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

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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

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Kevin Holroyd. He practices with his wife, Dr. Susan Holroyd, at their clinic in Kelowna, BC. Kevin was introduced to chiropractic care at a young age—so early that he doesn’t remember his first appointment. From there, chiropractic care played a part in his wellness routine, and eventually, he decided to pursue it as a career.

Kevin will tell us all about a recent personal health challenge and how he’s dealt with his diagnosis. He also shares insight into the tools, technology, and people that helped him through this challenging time.  He shares with us his very challenging journey of being diagnosed with cancer and, more importantly, the people he surrounded himself with and what he did that helped him heal.  

Key Takeaways:

• How Kevin became interested in chiropractic care in his youth. [2:07]
• Why he decided to pursue a career as a chiropractor. [3:11]
• Where Kevin first began his career. [5:40]
• The health challenge he encountered in February 2020. [9:47]
• The news he learned after his surgery and what happened afterward. [13:58]
• A coincidence that helped him after his diagnosis. [15:30]
• How his diet changed after his diagnosis. [18:50]
• The biggest thing he’s learned through his diagnosis. [20:51]
• How a connection of his sisters was helpful to his situation. [22:15]
• The positive reminder he got after his second dose of immunotherapy. [25:42]
• How his immunotherapy impacted his liver health. [28:31]
• The mental struggles he encountered and how he dealt with them. [30:35]
• The therapy modality Kevin practiced and why it was so powerful. [32:47]
• What going through this experience has taught him. [34:58]
• The significant milestone he passed was in May 2022. [37:59]
• Kevin’s wisdom for other chiropractors who are dealing with their challenges. [40:52]

For more info on the Vitality Shift, visit https://www.thevitalityshift.com/

Dr. Don discusses the numerous training events and methods he has been employing in the last few months in today’s episode. We also hear a clip from a recent Zoom call for doctors in London preparing for an upcoming seminar there.

Brandi joins in to discuss the added complications that the pandemic has caused in patient care and how to adapt to it. They also discuss the basics of polyvagal theory and briefly touch on the challenges practitioners face.

The three parts of the Polyvagal theory covered in this episode are the hierarchy of the nervous system, neuroception, and co-regulation.  They are very excited to be producing a 4-week program in the second quarter of 2023 with Dr. Stephen Porges on the clinical application of the polyvagal theory into Chiropractic practice.  

Key Takeaways:

• The overview of recent training events and methods. [1.00]
• Brandi discusses the polyvagal theory and the problems that arise from being bombarded with too much information. [2:55]
• Creating an effective and semantically sound communication method for training. [4:00]
• Challenges faced by polyvagal practitioners. [5:36]
• The salutogenic process of chiropractic. [6:25]
• Getting to grips with the polyvagal process and overcoming preconceived notions of healing and pain. [7:00]
• Understanding what a patient’s physiology is telling you and them. [9:20]
• Why Brandi and Don came to the polyvagal theory. [10:40]
• How the pandemic has influenced assessing patients’ trauma and pain. [11:30]
• Understanding the effects of worldwide trauma. [13:00]
• Focusing on chiropractors and their lives. [14:50]
• Your responsibility to self-care. [15:30]
• Decoding how patients have changed through COVID and learning to communicate again. [17:00]
• Your responsibility as a practitioner is to accept your patient’s trauma. [18:45]
• How using the correct language will deepen your communication and connection with patients. [19:15]
• The main concepts of the polyvagal theory. [20:00]
• Understanding safety. [23:00]
• How the nervous systems of children are different. [28:00]

To join Dr. Don and Brandi Macdonald's monthly mentoring group called "The Informed Chiropractor," click below.

https://www.thevitalityshift.com/the-informed-chiropractor 

To Join Dr. Don and Brandi in San Fransico on January 14th for the Emergence one-day workshop, click below.

https://www.thevitalityshift.com/offers/S4oB5dNd 

To Join Dr. Don and Brandi in Montreal on Saturday, March 11th, for "The MacDonald Safety Corridor Protocol" hands-on workshop, click below

https://www.thevitalityshift.com/offers/FoayJsda 

In this episode, Dr. Don MacDonald gets interviewed by his friend, Patrick Francey, host of The Everyday Millionaire Podcast. 

In this insightful conversation, Don delves into the world of polyvagal theory and chiropractic care, seeking to understand how they intersect and impact stress management and overall well-being. 

This episode offers valuable insights for chiropractors and any health practitioner. From exploring the components of polyvagal theory to discussing the essential skills of chiropractic care, it explores the complexities of the practice.

Discover how chiropractic care promotes emotional and physical balance, enhances emotional regulation, and fosters healing through safety cues. 

Gain practical tips and advice for prioritizing mental and physical health, understanding trauma, and achieving the goals of chiropractic practice. 

Whether you're a chiropractor or simply interested in holistic health, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate stress, promote healing, and optimize your well-being.

• (00:00): Introduction
• (04:03): What is polyvagal theory?
• (08:12): Three components of polyvagal theory
• (12:08): The role of safety in stress and relaxation
• (18:23): The four chiropractic essential skills
• (22:41): Chiropractic benefits
• (26:48): Understanding co-regulation
• (32:28): How chiropractic care promotes emotional and physical balance
• (35:50): How chiropractors enhance emotional regulation
• (39:02): The impact of chiropractic care
• (41:52): Three T’s of chiropractic: Thoughts, Toxins and Traumas
• (44:33): Prioritizing mental and physical health
• (48:16): The role of safety cues in chiropractic healing
• (52:31): Connecting with your body and mind
• (58:10): Understanding Trauma
• (01:05:31): The goals of chiropractors
• (01:09:30): Tips and advice for chiropractors

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/theinformedchiropractor

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

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

In today’s show, Dr. Don is joined by Dr. Clare Haitsma, a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic who has been in practice for 46 years. After chiropractic school, Dr. Haitsma returned to Alberta and practiced for 30 years before retiring to go on church missions.

That retirement didn’t last long, and six years ago, he returned to start a new practice from scratch in Lethbridge, Alberta. It hasn’t been an easy road to rebuild, and there have been many changes along the way, but it’s important to keep focused on your values and the needs of your patients.

Dr. Clare Haitsma is an inspiration to the profession, he shares some of his routines and rituals that help keep him focused and on purpose.  Nothing is more inspiring than seeing a Chiropractor in practice that long and still loving to serve people daily. 

