervous systems. He also talks about neuroception and interoception and how they are critical in detecting danger and self-awareness. He explains how chiropractic adjustments and using the MacDonald Safety Corridor Protocol can optimize patient care by aiming to achieve a ventral vagal state where the body heals optimally.
01:20 Rebranding and Evolution of The Informed Chiropractor
01:48 The Vitality Shift and Objective Testing
03:52 Implementing the Polyvagal Theory in Chiropractic
05:41 Understanding the States of the Nervous System
06:59 The Role of Neuroception and Interoception in Chiropractic
08:56 The McDonald Safety Corridor and the Importance of Chiropractic Adjustment
15:33 The Polyvagal Shift and MacDonald Safety Corridor Protocol
17:53 Conclusion and Future Plans for The Informed Chiropractor
To know more about our upcoming events:
✅ Visit our official website: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com
📲 Let’s Connect!
Follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevitalityshift
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/informed_chiropractor/
Monday Jul 31, 2023
Monday Jul 31, 2023
After a short summer hiatus from the podcast, we’re back with a new episode. Today, we’re talking about the polyvagal theory, the two branches of the vagus nerve, the hierarchy of the nervous system, and how increased knowledge on these topics improves the quality of care for practice members.
Our nervous system greatly influences the way we interact with the world, especially socially. As a chiropractor, you can use the polyvagal theory to signal cues of safety and enhance the adjustment experience by quickly helping the body become more regulated—and bringing your client out of a tense, chronic, fight-or-flight state.
Key Takeaways:
- An update on what Dr. Don has been up to since the last episode. [0:42]
- How the polyvagal theory relates to chiropractic work. [1:46]
- Why it’s important to understand the two distinct branches of the vagus nerve. [3:10]
- Understanding the hierarchy of the nervous system in social mammals. [4:40]
- What neuroception is and how it works. [7:18]
- Why the state of one’s nervous system isn’t black and white. [9:09]
- What happens to your social engagement system when you are in fight or flight. [10:08]
- How greater knowledge of nervous system function may alter adjustments. [12:31]
- How a regulated nervous state promotes healthy posture. [14:20]
- Why teaching someone a skill you know innately is actually beneficial to you. [15:18]
- Opportunities to learn more about this that are coming up soon. [16:40]
- How better care can help bring practice members out of a protective, tense state. [18:46]
- Why matching communication style to client needs matters. [19:52]
- What to expect in upcoming episodes and who this information is perfect for. [21:47]
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
In this podcast episode, Dr. Don Clum, a chiropractor, and functional fitness expert, joins us to discuss his focus on advanced metabolic nutrition, emphasizing insulin resistance. He aims to help individuals with various body system issues, including weight management, diabetes, and cardiac problems.
Dr. Clum provides insight into his nutrition philosophy and the benefits of fasting. He recommends certain foods while advising against others, particularly those containing oxalates. The podcast covers a range of topics, including how fasting affects women's menstrual cycles, tips for coming out of a fast, and strategies for tackling visceral fat.
Dr. Clum also discusses common ways people unknowingly sabotage their weight loss efforts, the importance of intrinsic goals, and factors that influence a person's commitment to their health. To learn more about Dr. Clum's approach, visit the Vitality Shift website.
Key Takeaways:
- The work Dr. Clum is focusing on right now and why. [2:22]
- What happens when you fast, and what the benefits are. [4:28]
- Clum’s stance on plants and where his bias comes from. [6:11]
- What oxalates are and how they act within the body. [8:44]
- The common foods he doesn’t recommend for human consumption. [13:31]
- How fasting impacts women and their monthly cycle. [17:45]
- Tips for coming out of a fast strategically. [21:21]
- The risks that visceral fat presents and how to tackle it. [28:32]
- Common ways people sabotage their fat loss without knowing it. [30:35]
- Why nothing is constant in the body and how it works in cycles. [34:20]
- How cortisol and insulin promote inflammation in your digestive system. [41:00]
- The importance of using intrinsic goals and motivation for dopamine versus food. [44:55]
- What factors influence a person’s commitment to taking action on their health? [46:45]
- The different offer models Dr. Clum has tried and what gets the best response. [49:02]
For more info on the Vitality Shift, visit https://www.thevitalityshift.com/
Monday Mar 06, 2023
Monday Mar 06, 2023
Join us in this episode as we welcome Dr. Michael Winters, a seasoned chiropractor with over 40 years of practice who owns and operates Winter's Wellness Center in Paducah, Kentucky. Dr. Winters has generously shared his wealth of knowledge on his YouTube channel for over a decade, helping his clients and viewers achieve optimal wellness.
During our conversation, Dr. Winters shares his personal story of why he decided to become a chiropractor and reflects on the formative experiences that have shaped his life and career. He also discusses his early marketing tactics, how he discovered quantum neurology, and what helped boost his confidence in his work. Additionally, he explains how learning about the polyvagal theory has enabled him to support his patients better.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Winters provides many insightful takeaways, including the importance of continual improvement, the role of mentors in shaping his work, and the impact of growing up on a farm on his work ethic. He also shares an inspiring story about how he was able to help an anxious elderly patient through specific adjustments.
