The Informed Chiropractor Podcast

By Dr. Don MacDonald

Welcome to The Informed Chiropractor, the go-to podcast for neurologically based chiropractors who are ready to make chiropractic relevant again. Hosted by Dr. Don MacDonald, a 26+ year chiropractor, ... more

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7575 ratings

FAQs about The Informed Chiropractor Podcast:

How many episodes does The Informed Chiropractor Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 205 episodes available.

The Informed Chiropractor Podcast episodes:

June 30, 2026Why the Pelvic Floor May Be the Missing Link in Polyvagal Chiropractic | Dr. Don MacDonald
The Informed Chiropractor Podcast with Dr. Don MacDonald
What if one of the biggest missing pieces in chiropractic isn't another adjustment technique—but an area of the body most of us were never taught how to assess?
In this episode, I share one of the biggest clinical breakthroughs we've had over the past year: integrating pelvic floor work into the MacDonald Safety Corridor Protocol through a polyvagal lens.
What started as one practice member with a prolapse and an ovarian tumor opened the door to an entirely new understanding of how the pelvic floor influences nervous system regulation, posture, movement, hip function, breathing, and overall health. Since then, we've taught this protocol to chiropractors around the world and the feedback has been incredible.
I also shift gears in the second half of the episode to discuss the three biggest challenges we're seeing while coaching chiropractors internationally—and why success today has less to do with learning another strategy and more to do with knowing where to focus.
If you've ever felt like there's a gap in your clinical toolbox—or your practice feels busy but unfocused—this episode is for you.
In This Episode, You'll Learn
Why has the pelvic floor become such an important part of our clinical work
How the pelvic floor influences nervous system regulation through a polyvagal perspective
The relationship between fascia, mechanoreceptors, posture and movement
Why chronic hip, low back, and rib problems often have an overlooked pelvic floor component
Clinical stories showing changes in prolapse symptoms, bladder urgency and hip function
Why restoring movement—not simply strengthening—is often the missing piece
The importance of informed consent and creating safety when working with sensitive areas
The three biggest obstacles chiropractors are facing today
Why too many strategies are creating overwhelm instead of growth
How identifying your current "season" of practice changes everything
Why understanding your natural Working Genius can reduce burnout and improve practice satisfaction
A preview of our upcoming UNMastermind experience in Lisbon
Key Takeaways
One of the biggest lessons we've learned is that regulation isn't just about adjusting the spine.
The nervous system constantly gathers information from every part of the body. When tissues lose movement, the brain loses quality information. By restoring ease and movement—especially through the pelvic floor—we often see improvements that extend far beyond the pelvis itself.
We also believe chiropractors don't need more information.
Most need more clarity.
Knowing what season you're in, focusing on the few things that matter most, and working within your natural strengths creates far more momentum than chasing every new strategy that appears online.

Resources
MacDonald Safety Corridor Protocol
Polyvagal Theory for Chiropractors
Nervous System Regulation
Vagus Nerve and Chiropractic Care
Pelvic Floor and Polyvagal Chiropractic
Learn more at: drdonmacdonald.com

Join us in Calgary or Toronto by visiting our website https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/
Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor
Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens
We just made the top 10 Podcasts on Polyvagal theory. Check it out, we are number 2
https://www.millionpodcasts.com/polyvagal-therapy-podcasts
...more
35min
May 14, 2026Polyvagal Chiropractic: The 5 Pillars That Change Patient Outcomes
Today I’m sharing everything I’ve learned over the last few months, including 5 crucial pillars for changing patient outcomes. I’ve been attending seminars and speaking across more than 52 time zones, while keeping busy with the process of handing off the practice over the next nine months to our young Docs. From recent podcast guests to speaking events in Australia, Windsor, and Calgary, here are the top takeaways on chiropractic care I’ve been reflecting on.
In this episode:
What we’ve been up to since the last episode aired.
What made the previous episode with Heidi Haavik so great?
The importance of using objective measurements in chiropractic care.
What I spoke about in Australia recently and why it matters.
Why the time frame of chiropractic care makes a significant difference in outcomes.
How movement acts as a summer switch, and why we need optimal movement.
How mapping and helping a body identify its position in space are so critical.
The way our nervous systems are wired to be in a protective state.
How supporting a state of ease in the global system actually changes lives.
What is the goal of initial chiropractic care for dysregulated people?
What the “window of tolerance” is and how you can increase it.
Where we went in Australia and what made it an especially exciting visit.
How the Calgary event brought chiropractors together in a positive and impactful way.
Why opening more chiropractic schools is so important, especially now.
What we have planned for the summer, including ways you can get involved.
Join us in Calgary or Toronto by visiting our website https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/

Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor

Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens

We just made the top 10 Podcasts on Polyvagal theory. Check it out, we are number 2
https://www.millionpodcasts.com/polyvagal-therapy-podcasts
...more
42min
March 05, 2026Chiropractic Brain Research with Dr. Heidi Haavik: Polyvagal Theory & Nervous System Insights
Dr. Heidi Haavik is back on the podcast for the second time in today’s episode. With a PhD in neurophysiology, Dr. Haavik is one of the most renowned researchers in chiropractic and is also the Founder of Haavik Research. During the episode, she discusses the latest research in chiropractic (including the most cutting-edge studies), how the research is catching up with the long-appreciated benefits of chiropractic care, and why it’s such an incredible time to be in this industry.
In this episode:
How chiropractic care changes the brain through nervous system safety.
What is now being measured in real time and how it impacts the patient experience.
How touch supports the body in learning to be in a regulatory state.
What your team can do to support patients so they feel seen and heard.
What the recent research is saying about chiropractic and the immune system.
Why it’s such an exciting time to be a chiropractor right now.
How our bodies protect us from overwhelming stress (and how chiropractic helps).
How an adjustment can impact the salience network depending on your state.
Why some chiropractors might refuse to embrace this model of care.
The ways Dr. Haavik’s perspective on chiropractic has changed over time.
The limiting beliefs prevalent in the industry and how they’re shifting now.
How the positive outcomes of an adjustment are being strengthened through research.
The difference that regular, long-term chiropractic care can make (versus intermittent).
The cutting edge research bio-engineers are doing right now related to muscle testing.
Ideal changes that could be made to the way patient records are handled today.

Donate to the NZCC Research Centre to support the actual research being done: https://chiropractic.ac.nz/research/support-our-research

Heidi’s upcoming online masterclass on the latest chiro-neuro-immune connection (will be recorded in case you cannot make the live session): https://heidihaavik.com/masterclass

Heidi’s online resource libraries (both for chiropractors who want to learn the science, and for your patients/practice members): https://chiroshub.com

Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor

Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens
...more
1h
February 05, 2026Building the Next Generation of Chiropractors in Australia: Inside the Australian Chiropractic College with Dr. Patrick Sim
In this episode our guest is The CEO and President of the Australian Chiropractic College (ACC), Dr. Patrick Sim. There’s so much more to chiropractic than the practice: there’s also philosophy, politics, and core values. In this episode, Dr. Sim gives his unique view of the chiropractic industry through the lens of his knowledge and experiences in these specific areas. He also lets us in on what to expect at the upcoming Concordia 2026 event in Australia.
In this episode:
How the philosophy of chiropractic care resonated with and influenced Dr. Sim early on.
What inspired him to get into the political side of chiropractic practice and why it matters.
How the political side of chiropractic impacts chiropractors (whether they acknowledge it or not).
What it really takes to reach your next level and to experience growth in business and life.
Why having an association to protect the public is important in this industry.
The uniquely broad view Dr. Sim has of the chiropractic industry and what it allows him to see.
What happened when he realized he did something wrong with regard to the values of chiropractic care.
The people who joined on the academic journey with Dr. Sim immediately.
The milestones they’ve met at their school thus far (in just a few short years).
How many students they take in every year and the significance of it.

Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor

Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens

Register for Concordia 2026: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/concordia-2026-you-havent-come-this-far-to-only-come-this-far-tickets-1318294627719

Australian Chiropractic College: https://acc.sa.edu.au/
...more
33min
January 08, 2026How Chiropractic Adjusting Techniques Evolved: Insights from Dr. Peter Kevorkian
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Peter Kevorkian as he walks through how chiropractic technique develops over time and why analysis matters as much as force. He explains how his background shaped his early focus, what led him to study many systems, and how indicators guide decisions in real moments. He talks about nerves, biomechanics, and how different models look at the same spine. He also explores when not to adjust, how timing changes outcomes, and why connection between two people affects results.

In this episode:
Dr. Kevorkian’s head start on chiropractic through engineering, measurements, angles, and biomechanical reasoning.
What drew Dr. Kevorkian’s attention toward upper cervical work and indicator-based adjusting approaches.
How exposure to non-biomechanical methods expanded his understanding beyond structural models.
The influence of SOT and algorithm-driven indicators on clinical decision processes.
How meeting Dr. Donny Epstein reframed technique as relationship and nervous system engagement.
Why technique became viewed to Dr. Kevorkian as a best-guess application of force.
The distinction between biomechanical change priorities and neurophysiological change priorities.
How every chiropractic technique reflects a defined analytical window and force strategy.
The shift within education toward force application over analytical development.
What artistry in adjusting looks like beyond rigid protocol execution.
How experience, repetition, and body awareness shape adjusting proficiency over time.
The limits of technology and data in replacing human connection during care.
Plans for campus partnerships, relocation, and expanded educational sites.