Key Takeaways:

• How did Dr. Haitsma come to chiropractic medicine? [1:40]
• Why a car accident led to a career path switch. [2:00]
• What studying at Palmer College was like in the 1970s. [4:21]
• Why Palmer was considered an eccentric college. [4:30]
• What was the highlight of attending the school? [6:22]
• Why Dr. Haitsma knew he would come back to Alberta. [7:55]
• How chiropractic medicine evolved during his time in business. [9:00]
• Why Dr. Haitsma retired. [11:08]
• What drove the decision to go on church missions? [11:40]
• Why Dr. Haitsma ended up in Lethbridge.
• What it was like rebuilding a practice from scratch. [13:00]
• Learning to refocus on what mattered in his practice and for his clients. [15:35]
• Overcoming apprehension of creating care plans. [18:00]
• What is the benefit of care plans? [18:45]
• Why it’s important to give patients the choice of their treatment options. [20:40]
• How has Dr. Haitsma’s technique evolved? [22:50]
• What kind of personal rituals does Dr. Haitsma have to maintain focus? [25:35]
• What would Dr. Haitsma tell his younger self? [27:20]
• Words of wisdom. [30:30]

For more information on "The Informed Chiropractor" with Dr. Don and Brandi MacDonald, visit

https://www.thevitalityshift.com/the-informed-chiropractor 

Dr. Don is joined by Dr. Julie Darchuk from Saskatoon in this episode. Dr. Julie has been in practice for 6 years and is a graduate of CMCC.  Dr. Don and Brandi have been working closely with Dr. Julie over the last year, and he is excited to share her journey today. 

Julie takes us through her chiropractic journey, how her dad was her biggest inspiration, and the stress she experience when she suddenly lost him before starting School. Her body stored the trauma she had not dealt with and put it on a shelf for her to push through school. Numbing her grief was the only way for her to cope in the beginning.  She then experienced the loss of her brother as well, which added to her grief.

Coaching helped Julie identify and then begin to process grief and trauma in her personal life and a feeling of staleness in her career after having to practice hurt. For those struggling, Julie’s experiences could be the inspiration you may be looking for to help you get back on track. 

Key Takeaways:

• How Julie decided to become a Chiropractor. [1:45]
• How Julie managed stress at Chiropractic school in the first year. [4:05]
• What happened after Julie graduated? How did she decide whether to start her practice or work for someone else? [6:50]
• Why it was important for Julie to learn from multiple practitioners in a hands-on way. [9:25]
• Dealing with further family trauma out in the world of work. [10:15]
• What happens when you aren’t fine anymore? [12:00]
• What brought Julie to work with Dr. Don and Brandi? [12:40]
• Learning about the salutogenic model of chiropractic. [14:20]
• Understanding why you want to make the shift. [16:00]
• Julie’s journey through pain and road to recovery. [17:20]
• What helped Julie unpack her trauma over time? [18:35]
• Taking note of the small triumphs. [20:11]
• The impatience of recovery. [21:00]
• About Julie’s journey to clinic owner. [22:10]
• Getting clear about what you want. [24:10]
• What would Julie say to her younger self? [25:20]
• Advice for those struggling. [27:00]

For more information on the Vitality Shift program, visit: https://www.thevitalityshift.com

To get more information about "The Informed Chiropractor" program, visit

https://www.thevitalityshift.com/the-informed-chiropractor 

Today, Dr. Don is firing the podcast again after a year-long break. In this episode, he shares what he and Brandi have been up to over the last year and the latest updates on their business. After this updated episode, there will be more interview-style episodes on the way.

Dr. Don dives into practice changes, including their new practice and location. He also talks about their interview with Dr. Stephen Porges about the polyvagal theory on the podcast last year and how that conversation influenced how they approach their practice members.

Key Takeaways:

• What has happened since the new practice opened one year ago. [1:40]
• Moving into a new space and building it from scratch. [2:05]
• The reason why the episode with Dr. Porges changed the way they treat patients. [3:58]
• How learning about polyvagal theory influenced Dr. Don’s thoughts about physiology. [5:11]
• What brought Dr. Porges to create the polyvagal theory. [6:42]
• The brainstem function as a safety or danger detector. [9:08]
• What state your body must be in for optimal physiology to happen? [9:28]
• The benefits of creating sustained ease over a longer period of time. [10:47]
• What it’s been like doing more seminars as the world opens up. [11:50]
• Why all techniques are capable of being successful. [12:24]
• An upcoming beta-run seminar at the new practice. [13:40]
• What Dr. Don and Brandi have been doing over the past year. [14:48]
• The Informed Chiropractor group coaching program supports the business and personal development of chiropractors. [15:15]
• What to expect on the podcast as regular episodes begin again. [17:40]

For more info on the Vitality Shift, visit https://www.thevitalityshift.com/

For more on the Informed Chiropractor program visit https://www.thevitalityshift.com/the-informed-chiropractor 

Mike Michalowicz, a threepeat guest and incredible author, is here today. Mike joins us to discuss his new book “Get Different,” marketing that can’t be ignored, and boosting your clinic’s profile post-COVID.

He takes us through the necessity of marketing in unique ways and why it is your responsibility as a service provider to market yourself. With the pandemic continuing to rage, many people are stuck in a fear state. As a chiropractor, you can help them – you just have to let them know you are there.

Key Takeaways:

• A brief overview of Mike’s previous books and new release. [0:48]
• How the Mastermind sessions help to bring about and refine Mike’s ideas. [1:35]
• Where the initial idea for book topics come from. [2:25]
• How Mike crowdsources ideas from the community. [2:45]
• Understanding that we are at the whim of the customers. [3:20]
• Why you have a responsibility to market. [4:40]
• Getting different with your marketing. [6:10]
• Differentiating your services from the white noise. [6:45]
• Why you don’t need to be complicated to be impactful. [9:10]
• Understanding your target community. [10:28]
• Examples of standout marketing from Mike’s career. [10.50]
• Creating online buzz for virtually no cost. [13:15]
• Experiment, measure, amplify, and repeat. [15:00]
• Why we are fear based and how to get around it. [15:15]
• Presenting yourself as a service and offering kindness. [16:50]
• The disadvantage advantage. [17:44]
• Exercises for creative thinking. [19:04]
• Why you should grow, but not grow up. [21:50]
• About the new book, Get Different. [23:00]
• Words of wisdom and inspiration. [24:20]

Get Different: https://www.gogetdifferent.com

For more information on the Vitality Shift program visit: https://www.thevitalityshift.com

Today, Dr. Don is joined by Dr. Stephen Porges, Ph.D. He is a distinguished university scientist at the Kinsey Institute, Founding Director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at Indiana University, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, and proponent of the polyvagal theory. Dr. Porges is with us to discuss the polyvagal theory in detail and how it relates to chiropractic.

Dr. Porges takes us through the beginnings of polyvagal theory and how it can influence bodily function. It’s important to create safety for patients in order to create that vagal response to bring them out of a defensive state.  Dr. Don and Dr. Porges discover some of the many similarities between the benefits of Chiropractic care and the Vagal break as described by the polyvagal theory. 

