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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 Oct 09, 2019
Wednesday Oct 09, 2019
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:
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
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
Wednesday Aug 07, 2019
Wednesday Aug 07, 2019
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
Wednesday Jul 31, 2019
Wednesday Jul 31, 2019
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
Wednesday Jul 10, 2019
Wednesday Jul 10, 2019
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
Wednesday Jul 03, 2019
Wednesday Jul 03, 2019
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
Wednesday Jun 26, 2019
Wednesday Jun 26, 2019
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
Wednesday Jun 19, 2019
Wednesday Jun 19, 2019
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
Wednesday Jun 12, 2019
Wednesday Jun 12, 2019
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
Tuesday Jun 04, 2019
Tuesday Jun 04, 2019
There are numerous aspects to running a chiropractic practice. In addition to patient care, a chiropractor must keep abreast of the latest technology, keep the office running smoothly, make sure the ledger is in the black, and maintain a healthy balance in their personal and professional life. The latter is imperative because if burnout sets it, it can be the most difficult to rectify. A healthy chiropractor is an essential part of having a healthy practice.
Today we travel to just outside of Chicago to Batavia, Illinois to speak with Dr. Dave Hanson who is the primary chiropractor of Hanson Family Chiropractic. An injury led him to a chiropractor who relieved 90% of his pain after a single visit. Shortly after, he decided to leave the sales job he despised, sell his house, and become a student at the National University of Health Sciences.
During this podcast episode, Dr. Dave shares his transition from tech sales to chiropractic care, the turmoil he endured when the adjustments he gave his wife didn’t assist in healing her from a degenerative disease, and how subluxation scans have improved his conversations and wellness plans for patients.
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:
- After a chiropractor alleviated Dr. Dave’s pain, he decided to leave a job he hated to pursue chiropractic. [3:19]
- Dr. Dave was on a quest to clarity before opening his practice which led him to a profound mindset shift. [8:49]
- To build his practice Dr. Dave relied upon family and friends to make referrals because he was apprehensive about doing screenings. [12:27]
- To cope with fatigue and burnout, Dr. Dave brought a friend and fellow chiropractor in as an associate. [18:41]
- Dr. Dave questioned his abilities after the adjustments he was giving his wife weren't offering her relief. [25:38]
- Subluxation scans offer objective measures to even out the responsibility line between a chiropractor and patient. [32:26]
- Common questions patients have about scan data. [41:48]
- Give yourself a break and let yourself breathe is Dr. Dave’s advice. [48:43]
Learn More:
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success