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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
Mar 18, 2020
Mar 18, 2020
59 min
In cognitive sciences, stress is implicated in 90% of all chronic illnesses yet many doctors aren’t willing to make that diagnosis. Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and mental illness top the charts worldwide for debilitating physiological issues with little being done to get to the root cause. The healthcare system is failing people leaving chiropractic care to lead the way in removing subluxations to get the body back into working order. To discuss pertinent research on the topic of complete care, Dr. Don welcomes returning guest and long-time mentor Dr. Michael Hall to the podcast. Dr. Hall is an expert who facilitates seminars in improving function and increasing brain health. He describes various research papers that focus on the connection between subluxation and brain function, lung capacity, chronic forward head posture caused by electronics, and more. This fascinating conversation offers chiropractors the opportunity to refocus their message beyond adjustments and toward treating the whole human.
To register for our Gold Coast Shift Unplugged event in Australia, please go to https://www.trueconceptsseminars.com/gold-coast/
Key Takeaways:
- How just getting out of a chair and walking can increase your health. [2:02]
- Dr. Hall shares the research that demonstrates how chiropractic care can repair damage caused by excessive stress. [8:33]
- The importance of self-care for chiropractors. [18:48]
- How chiropractic adjustments affect the prefrontal cortex. [22:49]
- Dr. Hall unpacks an article regarding chronic forward head posture and how it affects lung capacity and brain function. [23:26]
- The message chiropractors need to share about the benefits of adjustments. [32:18]
- Addressing clinical research papers can assist chiropractors in identifying underlying causes of practice member's pain. [39:38]
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Mar 4, 2020
Mar 4, 2020
33 min
Most chiropractors know what they need to do to grow their practice but hesitate when asked why they don’t take the needed steps to do it. The number one reason chiropractors don’t grow is that they are afraid of objections and rejection.
If you spend energy pushing towards goals that you are unsure of, it can burn you out and you may stop setting goals altogether. But it's a vicious cycle you can mentally and emotionally overcome. In this episode, Brandi and Dr. Don discuss the common barriers and deficits many chiropractors gave voice to at the recent Shift Unplugged event.
Brandi shares ways to desensitize fear, resources for self-guided learning opportunities, and information on how you can be part of future Shift Unplugged events and masterminds.
To register for our Gold Coast Shift Unplugged event in Australia, please go to: https://www.trueconceptsseminars.com/gold-coast/
Key Takeaways:
- Brandi recaps the benefits of having 600+ years of chiropractic experience from the Phoenix Shift Unplugged event. [1:15]
- Most people know what it takes to grow their practice but they don’t know how to overcome the barriers to do it. [7:37]
- To adapt emotionally you must be physically strong and this is where the self-care pyramid becomes important. [15:09]
- Masterminds are designed to help chiropractors to get clear about what they want and then build the strategies to get there. [16:40]
- Brandi offers resources from influencers who can help lay the groundwork for making true change. [23:12]
- Dr. Don and Brandi discuss upcoming True Concept Seminar events around the globe. [26:24]
Learn More:
Feb 19, 2020
Feb 19, 2020
53 min
Shifter and guest speaker at Vitality Shift events, Dr. Ben Purcell joins Dr. Don to discuss the biggest transformations he experienced after joining the Vitality Shift program and switching to the life model.
His practice in Bathurst, Australia has doubled its growth over the past two years, and he is a vital part of our mentorship program. He describes the challenges he faced as he tried to create new habits that better align himself, and his practice, into exactly what he wants. Dr. Ben has evolved his practice into an enduring center of wellness.
After listening to this episode, you will understand why it is important to be open to changes and know your premise, how the life model benefits the lives of practice members in a way pain-based care cannot, and how taking full responsibility for yourself and your actions can transform your practice.
To register for our live event in Australia, please go to: https://www.trueconceptsseminars.com/gold-coast/
Key Takeaways:
- Dr. Purcell describes how he overcame challenges in his practice by taking full responsibility for his actions. [4:54]
- Real transformation occurred for Ben when he transitioned from pain-based care to the life model. [10:51]
- The importance of the adjustment. [21:16]
- Understanding their personality style can help chiropractors become aligned with who they want to be. [30:59]
- Why taking care of your personal health ultimately takes care of your practice. [37:50]
- Dr. Purcell shares his takeaways from 2019 King’s Cliff Vitality Shift. [45:48]
Learn More:
Feb 5, 2020
Feb 5, 2020
27 min
Dr. Don digs deep into the archives to find this important podcast previously published as What Does Money Have To Do With It?. This 50th episode in the Breaking the Underdog Curse series is co-hosted by Brandi MacDonald. It is imperative to revisit the necessary topic of money and finances several times throughout the year because once you get your money in order it makes everything in your practice easier. If you are stressed about your finances it can be difficult to give ideal recommendations. And, if you get your money under control, objections become less of an issue.
