In this solo episode, Dr. Don MacDonald talks about the powerful connections between chiropractic care, the nervous system, and the polyvagal theory. He shares insights from his recent events, including Level Two of the MacDonald Safety Corridor protocol. He explains how his approach continues to evolve through feedback from chiropractors in both North America and Australia.

Dr. Don explains that when babies are born, they cannot self-regulate. They rely on safe, consistent co-regulators, typically a parent, to help develop the part of the nervous system responsible for calmness, connection, and resilience. If someone never had this kind of safety growing up, they may struggle to regulate their nervous system as adults. Interesting right? Chiropractors can unknowingly become the first "safe human" a person encounters, and that has huge implications.

From this lens, he introduces the “Safety Sandwich,” a practical application of polyvagal theory in chiropractic. It’s not a technique on its own, but a way to enhance any technique by placing it inside a regulated, neurologically safe experience. The sandwich begins before the adjustment with tone, environment, posture, and presence, and ends after the thrust, with a calming decompression or breath-based close.

If you are curious about how the polyvagal theory directly supports and elevates chiropractic work, you can now access a free one-hour intro course on the homepage at theinformedchiropractor.com.

This episode is a powerful reminder that the body doesn’t just respond to what you do, it responds to how you do it. Go watch the video yourself. You will never look at adjusting the same way again.

Audio Timestamp

1:12 - 2:59: Introduction to the Podcast Episode

2:59 - 8:18: The Safety Sandwich and Polyvagal Theory

8:18 - 12:54: Advanced Techniques and Feedback from Chiropractors

12:54 - 14:36: Upcoming Events and Resources

14:36 - 19:10: Co-Regulation and Self-Regulation in Chiropractic Care

19:10 - 21:35: Safety vs. Comfort Zone

21:35 - 23:49: Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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In this heartfelt and energizing episode of The Informed Chiropractor podcast, Dr. Don Macdonald reconnects with Kyla Butz, a former student intern in his practice and now a rising chiropractic leader preparing to graduate from Palmer College. What starts as a nostalgic catch-up quickly becomes a deep dive into the reality of chiropractic school today, the shift away from vitalism, and the importance of building community, skill, and purpose before stepping into practice.

Kyla shares what it’s really like inside the walls of Palmer, how she went from having zero chiropractic background to falling in love with the philosophy, and why she believes seminars, clubs, and mentorship are the secret weapons of chiropractic success.

We discussed:

Whether you are a student chiropractor, a seasoned doc, or someone wondering what the future of this profession looks like, this episode will fill your tank.

Kyla’s story and experience proves that the next generation of chiropractors isn’t just ready... they are rising with heart, hands, and a vision that goes far beyond the spine.

Audio Timestamp

1:31 - 5:40:  Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

10:26 - 14:22: Navigating Chiropractic School and Philosophy

14:22 - 18:30: Kairos Training Culture (KTC) and Personal Growth

20:32 -22:51: Challenges and Opportunities in Chiropractic Education

22:51 - 23:05: Preparing for Practice and Future Goals

23:05 - 24:33: The Impact of Chiropractic Education on Personal Development

24:33 - 26:22: Experiences from Level One Seminar

28:41 - 30:08: Winning a Scholarship from CNAC

30:08 - 32:08: Importance of Mentorship and Community

32:08 - 35:28: Final Words of Wisdom

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#ChiropracticCare #NervousSystemHealing #ChiropracticSuccess #PolyvagalTheory #Chiropractor #Chiropractors #ChronicIllnessWarrior #MindBodyConnection #Medicine #ChiropracticSuccess #ChiropracticCare #PracticeGrowth #ChiropracticMentorship #Pediatricchiropractor #burnout #early intervention. #Viral #Trending #Healthtalks #Healthpodcasts #Health #Healthinterviews #Babycare

Are you a chiropractor trying to grow your practice but feel overwhelmed by marketing options? In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor, we diversified a little to help practice members, as we talked about modern strategies that actually bring new patients through your doors.

Joined by chiropractic marketing expert Billy Sticker, we explore how short-form video content, office tour videos, and simple FAQ-style reels can build trust and reduce the fear that keeps people from booking their first visit. We also connect this approach to the polyvagal theory, showing how creating a sense of neurological safety can make or break that first impression.

If you have ever asked, “How do I get more chiropractic patients through social media?” or “How do I use AI without losing my mind (or license)?” this episode is for you. With the world evolving, so must our practice too. Whether you are brand new to video or just need a better strategy, this conversation will inspire you to take the first step.