Key Takeaways:

• How Dr. Porges describes the polyvagal theory. [5:03]
• What drew Dr. Porges to commit his academic life to this theory. [6:35]
• Descriptions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. [8:31]
• The dorsal vagas and its role as the ‘old vagas’. [9:36]
• How and why the body exits dorsal collapse. [12:02]
• Why we don’t remember trauma. [14:00]
• Navigating defensive states by using vagal activity. [14:53]
• The Safe and Sound Protocol. [17:46]
• The long road to creating a theory of neural modulation. [20:58]
• Returning autonomy to patients through polyvagal manipulation. [22:00]
• How our society keeps us locked in states of defense. [25:00]
• Creating a state of ease through awareness. [27:10]
• Activating the ventral vagal process through neural exercises. [28:00]
• Explaining co-regulation and how it works. [30:16]
• Proprioception through Chiropractic care and improving safety. [34:02]
• Understanding the mind/body relationship and feedback loops. [36:20]
• Why client interaction is key to creating safe spaces. [39:50]
• Alleviating the burden of responsibility and creating bodily awareness in patients. [43:10]
• How Dr. Porges conducts his research. [43:55]
• Case studies of long hauler COVID sufferers and how vagal stimulation can help them. [47:28]
• The importance of self-compassion and self-care for Chiropractors out there. [50:51]

The Polyvagal Institute: https://www.polyvagalinstitue.org

For more info on the Vitality Shift visit  https://www.thevitalityshift.com/ 

On today’s show, Dr. Don is joined by Jake Steiner, a retired stockbroker who has dedicated himself to improving his own and others eyesight through natural methods. Some topics Jake will discuss are how he became interested in natural eyesight improvement and what pseudo-myopia is.

Jake takes us through how he arrived at improving his eyesight through natural methods. Being told he needed to change his eyeglass prescription for the first time since he was a teenager due to genetics didn’t sit right with him. Jake took it upon himself to begin research into the reasons for his vision decline.

With our screen time forever on the increase and eye strain commonplace, more people than ever are experiencing some kind of myopia. During his research, Jake discovered that the answer to reversing myopia could be simple.

Key Takeaways:

• How Jake came to be interested in natural eyesight improvement. [2:15]
• Why Google Scholar is an amazing resource and how to utilize it. [4:29]
• What is pseudo-myopia? [5:19]
• What can you do to ease your ocular muscle strain? [07:09]
• Addressing the causality of the muscle strain. [8:30]
• About lens-induced myopia. [9:25]
• How Jake honed his research and methods. [10:55]
• How Jake’s method grew and spread. [13:00]
• Steps to start the process of ocular muscle improvement. [14:30]
• The timeline to improvement. [19:25]
• How posture can impact your eyesight and vice versa. [21:00]
• How Jake’s body has changed since his vision has improved. [25:07]
• Words of wisdom. [28:40]

Find out more: https://www.endmyopia.com

To get more information on our products visit.

https://www.thevitalityshift.com/ 

Dr. Don is joined once again by his wife Brandi MacDonald, with whom he co-owns South Side Chiropractic in Edmonton. Brandi is here to discuss 3 frameworks of care, what they are, and how they can be used by Chiropractors in the vitality model.

Brandi takes us through the 3 different frameworks of care, their differences, and their similarities. Trauma-informed care was born out of the Vietnam war to help people with PTSD, and the Polyvagal theory looks at how the nervous system interacts with the environment and salutogenesis.

Looking to the future, Brandi hopes that Chiropractic across the board will adapt a more trauma-conscious way of working with patients. If we looked at a patient as more than just an issue or condition, think of the healing we could accomplish.

Key Takeaways:

• About the 3 different frameworks of care. [1:59]
• Trauma informed care. [3:27]
• The evolution of trauma informed care. [5:50]
• Being a trauma informed practitioner. [10:00]
• The polyvagal theory. [11:23]
• What is the science of safety? [14:20]
• Involuntary responses to trauma. [15:55]
• Creating a state of ease for clients through chiropractic. [16:40]
• How these theories work and benefit chiropractic practice. [18:50]
• Making sense of your body and inhabiting yourself and your body. [20:00]
• Why the future of healthcare hinges on an understanding of humans as a whole being instead of just tissue. [21:10]
• Working to truly understand your clients. [23:30]
• Staying curious to overcome the inflexibility of chiro. [25:30]
• Salutogenesis: Health promotion and drawing on internal strengths. [27:40]
• How the 3 frameworks work together in chiropractic medicine. [31:09]

On today’s show Dr. Don is joined by Dr. Kelly Holt, a returning guest joining us from New Zealand. If you would like to know more about Dr. Kelly, you can listen back to the last time he joined the show in May 2018. Today, Dr. Kelly joins us to discuss how the pandemic has affected him out in New Zealand, what research he has been conducting over the last few years, and where his research is taking him next.

Dr. Kelly takes us through how New Zealand has dealt with the pandemic and how it has impacted both the New Zealand College of Chiropractic and chiropractors at large. Now, Dr. Kelly is looking to the future and planning how practice-based research can help practices in real time.

Key Takeaways:

• An update on how New Zealand is dealing with the pandemic. [2:00]
• How the school has dealt with adapting to the lockdowns. [4:35]
• The silver lining of the pandemic for chiropractic practices. [7:00]
• About the research Dr. Kelly has been conducting in the last few years. [8:18]
• How the research he has been conducting has been helping people. [12:50]
• What research has Dr. Kelly had published since his last visit? [14:45]
• Why Dr. Kelly couldn’t do what he does without funding and how he attained it. [19:35]
• Why Dr. Kelly is excited about creating practice-based research. [25:00]
• The benefits of conducting practice-based research. [29:00]
• What needs to be in place before commencing practice-based studies. [30:40]
• How chiropractors in the field can help support the research centre. [36:30]
• Final words of wisdom. [42:00]

Find out more about the New Zealand Centre for Chiropractic Research: http://research.chiropractic.ac.nz/

Find out more about The Vitality Shift: https://www.thevitalityshift.com

On today’s show, Dr. Don is joined by Dr. John Osborne, co-owner of Osborne Chiropractic with his wife Marie in Tipperary, Ireland. He joins us to discuss the breakthroughs he has been making in his vitality shift and the 3 main internal obstacles he has been able to overcome.

When he began his vitality shift 4 years ago, John was very much a pain-focused Chiropractor. Since he began the program, John has continued his journey for self, and practice, improvement. There’s always more to learn and more ways to improve.

Dr. John takes us through his initial vitality shift and how he has progressed in the 4 years since he started his journey. Since then, he has still felt stuck; like his practice wasn’t growing as it should. John decided to work one on one with Dr. Don and Brandi MacDonald in their 90-day accelerator intensive.  John discusses the work he did, most importantly realizing he was his practice’s biggest problem. He Learned to tune into his own feelings and how his body was responding.  The results of doing this work have been record-breaking milestone after milestone, he said he felt like he finally took the hand break off his potential. 

Once you know yourself, you can truly know your practice.

Key Takeaways:

• Looking for help without knowing what you need. [2:38]
• How John has progressed from his initial vitality shift. [3:43]
• The process of realizing you need help. [6:20]
• Understanding and having realistic expectations for patient progression. [7:15]
• Learning to pick up on the subtleties of individual cases. [10:45]
• Becoming more aware of your own feelings and your own body’s responses. [12:36]
• Overcoming the self-sabotage mindset. [14:00]
• Understanding how your mental state affects how you show up in practice. [17:01]
• Learning to be comfortable with your physiological responses. [19:05]
• Attaching meaning to your goals. [26:52]
• Creating separate identities with a singular purpose in a joint practice. [33:00]
• Advice for identifying your own internal obstacles. [36:13]

Find out more about The Vitality Shift: https://www.thevitalityshift.com

On today’s show, we are welcoming Dr. Don Clum. He is a chiropractor, nutritionist, and speaker. He is here to discuss nutrition, how the body processes hormones, and insulin friendly diet and lifestyle.

