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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 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
Wednesday May 29, 2019
Wednesday May 29, 2019
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
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Wednesday May 22, 2019
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
Wednesday May 15, 2019
Wednesday May 15, 2019
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
Wednesday May 08, 2019
Wednesday May 08, 2019
How many of us stick with a plan even if it doesn’t seem to be working? How many of us are feeling run down and burnout but keep pushing ourselves to the limit beyond what is healthy? If you are doing either of these things, know that it is okay to re-work your plan, course correct, and be realistic with your expectations.
Today, Amy Robinson joins Doctor Don to share how she continuously course corrects. She also discusses her journey into the field of chiropractic. Like many guests, Amy suffered a sports injury that other types of medical treatments couldn’t help her to heal. She was told she would have to stop running but it was an option she wouldn’t accept. After visiting a chiropractor who relieved her symptoms in just 6-months, Amy knew she would study and then practice chiropractic as her life’s passion.
During this episode, Amy discusses starting a new practice after selling her previous one, the mental fatigue that can accompany running a successful business, being a parent while running a practice, what she does to build her referral network, and how structure has given her freedom.
Key Takeaways:
- A sports injury left Amy searching for a model of healing that worked with the body’s natural healing abilities. [2:27]
- Amy shares her chiropractic school experience and offers some advice to current chiropractic students. [7:24]
- Amy discusses the experience of opening her own practice, gaining confidence, selling a practice, and the importance of building relationships and community. [11:23]
- Amy created the ‘Dinner with the Doc’ event to help grow her new practice and build her referral network. [20:59]
- Dealing with mental fatigue and burnout as a chiropractor and parent. [28:47]
- The importance of structure in order to attain freedom. [36:24]
- Amy’s parting advice — Give yourself time to course correct and you are enough. [42:31]
Learn More:
Dinner with the Doc on Facebook
The Shift Unplugged Seminar — Gold Coast May 31 - June 1
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
Wednesday May 01, 2019
Wednesday May 01, 2019
Believe it or not, the entire country of Ireland only has approximately 100 Chiropractors. The professionals and the services they provide are unregulated and they just recently lost their ability to x-ray patients. In an atmosphere such as this, raising public awareness is key to helping chiropractic offices thrive.
Today, Dr. Stuart Kelly joins the podcast to discuss the steps he is taking to bring international speakers to Ireland’s chiropractic stage and the early influences that led him to become a Chiropractor and a Life Coach. He shares the mindful practices that allow him to balance his life and practice, and help him avoid the dreaded burnout period.
During this episode, we discuss the importance of partnering with other countries to bring about regulation and growth, how seminars and other events can raise awareness of your purpose, and the benefits of finding the right mentor early in your career.
Key Takeaways:
- After having a back injury healed by a chiropractor, a 17-year-old Stuart decided to attend a program at ACC. [2:19]
- Stuart explains the limited chiropractic influences available to him during his studies. [8:07]
- After some soul searching and a few Demartini moments, Stuart was determined to build his practice based on his values. [14:17]
- Becoming certified as a Life Coach brought balance to Stuart’s life and practice. [23:03]
- Tips to reduce burnout and increase life satisfaction. [27:36]
- Stuart hopes this years ‘I Chiro’ event will raise chiropractic awareness in Ireland. [31:31]
Learn More:
I Chiro Event — For information and to register
The Shift Unplugged Seminar — Gold Coast May 31 - June 1
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
Wednesday Apr 24, 2019
Wednesday Apr 24, 2019
Understanding why you are doing something can be just as important as taking on the task itself, especially when running your own practice. As we become more seasoned in our profession we all evolve our techniques and strategies to better serve our clients. One area of a practice where early adoption can be essential for growing your practice is business management.
Today, Dr. Paul Needham joins us from New Zealand to share his personal chiropractic late bloomer story and the knowledge he has gained along his journey. Paul bought an existing practice just four months after graduating from chiropractic college. All the facilities were in place but some essentials were missing. Mainly, a quality front office team and basic business management skills.
During this episode, we discuss the skills necessary for new chiropractic graduates, the importance of focusing on your core function in your practice, and the benefits of coaching, seminars, and knowing your purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- Paul shares his origin story. [1:01]
- How Paul’s chiropractic technique has changed over the years. [10:13]
- After buying his practice just 4 months out of school, Paul knew the value of a chiropractic adjustment but needed to tweak other aspects of the business. [17:10]
- The importance of front office staff and creating a statement of purpose for the practice. [22:13]
- The biggest shift in Paul’s business was a procedural manual, figuring out the why, and coaching. [32:34]
- If Paul could go back and speak with his younger self he would recommend getting some coaching about running a business. [36:15]
- Solid advice for knowing who you are and what you stand for to help grow your practice. [50:54]
Learn More:
The Shift Unplugged Seminar — Gold Coast May 31 - June 1
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success