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In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor Podcast—the go-to chiropractic podcast for neurologically focused chiropractors—we sit down with Dr. Erina Olsen to explore her journey from a curious 11-year-old in New Zealand to becoming a powerful voice for functional neurology in Ireland. After discovering the power of manual therapy, Dr. Olsen shifted her focus from osteopathy to chiropractic, graduating in the second class of the New Zealand College of Chiropractic. She shares the intense experience of helping the college gain accreditation and how those early challenges shaped her mission.

What started as a temporary locum opportunity turned into 20 years of practice ownership in a country where chiropractic is still unregulated. Dr. Olsen reveals how Polyvagal Theory in chiropractic helped her reframe care through the lens of nervous system regulation, transforming skeptical patients into believers using chiropractic adjusting techniques rooted in safety and connection. This episode dives into what it means to practice neurologically focused chiropractic in a disconnected world, why self-care is critical for chiropractors, and how mentorship plays a key role in long-term impact.

Whether deep into chiropractic mentorship or starting to integrate the nervous system into your adjusting protocols, this conversation is full of gems for functional neurology–minded chiropractors ready to lead the next evolution of care.

Timestamp

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Dr. Don MacDonald hosts Dr. Kate Finlayson on this episode of  The Informed Chiropractor podcast, where she discusses her journey in chiropractic care with a focus on pediatric practice. Dr. Kate shares how she transitioned from nursing to chiropractic after discovering the profession through YouTube videos and osteopathic treatments. She graduated from Macquarie University in Sydney and began working in Gladstone, Queensland, a coastal town she describes as ideal for her love of nature and smaller communities.

Starting her career during COVID-19 posed challenges, including border closures, but she adapted quickly. Mentored by Ally, a seasoned pediatric chiropractor, Dr. Kate embraced pediatric care, noting how adjusting infants leads to faster, life-changing results compared to adults. She completed a pediatric diploma to deepen her expertise, emphasizing early intervention’s role in shaping health trajectories.

When Ally moved back to Perth, Dr. Kate took over the practice, managing a surge in patients and expanding services to a nearby town. The workload initially led to burnout, but attending a polyvagal theory seminar helped her recognize stress patterns and prioritize self-care through Pilates, dog walks, and breathwork. She also incorporates principles from the MacDonald Safety Corridor Protocol, like co-regulation and visceral techniques, into her adjustments to enhance patient outcomes.

Timestamp

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On today’s episode of the Informed Chiropractor podcast hosted by Dr. Don Macdonald, Dr. Emir Lervy, a chiropractor from Northern Ireland, shares her journey from growing up in a family deeply rooted in holistic health to establishing her practice in 2008. Inspired by her mother’s recovery from sciatica and her brother’s improved sleep through chiropractic care, she pursued studies at the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic. Initially trained in a mechanistic approach, she transitioned to a vitalistic philosophy after rediscovering foundational texts like the “Green Books” and attending seminars emphasizing nervous system resilience. Her practice now blends human care with animal chiropractic, where she adjusts dogs and horses, observing their instinctive post-adjustment responses like yawning and relaxation.

Dr. Emir’s work extends beyond her clinic through community initiatives, such as monthly visits to a local school to adjust teachers. She integrates polyvagal theory to help patients recognize stress signals such as tense shoulders, irritability and teaches techniques like diaphragmatic breathing to build resilience. Emphasizing the importance of presence, she balances clinical work with outdoor activities and mindfulness, advocating for small, daily practices to counteract being overwhelmed. For new chiropractors, she advises confidence, trusting one’s skills, and avoiding perfectionism, urging practitioners to prioritize patient connection over rigid protocols.

Timestamp

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In this interview with Dr. Ryan Seaman, hosted by Dr. Don Macdonald, he shared his journey from practicing a pain-based model to achieving significant growth in transitioning to a subluxation-based model in Loxton, South Australia. Dr. Ryan purchased a retiring chiropractor’s practice. However, the clinic’s symptom-centered model clashed with his philosophy.

He recalls feeling physically ill during patient consultations, which centered on pain complaints. After abandoning this approach and adopting his neurologically focused model, his practice flourished, increasing patient numbers from 35 to 210 in three weeks. He discussed his transition from civil engineering to chiropractic, influenced by mentors like Craig Foote. Dr. Ryan Seaman highlighted the Australia Spinal Research Foundation's efforts, including funding three major studies this year, a systematic review on X-ray use, and a pediatric research fund.

This interview with Dr. Ryan Seaman reflects the transformative potential of passion and perseverance. Through the ASRF, he champions a future where chiropractic care is recognized not only for pain relief but for its profound impact on overall health. Listeners are urged to support this mission through donations, memberships, or by contributing case studies to advance the field. 

For more information on the foundation, visit https://spinalresearch.com.au/research/ 

Audio Time Stamps:

35:21 - 36:47: Final Thoughts and Inspirations.