For Dr. Clum, being healthy has become proactive by necessity. After spending several years abroad, he and his family returned to America to find an obesity epidemic. That was the starting point of his mission to bring nutrition to the forefront. He goes on to take us through his experiences working abroad and what led him and his family to return to America. Dr. Clum goes on to take us through how insulin and adrenals affect our bodies differently and how they interact. It’s about creating lifestyle changes.

We then hear about common fasting misconceptions and what fasting truly is. It’s important to remember that the body adapts - it’s about changing insulin responses and getting rid of toxic behaviors and habits. Dr. Clum reminds us that there is no one size fits all approach.

Key Takeaways:

• Coming from a family of doctors. [2:38]
• Clum’s time and experience working in Costa Rica and Spain. [6:03]
• How Dr. Clum began operating a virtual practice. [8:35]
• Creating programs for a population health company. [10:00]
• Adapting language to work in a conservative space. [10:50]
• Nutrition for chiropractors. [12:00]
• How insulin and adrenals affect our bodies. [13:20]
• Creating lifestyle programs for individual patients. [16:10]
• What is fasting and how does it work? [18:00]
• Tackling metabolic issues. [27:30]
• Insulin-friendly diet and lifestyle. [34:00]
• What to consider when starting a program. [38:29]
• Do amino acids work as a post-workout strategy? [46:20]

Find Dr. Don Clum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/don.clum.10

Find out more about The Vitality Shift: https://www.thevitalityshift.com

In today's episode, we sit down with the esteemed Dr. Peter Kevorkian, a renowned figure in chiropractic care and education. 

Dr. Peter shares insights into his recent life changes, including his transition from full-time practice to a leadership role in chiropractic education.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Peter delves into the core values of chiropractic care, emphasizing the importance of serving patients and nurturing future chiropractors. 

He reflects on the impact of his interactions in practice and highlights the joy he finds in serving others.

Dr. Peter shares valuable perspectives on navigating practice transitions, the integration of chiropractic philosophy and application, and the differences between virtual and in-person training. 

Dr. Peter's passion for supporting individuals and families to achieve their personal potential shines through as he leaves us with inspiring tips for both practitioners and chiropractic enthusiasts alike.

Join us as we uncover Dr. Peter's journey and the valuable lessons he's 

learned along the way. 

Show Notes: 

• (00:00): Introduction
• (01:29): Dr. Peter's recent life changes
• (03:34): Navigating practice transitions
• (08:53): From practice to educational leadership
• (10:23): Impactful interactions in chiropractic practice
• (12:05): Chiropractic core values: Serving patients and nurturing students
• (13:56): Chiropractic learning: Virtual training vs. in-person training
• (17:33): Integrating chiropractic philosophy and application
• (24:24): Chiropractic perspectives from around the world
• (27:21): Embracing chiropractic's different approach
• (29:41): Finding joy in serving others
• (36:39): Tips for listeners

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

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

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

On today’s show, Dr. Don is once again joined by his wife Brandi MacDonald, who is also co-owner of South Side Chiropractic in Edmonton. Today, Dr. Don and Brandi discuss adapting to your environment, what’s changed in their office since lockdown, and the 3 keys to bouncing back after COVID.

It’s been a year since lockdown began, and now with restrictions lifting, Dr. Don and Brandi agree that it’s a great time to look at what’s next. How are you going to position yourself and your practice to bounce back? It takes adaptability, self-awareness, self-regulation, and keeping distractions at bay to be able to adapt and continue to grow.

Brandi begins by discussing state management and how you can utilize it to adapt to the new way of doing things after lockdown. She goes on to discuss why we get distracted and how to maintain focus, also talking about deliberate practice and how it improves your skills. To end the episode, Dr. Don and Brandi discuss how the people they have been working with over the last year have been implementing the 3 keys and constantly striving for improvement.

Key Takeaways:

• Reflecting on a year since lockdown. [1:45]
• How Brandi has been managing the change of flow in the office. [3:45]
• State management: What is it and how can you utilize it? [9:50]
• Using adversity as your rocket fuel. [20:10]
• The mechanics of focus. [21:49]
• The art of employing deliberate practice. [30:09]
• Words of wisdom and inspiration. [42:22]

Find out more about The Vitality Shift: https://www.thevitalityshift.com

In this episode, Dr. Don is joined by Brandi MacDonald, and today they are discussing how they help chiropractors get unstuck by overcoming trauma.- both for themselves and the people they care for.

Trauma is widely misunderstood, but by becoming more trauma-informed, you can better understand the influence you have (and don’t have) in helping people deal with it. Brandi and Dr. Don talk about state seeking, validation, trauma in chiropractors, and the role of  “safety is the treatment” in the polyvagal theory.

Key Takeaways:

• Upcoming dates for Mastermind Rewire. [2:26]
• What trauma is and what it’s really about. [3:55]
• Brandi’s experience as a trauma-informed practitioner. [6:11]
• Who or what determines if a person is traumatized. [7:26]
• How a chiropractic adjustment influences the trauma response. [8:46]
• Why it’s especially important to acknowledge the trauma of this past year. [10:05]
• What happens when we are left in the sympathetic system for too long. [11:20]
• Story-seeking versus state-seeking in your practice. [13:00]
• What the “window of tolerance” is and why it’s important. [16:00]
• What the research says about trauma in the nervous system. [20:25]
• How to use tools like triggers, glimmers, and glows to help with trauma. [23:10]
• How breathwork can help support the nervous system. [29:47]
• The environment they create in their mastermind group and how it relates to the topic of trauma. [31:47]
• Brandi’s words of wisdom going into 2021. [35:41]
• Why you need to get into a state of regulation before making decisions. [38:56]

Find out more about The Vitality Shift: www.thevitalityshift.com

In this episode Dr. Matthew Bortolussi joins Dr. Don to discuss the evolution of his career, including how and why he joined The Vitality Shift.

Dr. Bortolussi graduated from the New York Chiropractic College in 2004 and now practices in Vaughn, Ontario. Interestingly enough, Dr. Bortolussi had never himself experienced chiropractic care before pursuing it as a career. Now, he runs his own practice. He is sharing why he chose to become a chiropractor, how his practice has evolved and changed, and everything he’s learned along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Dr. Bortolussi decided to become chiropractor. [2:10]
• His experience with chiropractic care before it became his career. [5:10]
• Why he decided on New York Chiropractic College. [6:16]
• The amount of vitalism Dr. Bortolussi was exposed to during college. [10:57]
• How he prepared himself to start his own practice during school. [12:45]
• The evolution of Dr. Bortolussi’s career, and how this related to the changes in his marriage. [15:29]
• How his practice has changed in its new iteration. [22:18]
• Creating his own definition of chiropractic care. [23:35]
• When Dr. Bortolussi joined The Vitality Shift, and how he found out about it. [26:53]
• Tips for increasing an online presence, which is especially important during lockdown. [31:50]
• The importance of experience, authority, and trust on your webpage. [43:31]
• Integrating your site with online booking platforms, and discovering the new tools available. [49:10]
• How Dr. Bortolussi encourages customer reviews for his business. [50:10]
• Words of wisdom from Dr. Bortolussi for the listeners. [53:50]

Find out more about The Vitality Shift: www.thevitalityshift.com

In this episode, Dr. Don is joined by Dr. Pip Penrose, a passionate chiropractor from Stratford, Ontario.