After listening to this episode, you will hear how two very different upbringings impact a person’s financial future and how to change your mindset around the value of money.
Key Takeaways:
- Examples of the many ways money controls our lives. [9:09]
- Dr. Don and Brandi share their personal financial histories and how it affected their betrothment. [12:15]
- The income to debt ratio and how it affects chiropractors. [24:27]
Learn More:
Jan 22, 2020
Jan 22, 2020
52 min
Dr. Don heads south and drops into New Zealand to speak with Dr. David Comely of Total Health Chiropractic in Wellington. Dr. Comely has been in practice for 13 years, has two practices with 7 chiropractors and is part of the Vitality Shift program. When he adds new associates — mostly new graduates — into his practice he prepares them for the mental, physical, and emotional stressors they may experience by working with them on their headspace. He wants to make sure they are clear on their why, their values, and their technique.
After listening to this episode, you will have a solid strategy for adding associates to your practice, what type of training to use with new associates, what to consider when contemplating adding new locations, and tips on how to avoid burnout associated with growing a practice.
Key Takeaways:
- David shares his experiences with chiropractic throughout his life and why he embraced chiropractic as a career. [2:39]
- At New Zealand Chiropractic College, David was able to get the perspective of many different teachers. [6:50]
- David started his chiropractic career as an associate but he had a vision for what he wanted his own practice in Wellington to look like. [12:09]
- How David built up his practice after starting from scratch in a new city. [17:51]
- When David was seeing 100 practice members a week and still running the business, he knew it was time to hire associates. [24:09]
- When hiring associates David uses these strategies to help them be their best. [29:10]
- Advice from David on how to avoid burnout. [40:10]
- Tips for chiropractors to stay happy and healthy in their Vitalistic practice. [46:55]
Learn More:
Total Health Wellington Chiropractic
Jan 15, 2020
Jan 15, 2020
52 min
Most chiropractors don’t enter the profession with the idea of getting into ‘behind the practice’ politics. But, making your voice heard and supporting an organization who will support you can bring about positive changes for chiropractors everywhere. In this episode, Dr. Don speaks with Dr. Chad Mykietiuk, the president of the Canadian National Alliance for Chiropractic, or CNAC. CNAC is an association that focuses on getting chiropractors together, promoting all forms of chiropractic, and to make members voices heard by gathering feedback. Dr. Mykietiuk shares the goals of the association and how it intends to move chiropractic forward in all the provinces of Canada.
After listening to this episode, you will have a better understanding of why chiropractors need to get involved in politics, the difference between a regulatory board and an association, and the benefits of having an association in your area.
Key Takeaways:
- Why chiropractors should get involved in professional politics. [3:35]
- What chiropractic can and can’t do: Dealing with false claims. [6:35]
- The Canadian National Alliance for Chiropractic (CNAC) was created by chiropractors for all flavours of chiropractic. [12:59]
- The importance of connecting chiropractors and making their voices heard. [25:42]
- Dr. Mykietiuk explains the difference between a regulatory board and an association. [29:55]
- Dr. Mykietiuk shares feedback from practitioners derived from a CNAC survey. [35:46]
- Support organizations that support you and connect with other chiropractic professionals. [43:26]
Learn More:
Jan 8, 2020
Jan 8, 2020
41 min
This week Dr. Don travels back across the pond to the oasis-like town of Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England to speak with Chiropractor Dr. Dean Rieder. Just three years ago, Dr. Rieder graduated from Durbin Chiropractic College in South Africa. He moved to the UK to start his practice and during this episode shares the ups and downs of attracting practice members, the costs of starting anew, and his unique approach to a homemade commercial with a famous client. Dr. Rieder thirstily seeks out any and all seminars, including the Vitality Shift program, and podcasts about chiropractic care. He recommends taking action as opposed to overthinking. And, due to his recommendation, the next shift unplugged event will be held in Marlow in September.
After listening to this episode, you will have a better understanding of the trials and tribulations new chiropractors face, the requirements for practicing abroad, and why it is important to get involved with a chiropractic community.
