The Informed Chiropractor Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor, Dr. Don MacDonald welcomes Brandi MacDonald, the visionary behind True Concepts Inc. and True Concepts Seminars, for a special season finale before their summer break. Brandi is well-known for her expertise in chiropractic education and coaching, and today, they tackle the often-undervalued superpower of focus—a crucial element for achieving both personal growth and business success.

As they reflect on their own experiences, Brandi and Don discuss how maintaining focus has transformed their chiropractic business, helped them grow as individuals, and improved their ability to guide others. They dive into topics like time management, delayed gratification, and how staying committed to your core values can lead to long-term results, both in your chiropractic practice and in life.

This relatable conversation gives you practical insights on how to sharpen your focus, balance work with relaxation, and set yourself up for success. Tune in to hear their summer plans and get excited about what’s coming next in September, including the highly anticipated Super Conference in Toronto!

Show Notes:

(00:00): Introduction (01:24): Evolving Practice Focus and Business Acumen (03:29): Becoming Your Own Change Agent (07:03): Focus and Delayed Gratification (11:06): Time Management and Values (12:39): Time Study and Value Reflection (14:46): The Business of Chiropractic (16:05): The Power of Focus in Business (22:14): The Importance of Routine and Focus (24:15): Upcoming Super Conference in Toronto 📈 To find out more about The Informed Chiropractor and join the waitlist click here: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor

📲 Let’s Connect!

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/theinformedchiropractor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/informed_chiropractor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheInformedChiropractor

Join Dr. Don MacDonald for a special episode as he welcomes Brandi MacDonald, for a final episode before their summer break.

Brandi, owner of True Concepts Inc. and True Concepts Seminars, is renowned for her transformative work in chiropractic education. 

Together, they reflect on recent global events, observations from teaching polyvagal theory, and the profound impact of perceived safety in chiropractic practice.

Brandi shares her perspective on simplifying chiropractic principles and enhancing patient care through innovative approaches. 

Tune in as they share their plans for a relaxing summer, promising to return in September with more discussions on chiropractic care and education. Show Notes:  

• (00:00): Introduction
• (02:23): Reflecting on our global events and MacDonald Safety Corridor Protocol
• (04:06): Insights from teaching polyvagal theory to chiropractors
• (08:34): The importance of perceived safety in learning
• (13:59): Bringing the feeling back to chiropractic practice
• (18:15): Gender differences in attraction to safety concepts
• (21:35): The female dominance in polyvagal seminars
• (26:12): Improving public understanding of chiropractic care
• (27:48): The central role of chiropractic adjustment in patient care
• (31:08): Enhancing chiropractic care with polyvagal theory
• (35:52): Upcoming global chiropractic events
• (38:21): A final message to chiropractors
• (41:49): Reflecting on teaching chiropractic techniques

📈 To find out more about The Informed Chiropractor and join the waitlist click here: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor

📲 Let’s Connect!

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/theinformedchiropractor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/informed_chiropractor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheInformedChiropractor

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/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheInformedChiropractor

Website: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com

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]

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/

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/

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 

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

In this episode, Dr. Don MacDonald is pleased to interview Dr. Christopher Kent, who has been a long-time inspiration to him. 

Dr. Christopher Kent is a chiropractor and educator. He learned about chiropractic and eventually attended Palmer College of Chiropractic. After graduation, he worked as an intern and eventually became an educator. He met Dr. Patrick Gentempo, and together they created On Purpose, a company focused on helping Chiropractors.

Dr. Kent has a subluxation focus and is interested in quantifying the changes that result from care. He also discusses the polyvagal theory, how the nervous system impacts emotions, and how the pandemic has affected patients worldwide.

In the future, he would like to research the autonomic response and believes that chiropractic care is the perfect solution for the aftereffects of the pandemic. Dr. Kent teaches at Sherman College of Chiropractic and has also worked and learned outside of North America. He shares some parting words of wisdom in the interview.

Key Takeaways:

• How did Dr. Kent end up practicing chiropractic medicine? [02:00]
• Kent’s journey of learning about chiropractic theory. [03:20]
• How the answer to the question “what do chiropractors do?” changed Dr. Kent’s entire career trajectory. [04:15]
• Kent’s experience at Palmer. [07:55]
• How the discipline has changed over the years. [10:40]
• Life after graduation and Dr. Kent’s intern experience. [12:30]
• How Dr. Kent became an educator. [14:00]
• Meeting Dr. Patrick Gentempo and creating On Purpose. [15:30]
• Why Dr. Kent started leaning towards a subluxation focus. [18:35]
• Quantifying changes due to therapy. [19:39]
• Discussing the polyvagal theory, happiness, and how far the effect of it can reach. [22:25]
• The effects of the pandemic on patients. [26:20]
• Areas that Dr. Kent wants to research in the future. [27:00]
• Monitoring the autonomic response. [29:00]
• Why chiropractic medicine is the perfect treatment for the aftereffects of the pandemic. [30:40]
• What Dr. Kent teaches at Sherman. [32:00]
• Kent’s experience working and learning outside of North America. [33:40]
• Parting words of wisdom. [35:50]

On today’s episode, Dr. Don speaks with Dr. Peter Kevorkian for the third time on the podcast. A lot has changed since Dr. Kevorkian last visited the show. This time, he’ll dissect the effects of the pandemic and talk about how we can transition out of it healthily.

Over the last few years, many things have changed for practitioners and patients. How do you navigate the changes personally and professionally? And more importantly, how do you make the needed transitions to continue?

Key Takeaways:

• What it’s been like as practitioners transition out of the pandemic. [01:28]
• Three things that have got Peter through the pandemic. [02:45]
• How the trauma of COVID-19 has affected everyone. [03:30]
• Why adaptation is necessary and a sign of good mental health. [04:25]
• Understanding that cultural norms may be flawed. [06:00]
• How the pandemic has drastically affected peoples’ physiology and nervous system. [07:00]
• Tip 1: Be aware of what is happening around you and stay awake. [08:15]
• Find the joy in something and hold on to it; create space for it. [11:45]
• Tip 2: Create a safe space to decompress and turn off the fight or flight instinct. [13:00]
• What can you do to create safety in your life, and what did Peter do? [16:15]
• Being conscious of creating a safe space for others in your practice. [17:00]
• Tip 3: Get back into your heart. The world needs love and respect. [22:10]
• Recognize the differences in perspectives and respect them. [23:45]
• Maintaining your self-care. [26:00]
• What major transitions have Peter and his work been through since the beginning of the pandemic? [29:00]
• Dealing with the passing of a colleague and friend. [30:50]
• Words of wisdom. [36:00]

For more information on "The Informed Chiropractor," click https://www.thevitalityshift.com/the-informed-chiropractor