The Chiropractic Authority Podcast

Beyond the Adjustment: Building a Legacy Practice with Dr. Michael Martin

In this episode of the Chiropractic Authority podcast, host Robert DeLude sits down with legacy chiropractor Dr. Michael Martin. Dr. Martin shares his incredible 40-year journey in the profession, starting from a profound family experience that shaped his belief in holistic healing at just nine years old. He discusses the core philosophy of "Above, Down, Inside, Out" (ADIO) and offers invaluable advice for both new and seasoned chiropractors on building a deeply rooted, referral-based practice without losing sight of true chiropractic principles.

• A chiropractor's true purpose is to restore the body's ability to allow innate intelligence to communicate, self-regulate, and heal.

• The "ADIO" principle emphasizes that life and health come from Above, Down, and Inside, Out.

• Building a high Patient Visit Average (PVA) relies heavily on educating patients from their very first phone call and visit.

• Community and mentorship are vital; finding the right coaching or support system helps bridge the gap between philosophy and practice management.

• The most effective practice growth comes from internal referrals, which are driven by providing exceptional, principle-based care and simply asking for them.

• Effective care plans should focus on long-term health and reversing decades of degeneration, rather than just quick pain relief.

• Book: Beyond the Adjustment: The Essence of an Elite Practicing Chiropractor by Dr. Michael J. Martin (available on Amazon).

• Website: drmichaeljmartin.com

• Community: "Cogs Musings" (Chiropractic Older Guys Musings) on Facebook, where Dr. Martin and peers share practice advice and philosophy.

• Organizations: TLC for Super Teams, DE (Dynamic Essentials), and New Beginnings.

Episode SummaryKey TakeawaysResources Mentioned

If you're a principled chiropractor tired of fighting for scraps against $29 commodity clinics, this episode is your blueprint out of the trap.

Today, I sit down with Dr. Eric Plasker, author of The 100 Year Lifestyle and a guy who has coached over 12,000 chiropractors worldwide. We get raw about why explaining the mechanics of a subluxation is killing your patient retention, and what you actually need to say to build a practice full of lifetime patients. We break down the massive shift from mainstream, discount-bin marketing to building a high-value, high-authority brand that actually commands respect.

Stop being the bottleneck in your own practice. Let your brand do the heavy lifting so you can focus on the adjustment.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• [02:58] The "Marie" Moment: Why your patients don't care about nerve interference—and the exact benefit-driven communication shift that scales practices fast.

• [11:30] The Repositioning Strategy: How changing the name of his book from The Chiropractic Lifestyle to The 100 Year Lifestyle started a publishing bidding war (and how to apply this positioning to your clinic).

• [14:49] The $29 Trap: Why competing on price with cheap franchises is a race to the bottom, and how to command higher fees as a vitalistic authority.

• [25:03] Automating Your Authority: Why your mouth shouldn't be your only content. How to build systems that educate patients before they walk through your doors.

• [36:44] The Empire Formula: A dead-simple equation to shift a patient's mindset from quick-fix crisis care to lifetime performance.

Resources & Links:

• Visit Dr. Plasker's site: 100YearLifestyle.com

• Free Patient Resource: Email [email protected] to get the "Everything Works Better with Chiropractic" article to plug straight into your own patient newsletter.

• Required Reading: Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind by Al Ries and Jack Trout.

• Magazine Feature: Check out the cover story in Masters of Health Magazine detailing why chiropractors are the doctors of the present.

Are you relying on outdated marketing tactics while the new era of chiropractic leaves you behind? In this episode, Dr. Abby Sirovica (Palmer grad, clinic owner, and co-founder of the HBA Mastermind) breaks down exactly what it takes to build a bulletproof personal brand, scale your impact, and create massive wealth outside the clinic. From leveraging AI and long-form content to buying your first cash-flowing real estate property, Dr. Abby shares the exact frameworks she uses to help principled chiropractors build lives of absolute freedom.

Key Takeaways

• The Optometry Pivot: Why a vitalistic, holistic approach to health pulled Dr. Abby away from optometry and into the chiropractic profession.

• The New Era of Marketing: Why the days of the yellow pages are dead, and how owning your audience’s attention is the ultimate currency.

• Success Loves Speed: How to overcome the fear of investing, pay down your "ignorance debt," and why doing nothing is always worse than failing forward.

• The Student Debt Myth: A massive paradigm shift on how to leverage $250k in student loans and start investing in cash-flowing real estate early in your career.

• Ignoring the Naysayers: How to push past the small-minded critics when you first pull your tripod out to record content.