As a teen, Dr. Penrose was sick with mono more than once when a friend suggested she visit a chiropractor to see how they might be able to help. Her experience was life-changing. It was soon after this that she decided she wanted to become a chiropractor herself.

More recently, she wanted to branch out and open her own practice. On this new path, she would discover what that would entail, as well as face the limiting thoughts and beliefs she had about herself. She shares that journey with us today.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Penrose’s story on how she discovered chiropractic care. [1:50]
• How and when she decided to become a chiropractor herself. [3:22]
• Dr. Penrose’s school experience in pursuing her career. [4:53]
• Her career path following school. [7:36]
• When she started doing The Vitality Shift, as well as the impact this has had on her business. [10:14]
• How understanding personality differences has improved her business. [13:43]
• What Dr. Penrose has learned so far through The Vitality Shift. [19:59]
• The two personalities Dr. Pip Penrose identifies with, and how she uses them to navigate difficult situations. [23:05]
• What Dr. Penrose hopes to show her kids through this journey. [26:09]
• The beliefs Dr. Penrose had to adjust to being successful in going out on her own. [26:50]
• What it took for Dr. Penrose to feel firmer in her decision. [30:50]
• Dr. Penrose shares how her new business is going so far. [35:01]
• What she would go back and tell herself at 18-years-old if she could. [36:42]
• Words of inspiration for anyone listening. [37:08]

Find out more about The Vitality Shift: https://www.thevitalityshift.com

In this episode, Dr. Don is joined by Nancy Dent, an advocate for change in legislation for chiropractic care.

Nancy’s daughter came into the world with compromised abilities and neurological issues, which led to challenges with her care. Nancy decided to look beyond what the conventional medical field had to offer. At age 4, her daughter began seeing a chiropractor.

Exploring Chiropractic care led her daughter to transform in incredible ways. After a short amount of time, she was able to walk independently, increase her spatial awareness, and enjoy her life more. This is why Nancy is passionate about seeing chiropractors be able to share what they can do with the world. Nancy has become an advocate for chiropractors by working to change the current legislation that restricts chiropractic care.

Key Takeaways:

• Nancy’s story about how and why her daughter’s journey with chiropractic care began. [5:25]
• The progression of her daughter’s care and how it has improved her quality of life. [9:55]
• Why Nancy is passionate about advocating for chiropractic care. [12:00]
• How Nancy became an advocate to change legislation for chiropractors. [13:55]
• Clinical trials versus lived experience. [16:15]
• An update on how Nancy’s daughter is doing now, and why she has to continue advocating for change moving forward. [20:38]
• How the current regulations impact a parent’s ability to care for their child. [27:02]
• The best way to connect with Nancy. [31:10]
• Final thoughts on making change and advocacy. [33:00]
• Parting words of inspiration from Nancy. [35:38]

You can find Nancy on Facebook here.  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005178015921 

Find out more about The Vitality Shift: https://www.thevitalityshift.com/fb-popup-group

On today’s show, Dr. Don is joined by Brandi MacDonald, who, in addition to being Dr. Dons’ wife, is co-owner of South Side Chiropractic in Edmonton. Brandi joins us to discuss the main obstacles chiropractors find they come up against when trying to shift to the salutogenic model and how to overcome them.

The most common obstacle that chiropractors find themselves up against is the pain conversation. Brandi explains that you can’t ever get away from the question fully. Pain is an important data point, and you should be looking at it as a starting point. Help your patients reframe pain in their mind as a symptom of a wider issue. Brandi goes on to discuss effectiveness in communication and how effectiveness is subjective.

Brandi brings up the importance of patient education and understanding of your chiropractic approach. Brandi also discusses being an emotionally healthy practitioner and what mindset works in creating patient relationships. To end the episode, Brandi tells us about the pop-up Facebook group she and Dr. Don have set up, and reminds us that everything we experience is data and can be learned from.

Key Takeaways:

• Why you can’t ever get away from the pain conversation. [2:55]
• Reframing the patient’s perspective of pain. [8:20]
• Becoming more effective in communication; What is effectiveness? [12:20]
• Maintaining a healthy mindset to maintain healthy patient relationships. [22:00]
• About the Vitality Shift pop-up Facebook group. [26:35]
• Words of wisdom. [29:20]

On today’s show Dr. Don is joined by Dr. Tiffany Johnson, who runs Healing Touch Chiropractic in West Fargo and hosts The Aligned Life Podcast. A returning guest, Dr. Tiffany joins us today to update us on how things have changed since the beginning of the pandemic and finding and working in your genius.

When the pandemic hit, Dr. Tiffany was out of state. Before returning to her practice, she had to isolate for 3 weeks. She tells us how that time off allowed her mind to clear and realize that she needed to make her business more sustainable. With new regulations, the physical flow of the practice had to change. This affected everything. You need to have enough strong support in your team to cope with such drastic changes.

Dr. Tiffany goes on to discuss how she has utilized the pandemic to become better at time blocking. It has led to less hours in office, but the same volume of patients. Going forward, Dr. Tiffany reminds us that while times are tough right now and we need to do our jobs, we need to be human too.

Key Takeaways:

• How Dr. Tiffany’s experience in lockdown has changed her practice. [2:48]
• Realizing the need for the right support in your team and how to achieve it. [5:30]
• Cancelling the bells and whistles and focusing on what is truly important. [8:26]
• How Dr. Tiffany has maintained patient volume while cutting hours. [12:58]
• Utilizing lockdown to create more time efficiency. [23:08]
• Being available for your team. [24:28]
• Advice for those struggling to delegate and give up control. [27:10]
• Inspiration for those who need it. [31:00]

Find out more about The Vitality Shift: https://www.thevitalityshift.com/fb-popup-group

Dr. Dara Tyrrell is joining us in this episode. She practices in Scotland and has grown her chiropractic business very quickly, having graduated from chiropractic school in Wales in 2013.

After getting through chiropractic school, Dr. Dara first thought she did not want to run her own business. We hear how she chose her first associateship and the success that she had. Eventually, Dr. Dara did make the decision to open her own practice. She explains what made her come to this decision.

Her practice has experienced rapid growth, so Dr. Dara takes us through the things she did right in the early days to lay a successful foundation. Part of her success has come through her extreme work ethic, but this has also caused her to burn out before. She provides advice for other chiropractors on what she has learned about preventing burnout.