Whether you're interested in chiropractic medicine, natural wellness, or simply seeking valuable insights from a seasoned professional, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of chiropractic medicine with Dr. Michael Winters.
Key Takeaways:
- How his experiences led Dr. Winters to pursue a career in chiropractic. [1:41]
- Why he decided to pivot from education in business. [5:05]
- Winter’s overall experience at Palmer College of Chiropractic. [7:20]
- Why he chose to move to Kentucky. [9:15]
- How his perspective shaped the focus of his work, especially in the early years. [10:59]
- A strange experience he had regarding his newspaper ads. [12:55]
- His mentors influenced his work during his career. [15:09]
- What quantum neurology is and how he was introduced to it. [17:03]
- The vital lesson Dr. Winters learned about confidence. [19:10]
- Why Dr. Winters decided to tap into YouTube videos to support his business. [21:56]
- What the polyvagal theory explains, and why it’s helpful in his practice [24:55]
- How he was able to help an anxious older patient through specific adjustments. [27:20]
- Why continual improvement is vital—and one clear sign you have improved. [28:44]
- An example of how growing up on a farm influenced Dr. Winters’ work ethic. [29:30]
- Why you don’t need to set out to find your purpose. [31:48]
For more info on the Vitality Shift visit https://www.thevitalityshift.com/
Monday Feb 13, 2023
Monday Feb 13, 2023
We’re welcoming Dr. Tim Young, based in Oklahoma, for this week’s episode. He graduated from chiropractic school 30 years ago and decided to enroll when he was sent home from the Navy after doctors recommended he undergo exploratory back surgery.
Dr. Young talks about his struggles during the early days of his practice and reveals how he overcame them. We’ll also hear about how he started his seminar and coaching group, Focus OKC.
As you will see in this episode, Dr. Tim has a massive drive to help Chiropractors live up to their potential in both live and practice. You will leave this interview with a renewed inspiration for what you do and how you do it.
Key Takeaways:
- What inspired Dr. Young to become a chiropractor. [2:20]
- Mechanism versus vitalism, and which one Dr. Young experienced in school. [7:44]
- What it was like when Dr. Young graduated and why he says he didn’t know anything about success. [9:58]
- A coaching event that Dr. Young was invited to and why it was so impactful. [13:12]
- Is it better to be personally driven or mentor-led? [15:46]
- A time when Dr. Young felt defeated, and what he did to get out of that. [18:54]
- Dr. Young’s morning routine helps him start winning as soon as he wakes up. [21:19]
- What to remember when going through tough times in life, especially regarding your internal dialogue. [27:11]
- Young’s MMA-fighting son and a lesson about not giving up. [29:39]
- How Dr. Young founded the Focus OKC seminar. [30:52]
- What led Dr. Young to begin his coaching group. [35:14]
- Advice that Dr. Young would give to his younger self. [39:29]
- A question you should be asking yourself. [42:47]
- Final words of inspiration for chiropractors. [44:45]
Focus OKC: https://focusokc.com/
For more information on "The Informed Chiropractor," a group mentoring program by Dr. Don and Brandi MacDonald, visit. https://www.thevitalityshift.com/the-informed-chiropractor
Monday Jan 30, 2023
Monday Jan 30, 2023
Joining Dr. Don today is Dr. David Fletcher, a threepeat guest who is here to dive further into the polyvagal theory and heart rate variability. Dr. Fletcher is a chiropractic pioneer and the tools you can use to help track your patient's inputs and outputs.
The pandemic changed many things, but importantly, it significantly affected the population and their primary autonomic responses. Dr. Fletcher talks us through how his tools track autonomic responses, distinguish between parasympathetic and sympathetic reactions, and interpret data points.
Key Takeaways:
- How things have been for David and his practice during the pandemic. [01:30]
- How people in the industry utilized their strength and knowledge during the pandemic. [02:50]
- Commonalities between chiropractors that succeeded and grew through the pandemic. [03:30]
- How forced immobilization during the pandemic affected people. [06:45]
- Blending technologies to read client inputs and outputs and why it’s important. [08.00]
- The Four Quadrant Model. [08:45]
- Measuring parasympathetic vs. sympathetic reactions. [13:00]
- Working within the rules of the human operating system and reigniting the systems. [18:00]
- Keeping the human system in motion. [20:00]
- Creating a movement to safety. [23:00]
- Why chiropractic is a neuroscience-based on coordination. [25:00]
- About the face/heart connection. [27:00]
- Sifting through inputs and outputs to find useful information. [28:20]
- The Love Cause and Effect. [30:00]
- The physiology of detecting danger. [31:40]
- Creating self-awareness about your body and reactions. [33:20]
- Why chiropractors need to stop living in fear. [35:00]
- Honoring the pioneers of chiropractic advancements. [36:55]
- About autonomic states and how they track on the HRV. [39:00]
- Unraveling uncharacteristic readings. [47:25]
- Words of wisdom. [50:00]
For more information on the Insight Scans, visit https://insightcla.com/
The Informed Chiropractor: Click here for more info