Key Takeaways:
● Dean studied at Durbin Chiropractic College in South Africa and then moved to England to start his practice. [2:14]
● How Dean discovered Vitalistic Chiropractic and the education he sought out after graduating. [8:00]
● What Dean did to get his name out there and gain practice members. [12:11]
● Dean visits the countryside and exercises as a form of self-care. [14:33]
● Dean shares his Vitality Shift experience and how his chiropractic care has changed over time. [19:31]
● Dean shares a story about the day Russell Brand came into his office and the video they made together. [24:27]
● Dean’s advice for chiropractors is to listen to chiropractic podcasts and to get involved with your community. [32:12]
● The next Shift Unplugged will be the first week of September in Marlow, UK. [35:18]
Learn More:
Jan 1, 2020
Jan 1, 2020
47 min
Chiropractic Assistants play a vital role in the daily activities, outreach, and success of a chiropractic practice. CA’s have unique strategies for empowering employees, offering Chiropractors the freedom to work with patients and keep the office running smoothly. To get the information directly from the source, Dr. Don heads south to North Aurora, Illinois to speak with, Natasha Rominski, the Chiropractic Assistant at Hanson Family Chiropractic and Shifter.
After listening to this episode, you will have a better understanding of the breadth of responsibility a chiropractic assistant embodies, how impeccable customer service can increase internal referrals, and hear some truly great nuggets of advice from a person who knows the ropes.
Key Takeaways:
- Natasha had experience running an office but traditional medical practices left her wanting a job more aligned with her values. [1:57]
- Tools that help Natasha train new employees and procedures that keep the office running smoothly. [8:59]
- Health talks for teens, establishing a brand, and other events Natasha participates in to draw people into the office. [13:19]
- Impeccable customer service drives internal referrals. [15:30]
- Setting the tone and culture in the office, how to handle office conflicts, and advice for chiropractors when hiring. [21:18]
- How to train a new employee in a chiropractic practice. [31:29]
- Natasha shares her personal development timeline, how she empowers herself, and the importance of being adjusted. [34:36]
- Natasha’s advice and words of wisdom. [43:14]
Learn More:
Dec 25, 2019
Dec 25, 2019
39 min
The purpose of this episode is to give chiropractors the tools to eradicate debt and to increase profitability. Dr. Don speaks with expert entrepreneur and author of seven financial guidebooks, Mike Michalowicz. Mike shares tips and strategies for chiropractors who want to gain stability and profitability in their practice. These proven principles, based on his book, Profit First, have been successfully implemented in over 300 thousand businesses.
After listening to this episode, you will have a better understanding of how to diminish your debt, including student loans, how to become profitable from day one, and which free resources and tools will make the most impact on your practice.
Key Takeaways:
- Mike shares his life purpose which is to eradicate entrepreneurial poverty. [2:55]
- How to reverse engineer profitability. [7:45]
- Mike explains how Parkinson’s Law affects businesses and how Profit First modifies behavior. [11:18]
- Debt reduction strategies that empower entrepreneurs. [23:21]
- Mike’s next book, Fix This First, helps entrepreneurs identify the changes that can make the most impact on their business. [28:59]
- Mike offers advice to chiropractors includes ‘Take action, don’t wallow’. [34:00]
Learn More:
Dec 18, 2019
Dec 18, 2019
35 min
In this informative episode, Dr. Don travels to Brighton, England to speak with Dr. Richard McMinn. Dr. McMinn has 42 years of experience as a chiropractor who has studied and practiced in four different countries. As a graduate of Palmer University in 1977, Dr. McMinn has grandfathered access to practice in whichever country he chooses. He offers sage financial, life, and business advice to new and seasoned chiropractors.
After listening to this episode, you will have a better understanding of how to create certainty in your life and practice, how to keep your ledgers in the black, and the history of chiropractic from the 1970s to today.
Key Takeaways:
- Dr. McMinn describes his journey to chiropractic and graduating from Palmer University. [3:22]
- Dr. McMinn says the other chiropractors he met while in New Zealand offered him guidance and insight which was vital for his growth. [12:23]
- After moving to Perth, Dr. McMinn was ‘filling in’ for other chiropractors before opening his own practice. [14:25]
- Money lessons from a chiropractor with 42 years of experience. [19:06]
- Dr. McMinn recounts the necessary credentials for practicing chiropractic in different countries. [20:41]
- The United Chiropractic Association was started in the UK to represent the vitality of chiropractic. [24:29]
- Nuggets and advice from a seasoned chiropractor who loves his profession. [28:50]