• Buying Back Your Time: Why your highest-leverage move is hiring a virtual assistant and systematizing your business before trying to scale.

Resources & Links

• Follow Dr. Abby Sirovica on Instagram: @dr.abbysirovica

• Follow Dr. Odell Miller on Instagram: @drodelmiller25

• Learn more about the HBA Mastermind: @hbamastermind

Follow me @thecontentoutlaw on instagram

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Are your Chiropractic Assistants acting like standard receptionists, or are they true extensions of your mission? In this episode of The Chiropractic Authority Podcast, we sit down with Miranda, the C.A. Coach, who reveals how she helped an office jump from $100K to $348K in collections in just 30 days—including a massive $58,000 single-day record.

We dive deep into the exact multi-year prepayment scripts she uses, the "Working Genius" behind a high-performing team, and the red flags you must look out for when interviewing your next front desk hire. Whether you are dealing with patient objections, trying to transition patients into long-term maintenance, or just want to build an ownership mentality within your team, this episode is mandatory listening for you and your staff. Plus, we share some raw, personal stories about how chiropractic care literally saved our lives and kept us from going down much darker paths.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• [01:30] The $58K Day: How treating every single day like it's "December 31st" completely shifts your C.A.'s intent and sky-rockets collections.

• [13:20] Hiring the "Golden Retriever": Why you should hire for a 10/10 personality over billing experience, and the three distinct types of C.A.s every growing practice needs.

• [18:55] The 3-Ring Rule: Exactly how your front desk should handle ringing phones when there is a patient standing right in front of them.

• [28:44] The Multi-Year Prepayment Script: Miranda role-plays her exact word-for-word script for locking in 1-year, 5-year, and even 7-year maintenance care renewals.

• [42:47] Interview Red Flags: The specific questions to ask a potential hire to find out if they are truly coachable—or if they will end up costing you patients.

• [01:00:51] A Life-Saving Adjustment: Miranda shares the incredible story of how chiropractic care saved her 90-year-old grandmother from severe migraines after the medical system gave up on her.

Important Resources & Links:

• Connect with Miranda: * Follow her on Instagram: @chiropracticassistant

  • Website: ca-growthcoaching.com

  • Text her directly: 408-893-3005

• Connect with Robert:

  • Follow The Content Outlaw on Instagram: @thecontentoutlaw

  • Elevate your practice's marketing: Podcastdude.com

Join the Conversation!If this episode hit home for you, share it with your C.A. and your entire team. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Chiropractic Authority Podcast so you never miss an episode designed to help principled chiropractors build unshakeable authority in their communities.

Episode Summary:After trying to record this episode seven times, Robert DeLude scraps the script to deliver a raw, unfiltered look at why he is so passionate about the chiropractic profession. This isn't just a business for Robert; it’s a mission born from a history of addiction, a life-changing overdose, and the realization that principled chiropractic offers a path to healing that the "pill, potion, or lotion" industry can't touch.

In this episode, Robert reflects on the impact of his recent guests, his personal journey through withdrawal and recovery, and the vital importance of fighting for the integrity of the profession.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Power of Principled Chiropractic: Why Robert believes this specific approach could have changed his trajectory with addiction years ago.

• Reflections on Recent Guests: Shouting out the legends like Dr. Mel Krug, Dr. Dan Knowles, and Dr. Austin Davis.

• The Battle in Montana: A look at the HB 500 bill and the importance of keeping prescription drugs out of chiropractic.

• Personal Accountability: Robert shares his recent experience coming off medication and how adjustments have played a role in his physical and mental clarity.

• The "Gift in Your Hands": A direct message to chiropractors about the life-saving potential of their work.

How to Build an 800-Visit/Week Chiropractic Practice with ZERO Marketing | Dr. Austin Davis

What does it actually take to build the highest-volume, single-doctor chiropractic office in a major city without spending a single dollar on Facebook ads, Google PPC, or gimmicky marketing?

In this episode of The Chiropractic Authority Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Austin Davis, a powerhouse principled chiropractor and the first-ever President of the Montana Chiropractic Council. Dr. Davis shares his incredible journey from surviving a severe cervical spine injury that almost ended in a spinal fusion, to growing up under the mentorship of Sid Williams at Dynamic Essentials (DE), and ultimately building massive, cash-based practices in both San Francisco and Missoula, Montana.

We dive deep into the philosophy of pure chiropractic, the historical (and ongoing) attacks by the medical model, and the guerrilla warfare tactics Montana docs used to defeat HB 500—a bill that threatened to unravel the profession by giving chiropractors prescriptive rights for pharmaceuticals.