Key Takeaways:

• How Dr. Dara first heard about chiropractic. [1:43]
• What the experience of going through chiropractic school was like for Dr. Dara. [5:09]
• The process of picking her first associateship position. [6:31]
• Leaving the stability of her full-time job. [10:41]
• Aspects that attributed to the quick growth of Dr. Dara’s practice. [13:49]
• Where the first patients came from. [16:24]
• A time when Dr. Dara got burnt out and how she overcame it. [19:14]
• Dara’s experience at the Shift Re-Wire Mastermind. [22:43]
• What the COVID-19 situation looks like in Scotland. [25:32]
• Advice that Dr. Dara would give her younger self. [27:56]

for more information on the Vitality Shift visit https://www.thevitalityshift.com/ 

On today’s show, Dr. Don is joined by Dr. Marie Osborne. Dr. Marie runs Osborne Chiropractic with her husband John in Tipperary, Ireland. A member of the Shift Re-Wire Mastermind program, Dr. Marie returns to the podcast to update us on her practice and personal wellbeing.

Dr. Marie tells us about how her practice has been these days and how she has been continuing to strive for progression personally and in business. She discusses overcoming her people-pleasing nature to live her truth and how she has worked to shed beliefs that don’t serve. Doing the internal work is uncomfortable, but necessary, in order to progress and grow.

Many places are beginning to re-open and no longer have lockdown orders in effect. Dr. Marie tells us how they have adjusted their space to meet guidelines and continue to provide access to care. Protecting your mental space is paramount with everything going on, but how do you do that and continue to work?

Key Takeaways:

• Working on the shift to the vitalistic approach. [2:17]
• Overcoming the need to people-please and living her truth. [4:56]
• The necessity of feeling uncomfortable when doing internal work. [9:45]
• Overcoming societal and internal beliefs about working mothers. [10:17]
• Building personal awareness. [13:07]
• How Dr. Marie let go of the guilt of not being everywhere. [16:30]
• COVID impacts on Ireland. [18:20]
• Adjusting to guidelines to provide access to care. [25:45]
• Protecting your mental space. [28:09]
• Words of inspiration. [30:41]

We are welcoming Dr. Dave Hansen for his second appearance in today’s episode. Dr. Hansen just had a record-breaking month in July despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This episode is geared towards finding out what has made Dr. Hansen bounce back and break records during this difficult time.

Some key components of his success were the high demand for chiropractic services after re-opening, which we hear about in detail. Dr. Hansen, however, stipulates that the first half of the year was not so fun.

Dr. Don and Dr. Hansen to go on to discuss how they handle integrating new employees to the team and how hiring a chiropractic associate have helped both themselves and their practices.

Key Points:

• How Dr. Hansen reached his results [3:33]
• The reasons to hire a CA and the impact it can have on your practice [6:05]
• A good lesson for a lot of people from Dr. Don [10:52]
• How Dr. Hansen and his new CA are handling the practice [11:42]
• Did hiring a CA force Dr. Hansen to become more engaged in the front? [13:35]
• Keys for hiring new employees in the chiropractic world [15:05]
• Managing the front and letting go to focus on making adjustments [18:02]
• The importance of recognizing burn out [18:58]
• How Dr. Hansen is focusing more on self-care in recent months [19:50]
• Hansen’s journey on changing his mindset [23:03]
• The “feeling” issue experienced by Dr. Hansen and his progress on correcting it [25:06]
• Words of inspiration from Dr. Hansen [28:13]

You can listen to the previous episode featuring Dr. Hansen here.

For more details on the Vitality shift of the Rewire Mastermind visit https://www.thevitalityshift.com/ 

Dive into the world of chiropractic care with Dr. Martin Lamarre, a veteran chiropractor passionate about promoting a true principled chiropractic lifestyle. 

In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor, we explore Dr. Lamarre's journey from chiropractic school to serving on the Montreal Alouettes team as a chiropractor.

Discover insights into chiropractic philosophy, choosing the right school, overcoming doubts, and lessons learned in practice. 

Dr. Lamarre shares valuable advice for aspiring chiropractors and discusses integrating polyvagal theory into chiropractic practice. 

Join us for an enlightening conversation on embracing the chiropractic lifestyle and enhancing patient care.

• (00:00): Introduction
• (02:15): Why did you choose chiropractic care?
• (07:45): Exploring chiropractic schools in the U.S.
• (10:12): Choosing Logan University for chiropractic studies
• (11:10): Overcoming doubts about pursuing chiropractic studies
• (14:27): The power of chiropractic philosophy
• (19:16): Family ties and life choices
• (21:36): Lessons learned in chiropractic practice
• (24:31): Becoming the chiropractor for pro football players
• (31:25): Enhancing chiropractic practice with polyvagal theory
• (35:56): Advice to my 18-year-old self
• (38:16): Tips and advice for listeners

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

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

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

On today’s show, Dr. Don is joined by Dr. Helen Cox. Dr. Helen runs the Tri-Chiropractic practice in Lethbridge, Alberta. A graduate of Parker University in 1998, Dr. Helen has been in practice for 20 years.

Beginning by taking us through her journey to chiropractic practice, Dr. Helen gives us an honest look into dealing with the struggles of single parenting while trying to establish a career. She also tells us about dealing with health issues, burnout and rediscovering her passion.

Now running for ACAC Council, Dr. Helen is looking to help people make a shift in their own lives towards speaking their truth and being unafraid to do so. You have the ability to shape your practice the way you want it to be and you have the power to prevent negativity in your practice. Just focus on what you truly want.

Key Takeaways:

• How Dr. Helen came to pick Chiropractic Medicine as her major. [1:44]
• What drew her to studying at Parker. [3:06]
• The benefits and impact of Parker Seminars. [5:33]
• Building a practice amidst being a single parent and health scares. [7:43]
• Growing her practice: Focusing on sincerity and relationships. [9:23]
• Beginning the vitality shift. [12:10]
• Evolving her chiropractic philosophy. [14:00]
• Overcoming imposter syndrome, knowing what you want and going for it. [15:39]
• Experiencing burnout and how Dr. Helen protects herself from it now. [17:47]
• Dealing with re-emerging health concerns amidst COVID-19. [19:19]
• What led to running for leadership. [23:10]
• Finding your own truth and living in your purpose. [24:50]
• Words of inspiration for new practitioners or those feeling burnt out. [27:51]

In today’s episode, Dr. Don is joined by his wife, Brandi MacDonald, who co-owns South Side Chiropractic in Edmonton, Alberta. She is also a professional speaker, author, and coach. Brandi explains how the current pandemic is similar to an injury to the body and how we essentially went into shock and feared the unknown. COVID-19 can be related to a phase of chronic pain where the body still needs to recover from the injury itself.

Dr. Don explains how this is an important time to not take your foot off the gas as much, as it feels like you should when it comes to your practice. Dr. Don asks Brandi how to regain our energy to put into our practices, and she weighs in on how to adapt to restrictions and health procedures.

Key Takeaways:

• The fight or flight and fight or freeze response. [5:40]
• The “ready” position and how it affects the various professions. [6:58]
• Focusing on the upside of the trauma brought on to your practice. [10:47]
• How South Side Chiropractic was affected by the pandemic and how they had to resort to a critical patient-only basis. [12:04]
• How having a family can drastically affect your practice as childcare has been limited or shut down in various areas. [15:45]
• Brandi explains how she believes what you allow into your space can help you to pull through and regain energy. [19:35]
• Some activities that can help to take your mind off things and shut your brain off. [21:06]
• Social distancing and how Dr. Don conserves energy on his off days. [24:22]
• Surge capacity, open hours, and how minimizing your hours can actually be more beneficial. [25:57]

On today’s show, Dr. Don is joined by Dr. Jason Hollingsworth. Dr. Jason runs the Back to Health practice in Strathmore, Alberta with his wife Dr. Heather Russell. A graduate of Western States Chiropractic College, Dr. Jason has been in practice for 20 years.