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In this heartfelt solo episode of The Informed Chiropractor, Dr. Don MacDonald shares the profound personal journey of saying goodbye to Lux, Brandi, and his beloved dog of over 12 years. Through the lens of Dr. Henry Cloud’s book Necessary Endings, Don explores what it truly means to let go, whether that’s a loyal companion, that toxic staff member, a limiting mindset, or an outdated version of ourselves or our practice.

This episode dives deep into five powerful lessons born from grief, reflection, and the wisdom of necessary endings:

Whether you’re a chiropractor navigating change in your practice, re-evaluating systems, or feeling the call for a new season in life, this episode is for you. Dr. Don weaves insights from the Necessary Endings book with reflections on neurological safety, polyvagal theory, and the emotional weight often accompanying growth and evolution.

Sometimes, the very thing we’re holding onto is holding us back. This conversation may be the nudge to create space for the next level of your purpose and practice.

Time Stamps:

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In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor, Dr. Don sits down with Dr. Sarah and Dr. Travis, who jointly run a chiropractic practice in Dawson Creek, BC, Canada, to talk about their journey from struggling in practice to finding success and balance. They share real challenges, from financial struggles to rebuilding their practice, offering honest insights that every chiropractor can relate to.

Dr. Sarah opens up about how chiropractic care changed her life as a teenager, while Dr. Travis talks about his leap of faith into the profession. They discuss the early years of practice, the tough decisions they had to make, and how mentorship and mindset shifts helped them break through their limitations.

They break down their “polyvagal theory” hack for calming stressed patients and why adjusting techniques matter more than they thought. Plus, Dr Sarah’s book on vagus nerve care is written for busy families!

Ending Tip: “If what you are doing isn’t working, try something new, even if it scares you.”

Watch now to steal their strategies for turning chaos into growth!

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 - 3:45: Welcome and introduction to the episode

3:45 - 8:20: The early struggles of practice and unexpected setbacks

8:20 - 12:15: How we met and why chiropractic care

12:15 - 18:30: The challenges of chiropractic school and lessons we learned

18:30 - 24:10: Starting our first practice and facing financial difficulties

24:10 - 30:40: Hitting a plateau and struggling to grow our business

30:40 - 37:20: Making a shift

37:20 - 43:15: How Polyvagal Theory changed our approach to patient care

43:15 - 49:30: Rebuilding our practice with a new vision and structure

49:30 - 54:00: Paying off debt, financial breakthroughs, and finding balance

Key Takeaways

✔ Growth comes from challenges, and every chiropractor hits roadblocks along the way

✔ Financial struggles don’t have to define your practice, smart shifts can turn things around

✔ Understanding the nervous system and Polyvagal Theory can improve patient care

✔ Authenticity matters; finding a practice style that feels right makes a big difference

✔ The right mentorship can help you see the gaps in your business and make necessary changes.

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#ChiropracticCare #NervousSystemHealing #ChiropracticSuccess #PolyvagalTheory #Chiropractor #Chiropractors #ChronicIllnessWarrior #MindBodyConnection #Medicine #ChiropracticSuccess #ChiropracticCare #PracticeGrowth #ChiropracticMentorship #PolyvagalTheory #ChiropracticPodcast #ChiropracticBusiness #ChiropracticLife

HOST: Dr. Don Macdonald

In this no-filter chat, she opens the playbook on why safety amplifies every adjustment, how to spot neurological “danger” in a patient’s posture, and why taking your health seriously makes you a better chiropractor. You will hear about burnout breakdowns, ugly crying to mentors, and the exact moment she realized her body wasn’t broken—it was brilliant.

0:00 – 0:47: Safety First  

How Dr. Talissa’s near-death experience shaped her chiropractic philosophy.

0:47 – 3:37: Doctors Said I’d Never Thrive

3:37 -  6:12: Checkout Aisle Miracle 

The life-changing chat with a stranger (and future mentor) while scanning groceries. 🛒

6:12 – 7: 45:  Student to Star Associate 

Why she took a train to nowhere (and found her dream job).

7:45 –10:34: My First Year Almost Broke Me

 Brutal truths about systems, support, and hustling in a tiny clinic.

10:34 – 15:24:  Burnout Diaries 

 worked like I’d die tomorrow… until I almost did.

How to feel danger in a patient’s body (and flip it off).

20:17 – 20:22: Stop Running, Start Trusting 

 The adjustment trick that saved her energy (and sanity).

22:22 – 25:24: Finally  Leveling Up

25:44 –28:42: Lift Heavy, Adjust Better

28:42 – 32:50:  Final Pep Talk

Spoiler: This isn’t just for chiropractors. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt “too damaged” to dream big.

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