If you want to grow deep roots in your community, communicate the "Big Idea" effectively, and protect the sacred trust of chiropractic, this episode is a masterclass.

Topics Covered:

• [00:00] Intro: Welcome Dr. Austin Davis to the show.

• [01:12] The hockey injury at age 13 that saved him from a spinal fusion and proved the power of chiropractic.

• [05:50] Growing up at Dynamic Essentials (DE) and the profound influence of Sid Williams on the profession.

• [10:15] The systemic oppression of chiropractic by the medical industry and the historical AMA Supreme Court case.

• [22:40] Building the highest volume single-doctor office in the Bay Area (800+ visits a week) with just one staff member.

• [27:28] Fleeing California’s medical mandates to protect his family and relocating to Missoula, MT.

• [37:27] A masterclass on opening a cash-practice in a brand new city with ZERO marketing budget.

• [46:21] The danger of "lukewarm metapractors" and the dilution of modern chiropractic education.

• [50:18] The fight against HB 500 and HB 929: Why giving chiropractors prescriptive rights for drugs destroys the profession.

• [01:07:37] Uniting the state: The birth of the Montana Chiropractic Council (MCC).

• [01:10:01] Details on "The Roundup"—Montana’s first-ever philosophy and continuing education conference.

Key Takeaways for Practice Growth:

• Clear the Interference: You don't need to sell supplements, pillows, or laser programs to build an 800-visit/week practice. Focus solely on detecting and correcting subluxation.

• Grassroots Over Paid Ads: Instead of paying for low-quality leads, join local organizations (like Backcountry Hunters & Anglers) and lead with universal law and guided discovery. Connect with your community directly.

• Know Your Lane: The medical model thrives on outside-in symptom management. True chiropractic thrives on inside-out healing. Never apologize for staying true to the nervous system.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Join the Movement: Get your CEs and connect with the community at the upcoming Roundup Conference (March 13th & 14th in Missoula) by visiting the link here.

• Connect with Dr. Austin Davis: Find him at Life Chiropractic in South Missoula or follow him on Instagram @thechiropractor (Search: The Chiropractor on Instagram).

Connect with Robert & The Chiropractic Authority:

• Instagram: @contentoutlaw

• Production: The Podcast Dude

• Are you a principled chiropractor looking to dominate your local market with high-impact short-form video? Let's build your authority.

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  join my community ( its basically free)

Episode Overview

In this high-energy episode, Robert sits down with industry disruptor Twisty to discuss the massive shift happening in healthcare marketing. Twisty reveals why he’s moving away from the "coach" label to become a "Growth Coordinator" and introduces his newest venture, Chiropractic Results, which recently raised nearly $1M in funding to change how chiropractors leverage their data.

They dive deep into why the era of Google Star Ratings is fading and how "Outcome Reporting" is the key to winning in the new age of AI-driven search and word-of-mouth due diligence.

• The Death of the "Chiropractic Coach": Why Twisty prefers "Growth Coordination" (offensive/defensive plays) over traditional coaching (therapy/motivation).

• Outcome Reporting vs. Reviews: Why 30% of your patients are doing deep research before booking, and why star ratings aren't enough to satisfy AI recommenders or skeptical spouses.

• Gaming AI for SEO: How to position your practice to be the top recommendation when patients ask ChatGPT or Gemini for the best local providers.

• The $29 Offer Debate: A raw look at the data behind discount marketing—when it works, why it fails, and how to use content to lower your acquisition costs.

• The Future of Insurance: How a massive database of clinical outcomes could eventually disrupt how insurance companies handle payouts for chiropractic care.

• [00:01] Welcome to the Chiropractic Authority Podcast.

• [01:00] "I’m not a coach; I’m a Growth Coordinator."

• [04:53] Introducing Chiropractic Results: The database for clinical outcomes.

• [06:00] The history of online reviews and why Yelp "fucked up" healthcare providers.

• [09:00] AI is the new "Water Cooler": How ChatGPT is becoming the primary recommender.

• [13:00] Fighting the "Quack" narrative with hard clinical data.

• [25:00] The science of marketing: Understanding Lifetime Value (LTV) vs. Acquisition Cost.

• [34:00] Why $29 offers might be watering down your brand foundation.

• [44:00] The "TikTokification" of chiropractic: Why interest-based content beats follower counts.

• [52:00] Twisty’s Legacy: Love, Service, and "Spizz."

• Website: chiropracticresults.com – Claim your profile today.