Discussing his path to chiropractic practice, Dr. Jason also tells us how he met his wife at school after they had both deferred a year. He discusses their journey to a more vitalistic approach to chiropractic wellness and overcoming burnout after changing their approach.

Dr. Jason also takes us through the reasons he has become more involved in the politics of chiropractic practice. Currently running for ACAC Council, he believes it is time for the different approaches of the chiropractic discipline to be less divided and wants to encourage us all to become involved on a more united front. What can we accomplish when we collaborate?

Key Takeaways:

• How Dr. Jason arrived at practicing Chiropractic Medicine. [1:30]
• Meeting his wife and business partner through school. [4:35]
• The path to their own practice. [6:15]
• Developing their vitalistic approach. [9:06]
• Growing their practice from the ground up. [12:32]
• How their community involvement has strengthened the practice. [13:48]
• Burnout: What caused it and how did they cope with it? [14:30]
• What helped turn their finances around? [16:55]
• How Dr. Jason became involved in politics. [21:00]
• The importance of fostering unity in the chiropractic community. [24:40]
• Words of inspiration for those starting out or feeling burnt out. [26:58]

On today’s show, Dr. Don is joined by Dr. Naomi Mills. Originally from Aberdeen in Scotland, Dr. Naomi studied at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in Bournemouth. Until recently, Dr. Naomi owned a practice in the UK.

Joining us 2 years on from her first appearance on the show, she discusses the drastic shift she has made. Last time she spoke to us she had just finished building and opening the clinic of her dreams. Today she has left that clinic behind and moved to Scotland to start again.

Self-reflection and understanding where her values truly lie played a huge part in this decision. Naomi takes us through how she came to the decision to sell, what the process was like, and where her future lies. During the lockdown, you also have the opportunity to look at where you are and ask yourself what am I working so hard for?

Key Takeaways:

• How Dr. Naomi came to the decision to leave her ‘dream’ practice. [2:20]
• The work involved in creating her new vision and how she took action. [7:15]
• The process of selling and facilitating the transition for her clients and new owners. [9:28]
• Letting go of emotional ties to evolve. [11:34]
• What Dr. Naomi has planned for the future once lockdown is lifted. [13:20]
• Her involvement in the future opening of The Scottish Chiropractic College. [16:37]
• What plans she has for the curriculum she would like to teach. [18:53]
• How fellow chiropractors can support the college in its opening. [21:04]
• Tips for finding inspiration and understanding your values during the lockdown. [22:40]

Dr. Don is joined today by Dr. Ali Miller from Bolton, Ontario. Ali’s mom had always suffered from headaches until she began to see a chiropractor, and that’s when Ali saw a shift in her mother’s well-being, sparking her interest in chiropractic. Ali also has a love for children and wanted to be able to gear her profession towards a branch of pediatrics. Ali is a graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CNCC) in Toronto, Ontario.

Dr. Miller now operates her own practice out of  Bolton, Ontario as Family Health Chiropractic & Wellness. She has also undertaken a certification from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) for pediatrics and pregnancy. Dr. Don and Dr. Miller discuss how she juggled getting married, becoming a mother, and attending chiropractic school.

Later in the episode, Dr. Miller discusses how she balances her career and family life, as well as how she avoids burnout and becoming overwhelmed. To close out the episode, Dr. Miller gives us her daily motto “swim your own race” and tell us how she uses that in her daily practice before sharing some more parting words of wisdom.

Key Points:

• How Dr. Miller got into the chiropractic profession [1:50]
• Miller’s advice for current chiropractic school students [4:52]
• How to balance being a mom and juggling chiropractic school [9:37]
• Finished your board exams? Here’s what you can do next [11:01]
• Growing a practice and the ups and downs of the growth cycle [16:10]
• A journey through chiropracting [22:04]
• Miller’s involvement with the Canadian National Alliance for Chiropractic (CNAC) [24:42]
• Dealing with COVID-19 restrictions in the medical profession in Ontario [28:06]
• Parting inspirational words and advice from Dr. Miller [28:44]
• Don shares his opinion on the difference between knowledge and wisdom [30:15]

On today’s show, Dr. Don is joined by Dr. Sheila Bonnett. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in the field of Kinesiology from the University of Saskatchewan. Then she attended Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, TX and graduated with honors in 2008. Following a Chiropractic Pediatric internship in Australia, Dr. Sheila started practicing in Saskatoon and now runs her own practice, YXE Chiropractic.

Dr. Sheila makes a promise to treat you with passion and compassion and has a strong focus on optimizing health and vitality in the community. She discusses her journey to chiropractic medicine and the mentorship she was able to receive while studying at Parker College.

Later, Dr. Sheila takes us through the process of opening her clinic and what it will be like post-COVID-19. If you are in the process of reopening, have you taken the time to evaluate your values and principles? If so, are you operating from a place of alignment in your business?

Key Takeaways:

• How Dr. Sheila came to the chiropractic profession. [1:42]
• How her experience in multiple practices as a C.A enabled her to build strong relationships in the Saskatoon chiropractic community. [6:00]
• The indispensable experience of mentorship she had at Parker College. [11:10]
• The disparate experiences of students in different schools. [15:19]
• The renewed importance of education and communication as chiropractic services were delisted by the government. [18:51]
• Understanding the importance of client flow. [28:25]
• Recovering from burnout after childbirth. [29:45]
• Self reflection for performance and relationship improvement. [35:45]
• Post-COVID-19 reopening strategies. [38:14]
• Words of inspiration for re-opening. [46:25]

On today’s episode, Dr. Don is joined by Dr. Michelle Ariette to offer a little bit of inspiration and positivity, especially to those clinics about to re-open. Dr. Michelle graduated in 2002 from Life West and has had 3 separate practices, all seeing consistent growth. Based in Rockland, California, she began her journey to the chiropractic profession after suffering an injury in high school. How has she kept her upbeat approach during the pandemic?

Dr. Michelle takes us through her journey from school to discussing her experiences setting up 3 practices. She then tells us how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting her current practice and mindset along with what she is doing to talk openly with her clients during this time.

How are you preparing for your practice to re-open if the pandemic closed it? Dr. Michelle recommends looking at your mindset and focusing day to day on your goals. What can you do to help your returning clients?