• Newsletter: spizz.com – Get on the list for the latest industry insights.

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Are viral “crack videos” and cheap novelty adjustments ruining the public's perception of true health?

Welcome to the newly evolved Chiropractic Authority Podcast. If you’re a principled chiropractor who knows this work is bigger than a $29 special, you’re in the right place.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dan Lyons—a 30-year veteran of the profession and a master of the Gonstead technique. From knocking on doors in the 90s just 22 miles away from the original Gonstead clinic, to teaching the philosophy, art, and science of chiropractic across the globe, Dr. Dan brings a heavyweight perspective on what it actually takes to heal patients and protect the sacred trust of the profession.

We break down why chasing symptoms and relying on endless surgeries is a failing model, the danger of “social media chiropractic,” and how to build a practice rooted in deep, unshakeable authority.

Inside This Episode:

• [03:05] The lost art of the hustle: Building a practice door-to-door in 1996.

• [07:15] How to establish your authority even when you're in the shadow of a legendary clinic.

• [11:00] Why viral "crack videos" are the equivalent of pimple-popping content—and how they actively turn patients away.

• [17:35] Defining true health: It’s about performance and proper nervous system function, not just "feeling good."

• [24:00] The Triad: Why you need the philosophy, the science, and the art to actually correct a vertebral subluxation.

• [32:00] The evolution of Immortal Chiro and taking the Gonstead standard global.

• [35:30] Dr. Dan’s final challenge to the profession: Protect the sacred trust.

Resources & Next Steps:

🔥 The Chiro Authority Skool CommunityStop watching sell-out clinics dominate your market. Get the exact templates, systems, and prompts used to build viral, short-form content systems for principled chiropractors. (No $29 specials or dance trends allowed).👉 Chiro Authority

📅 Dr. Dan's X-Ray Masterclass (March 7th, 2026 @ 10:00 AM CST)👉 Master Class

Connect with Dr. Dan Lyons:

• Website: immortalchiro.com

• Facebook: Dr. Dan Lyons / Dr. Dan at Immortal

• Email: [email protected]

Join my skool community .

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Follow @dr.ronda.vaughn & @coachingwithronda

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Ronda Vaughn shares her unique journey as a third-generation chiropractor, discussing her upbringing in a family of chiropractors and contrasting it with the experiences of her host, Robert DeLude. They explore the importance of community, the creation of Social Oak, a series of social events aimed at empowering women, and the strategies behind building a successful practice without relying on traditional advertising. Dr. Vaughn also delves into her money mindset, shaped by her family's entrepreneurial spirit, and how it influences her approach to business and life. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Ronda Vaughn shares her journey as a chiropractor, her experiences with her entrepreneurial son, and insights into the chiropractic profession. She discusses the importance of patient education, the challenges of chiropractic education, and the impact of social media on perceptions of chiropractic care. Dr. Vaughn also reflects on her family legacy in chiropractic, her personal growth from shyness to confidence, and her views on vaccine choice. The conversation highlights the significance of business acumen in chiropractic practice and the value of mentorship and community in the profession.Dr. Ronda Vaughn is the 12th chiropractor in her family.She believes in the body's ability to heal itself.Her upbringing was different from the norm, focusing on wellness over medication.Community building is essential for personal and professional growth.Social Oak was created to foster connections among women.Branding and naming events are crucial for attracting attendees.Consistency in hosting events is key to sustainability.Dr. Vaughn has never paid for advertising, relying on community engagement instead.Her money mindset is influenced by her family's entrepreneurial background.She encourages her son to pursue his own business ventures. Dr. Vaughn's son is an entrepreneurial spirit, thriving in reselling clothes.Chiropractic education may lack essential philosophical teachings.Patient education is crucial in dispelling misconceptions about chiropractic care.Dr. Vaughn emphasizes the importance of the chiropractic adjustment.The chiropractic profession faces challenges due to student debt and business knowledge.Dr. Vaughn's personal journey reflects significant growth from shyness to confidence.Vaccine choice is a significant topic in Dr. Vaughn's professional life.The importance of mentorship in chiropractic is highlighted.Dr. Vaughn's ideal coaching clients are those ready to take their business to the next level.00:00 Introduction to Chiropractic Legacy02:41 Personal Journey to Chiropractic05:15 Contrasting Upbringings: Chiropractic vs. Traditional Medicine08:09 Building Community Through Social Events10:54 The Birth of Social Oak: A New Approach13:35 Sustainability in Community Events16:22 Marketing Strategies for Chiropractors19:29 The Importance of Networking and Collaboration22:03 Future Aspirations and Community Impact29:47 Building Connections: The Importance of Relationships in Practice34:19 Money Mindset: Shaping Financial Perspectives46:24 From Shy to Confident: Personal Growth and Transformation48:57 Chiropractic Philosophy: The Core of Chiropractic Practice54:01 Aging Gracefully: The Perception of Age54:22 Miracle Stories in Chiropractic: Transformative Experiences57:36 The Impact of Chiropractic on Families59:12 Chiropractic Education: Misconceptions and Realities01:01:31 Trust in Chiropractic: Newborns and Parental Confidence01:03:59 Student Debt and Career Choices in Chiropractic01:05:43 Business Skills in Chiropractic: The Missing Education01:06:35 Reflections on Mentorship and Legacy

Join my skool community In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Mel Krug to share my personal journey from 14 years of chronic shoulder pain to finding relief in just 30 seconds—and how that moment made me question everything about healing, pain management, and the path that led me to addiction.Dr. Mel shares her incredible transformation from a rugby injury that left her feeling like an 85-year-old to discovering vitalistic chiropractic care. She opens up about how chiropractic isn't just about cracking backs—it's about addressing trauma, mental health, addiction, and the nervous system's role in healing.We dive deep into:✅ The connection between chronic pain and addiction✅ How chiropractic addresses root causes, not just symptoms✅ Dr. Mel's journey from injured athlete to successful practice owner✅ Opening a practice 4 months after graduation and surviving COVID✅ The philosophy of Reggie Gold, Sid Williams, and the chiropractic greats✅ Building a business while maintaining balance and avoiding burnout✅ Network Spinal technique and nervous system healing✅ Project Linus: transforming trauma into confidenceWhether you're a chiropractor, someone struggling with chronic pain, or curious about alternative approaches to healing, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about healthcare.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction & Podcast Name Change01:00 - Dr. Mel's Rugby Injury: From 20 to 85 Years Old03:00 - Discovering Chiropractic & Deciding to Become a Chiropractor04:00 - Robert's Experience: "She Barely Touched Me"05:00 - Could Chiropractic Have Saved Me From Addiction?06:00 - Chiropractic for Mental Health, Trauma & Addiction Recovery08:00 - The Power of Story & Educating the Public09:00 - The Moment Everything Changed: The Tackle11:00 - Body's Innate Healing Power12:00 - Obsessed with Reggie Gold & Chiropractic Philosophy13:00 - Bridging the Gap: Universe & Healing15:00 - Bridging Philosophy & Practice: Listening to Patients18:00 - Mentorship & Mastery in Chiropractic20:00 - The Importance of Listening to Patients24:00 - Opening a Practice 4 Months After Graduation27:00 - Entrepreneurship & Time Management30:00 - Marketing During COVID: Retention Over New Clients32:00 - Bodybuilding, Discipline & Trauma Response34:00 - Recovering Overachiever: Hospital Before Opening36:00 - Marriage, COVID & Personal Growth38:00 - The Importance of Rest for Entrepreneurs40:00 - Future Vision: Building a Healing Center43:00 - Project Linus: Transforming Trauma to Confidence46:00 - When Will You See Success? Realistic Expectations47:00 - Final Message: You Are Your Best Asset48:00 - Dr. Mel's Book "Business by Design" & Where to Find HerCONNECT WITH DR. MEL KRUG:🌐 Website: https://drmelkrug.com📸 Instagram: @dr.melkrug📚 Book "Business by Design": https://drmelkrug.com/businessbydesign🎙️ Podcast: Project lioness Podcast💼 Coaching: Project Lioness Program (6-month transformation program )🔗 All Links: Link in Instagram bioRESOURCES MENTIONED:📖 The Green Books (Chiropractic Philosophy)🎧 Reggie Gold Recordings (Available on YouTube)🎧 Sid Williams Recordings📚 J Holder - Research on Chiropractic & Addiction🧠 Network Spinal Analysis/TechniqueABOUT THE CHIROPRACTIC AUTHORITY PODCAST:Marketing for Principled DCs. Join host Robert Delude as he interviews leading chiropractors who are changing lives through vitalistic, principle-based care. Learn about philosophy, practice management, business strategies, and the stories behind successful chiropractic practices.SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW:🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes with principled chiropractors👍 Like this video if you found value💬 Comment below: What's your experience with chiropractic care?📤 Share with someone who needs to hear this messageHosted by Robert DeludeGuest: Dr. Mel Krug© 2026 The Chiropractic Authority Podcast