Key Takeaways:

• How Dr. Michelle Ariette came to chiropractic medicine. [2:20]
• What led her to choose Life West and her experience there. [6:34]
• Building her first, second and third practice. [9:34]
• How she has weathered the storm during COVID-19. [11:53]
• The importance of having a growth energy and mindset. [13:40]
• The regulations for practices open during the pandemic in California. [19:45]
• Being open with clients about the pathogenic model. [21:44]
• Seeing how lockdown has affected client’s health habits. [27:00]
• Tips on keeping up momentum and a positive mindset during dips. [28:54]
• Words of inspiration. [35:00]

We welcome two guests in today’s episode: Crystal Dwyer Hansen and Mark Victor Hansen. After crushing it in real estate, Crystal became a wellness coach and a clinical hypnotherapist. Mark is a mentor of Don’s and co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, a series which has sold over five hundred million copies worldwide. A husband and wife team, they have co-written a new book titled Ask!: The Bridge from Your Dreams to Your Destiny.

Crystal and Mark take us through how they came to write their new book. Crystal explains the two types of people that she sees in the world and what separates them, conveying why the couple knew they had to write this book. Afterwards, Mark shares a story to provide advice for chiropractors who are worrying during the pandemic.

The couple encourages everybody to make a plan for when we can start working again. How can you build a better connection with your patients? That is such an important thing to think about so that you can serve your patients in the best way possible.

Key Takeaways:

• How Crystal and Mark met each other. [2:42]
• Scaling down while working together. [9:55]
• What inspired Crystal and Mark to write their new book. [14:27]
• Advice for chiropractors to overcome fear imposed by COVID-19. [17:58]
• Additional content that purchasers of the book receive. [23:28]
• Resisting self-sabotage as a chiropractor and expanding dreams. [26:43]
• Words of wisdom for thinking about clients during the pandemic. [31:18]

In this episode, Dr. Don is pleased to welcome one of his biggest mentors to the podcast. It’s Dr. John Demartini, who is thanked immediately for everything he has taught Dr. Don. This includes some advice that is especially relevant now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Demartini explains the story of how a backpacking trip in South America allowed him to realize his desire to become a human behavior specialist.

We hear about the division between certain segments of practitioners and Dr. Demartini’s opinion on this. He says that chiropractors who do not use objectivity will not be able to govern a patient; instead, they’ll be subjectively letting the patient run them. Dr. Demartini then shares some wisdom on how chiropractors can deal with the stress that this pandemic may bring into their lives. Even COVID-19 is a situation that can be greatly eased with your own objectivity towards it.

For those who wish they had prepared better for COVID-19, Dr. Demartini tells us things we can start doing today to be better prepared for the next emergency. He proceeds to describe The Breakthrough Experience, which is an educational program that Dr. Demartini has hosted over one thousand times.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Demartini’s journey into chiropractic. [2:50]
• Vitalistic chiropractors versus evidence-based chiropractors. [9:04]
• Controlling the chaos as a chiropractor during the COVID-19 pandemic. [16:43]
• Current opportunities to communicate with and care about your patients. [20:41]
• The link between saving money and improving self-worth. [24:07]
• How to save more money in your business. [28:52]
• The Breakthrough Experience with Dr. Demartini. [33:24]
• Dr. Demartini’s upcoming book. [39:15]

Connect with Dr. John Demartini: https://drdemartini.com/

Connect with Dr. Don  https://www.thevitalityshift.com/ Facebook: The Vitality Shift for Chiropractors 

Dr. Don is joined for a second time by Mike Michalowicz, entrepreneurial expert and author of multiple financial guidebooks. Mike and Dr. Don spoke in a previous episode, Increase the Vitality of a Chiropractic Business with Mike Michalowicz, on giving chiropractors the tools to eradicate debt and to increase profitability. Today, Mike is discussing the business hierarchy of needs and sharing information from his new book, Fix This Next: Make the Vital Change That Will Level Up Your Business. 

Mike and Dr. Don also discuss current events, specifically issues that are arising from forced closures due to COVID-19 and what business owners can do to make the most of this. Don’t sit at home and wait for this to pass. Mike recommends, among other ideas, creating online training videos for clients and staff or preparing for a surge of clients looking to make up training when businesses reopen.

Mike’s new book is available on April 28th online on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. If you’re looking to get a head start, check out his website at fixthisnext.com for evaluation software to evaluate your business before the book release. 

Key Takeaways:

• Mike’s take on the biggest challenge for entrepreneurs. [2:10] 
• The businesses hierarchy of needs. [5:10]
• Examples Mike has seen of other businesses that had to scrap focusing on the top of the pyramid and get back to basics. [8:26]
• Mike links his other books back to the hierarchy and explains how it all blends together. [10:36]
• Recommendations for chiropractors who may have to close for a couple of weeks due to COVID-19. [12:30]
• Recessions as a jumping off point for new businesses. [18:10]
• Mike’s important words for entrepreneurs. [21:29] 

Connect with Mike: https://fixthisnext.com/ https://mikemichalowicz.com/

Connect with Dr. Don  https://www.thevitalityshift.com/ Facebook: The Vitality Shift for Chiropractors

Join us on "The Informed Chiropractor" as we delve into the remarkable journey of Dr. Eric Chu, a visionary in the chiropractic field whose work spans continents. 

From his initial training and early career decisions to establishing a thriving practice in Hong Kong, Dr. Chu's story is a testament to the power of innovation and determination in healthcare. 

Host Dr. Don MacDonald explores Dr. Chu's pioneering approach to chiropractic care, highlighting his integration of traditional techniques with cutting-edge research to enhance patient safety and care outcomes. 

Learn how Dr. Chu's commitment to expanding chiropractic practice globally has led him to groundbreaking research and the development of chiropractic education in Asia.

Dr. Chu's expertise and unique perspective have transformed his practice and influenced chiropractic policy and education internationally. 

In this episode, Dr. Don MacDonald discusses Dr. Chu's strategic expansions, his research on the safety of chiropractic adjustments, and his influential case studies that have reshaped understanding within the medical community. 

Tune in to discover how Dr. Eric Chu is making a global impact, paving the way for future generations of chiropractors and setting new standards in holistic healthcare.

Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Eric Chu and his global chiropractic journey

05:20 - Examining the chiropractic landscape in Hong Kong

07:15 - Dr. Chu's educational background and early career choices

10:40 - The challenges and triumphs of opening a chiropractic practice abroad

14:50 - Integrating innovative techniques in everyday chiropractic care

18:00 - Insights into Dr. Chu's pivotal safety research in chiropractic practice

21:00 - Highlighting transformative patient cases and their outcomes

23:50 - Expansion strategies for chiropractic practices

29:10 - Managing work-life balance as a chiropractor and entrepreneur

32:00 - Essential advice for emerging chiropractors

35:00 - Looking ahead: The evolving role of chiropractic in global healthcare

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

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

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

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/

• 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] 

Brain DC Website

OTZ Health Ed Seminars

Vitality Shift Website

True Concept Seminars

Dr. Don MacDonald

@DrDonMacDonald on Twitter

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/

• 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]

Vitality Shift Website

True Concept Seminars

Dr. Don MacDonald

@DrDonMacDonald on Twitter

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/

• 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]

Bathurst Chiropractic 

Vitality Shift Website

True Concept Seminars

Dr. Don MacDonald

@DrDonMacDonald on Twitter

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.

• 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]

Vitality Shift Website

True Concept Seminars

Dr. Don MacDonald

@DrDonMacDonald on Twitter