The WAVE Chiropractic Conference: https://wave.lifewest.edu

Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor

Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens
...more
43min
December 18, 2025The Shoulder–Pelvic Floor Connection: A New Protocol for Neurologically Focused Chiropractic with Dr. Don MacDonald
I take some time in this episode to reflect on what took place in 2025 and give insight on why planning for the future often starts with knowing what to let go of. I get into why practitioner health directly impacts clinical outcomes, and how new approaches to pelvic floor and shoulder care are providing impressive results in practice. We’ll walk through real clinical observations, unexpected connections, and why regulation matters more than technique alone to set you up for success in 2026.
In this episode:
The importance of year-end reflection before setting meaningful clinical and personal targets.
Why stopping unhelpful habits creates space for growth and better professional focus.
My motivation behind creating a health-focused experience for chiropractors.
How practitioner vitality directly influences resilience, energy, and patient outcomes.
The introduction of a new pelvic floor and shoulder-focused educational protocol.
What clinical observations revealed about pelvic floor tension and organ support.
How restoring pelvic floor elasticity influences bladder function and prolapse patterns.
A trampoline analogy to explain force distribution and muscular efficiency in the pelvis.
Why pelvic alignment affects low back pain, nerve irritation, and adjustment retention.
How sacral and pelvic nerve pathways relate to leg symptoms and sensory changes.
The connection between pelvic musculature, adductors, and medial knee stress.
The role of fascial systems in shoulder imbalance and chronic protective tension.
Why post-adjustment soft tissue input enhances regulation and neurological safety.

Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor

Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens
...more
19min
December 04, 2025 Inside Life University: Dr. Brian McAulay on Innovation, Leadership, and What’s Next for Chiropractors
Dr. Brian McAulay, President of Life University, is with us today to explore his inspiring journey of becoming a transformative leader in chiropractic education. We hear about his career evolution, highlighting his tenure at Parker University. Dr. McAulay shares his vision for the future, emphasizing the need for collaborative innovation to reduce educational costs and promote chiropractic as a unified career path.
📖 Read the companion article:
The Future of Chiropractic: Innovation, Leadership and Education
https://drdonmacdonald.com/the-future-of-chiropractic-innovation-leadership-and-education/
In this episode:
• Why a business project sparked Dr. McAulay's passion for holistic chiropractic care.
• How Dr. McAulay built long-term professional relationships within the chiropractic community.
• Why Dr. McAulay is committed to Life University's innovative culture and mission.
• How inefficiencies in independent infrastructures challenge chiropractic education institutions.
• Why Dr. McAulay advocates for resource-sharing to reduce costs and student debt.
• Why the "lasting purpose" and "loving service" philosophies guide the chiropractic community.
• How Dr. McAulay emphasizes the importance of collaboration for mutual benefit.
• Why chiropractic education must maintain core values amidst diverse educational influences.
• How the NFL's approach to collective success can inspire the chiropractic profession.
• How Life University's campus honors chiropractic pioneers and inspires future practitioners.
• Why affordability remains a significant issue in chiropractic education, especially in the United States.
The Informed Chiropractor Super Conference — Toronto, Dec 6:
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/toronto
Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist:
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor
Free "Intro to the Polyvagal Lens" (for Chiropractors):
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens

Related Reading:
📖 The Future of Chiropractic: Innovation, Leadership and Education
https://drdonmacdonald.com/the-future-of-chiropractic-innovation-leadership-and-education/
📖 Polyvagal Theory for Chiropractors
https://drdonmacdonald.com/polyvagal-theory-for-chiropractors/
📖 Nervous System Regulation
https://drdonmacdonald.com/nervous-system-regulation/
📖 Chiropractic Communication
https://drdonmacdonald.com/chiropractic-communication/
...more
37min
November 20, 2025The Vagus Nerve & Nervous System Regulation: Why Everyone Is Talking About It
Today, Dr. Don MacDonald explores one of the most talked-about topics in modern health and neuroscience: the vagus nerve and its role in nervous system regulation.
Drawing on insights shared at the CNAC Conference in Toronto, Dr. Don explains why chiropractors are uniquely positioned to help patients better understand the connection between the brain, body, stress, healing, and adaptability. Through the lens of Polyvagal Theory, this episode explores how movement, breathing, connection, and chiropractic care may influence a person's ability to regulate and recover.
As public interest in the vagus nerve continues to grow, chiropractors have an opportunity to provide meaningful education that bridges science, patient experience, and clinical care.
In This Episode
What the vagus nerve actually does
Why Polyvagal Theory is changing healthcare conversations
How nervous system regulation influences healing and recovery
Why social connection is a biological need
The relationship between chiropractic care and vagal function
How movement and breathing influence regulation
Why patients are increasingly searching for vagus nerve information
The connection between stress, anxiety, sleep, and nervous system function
Why chiropractors should become educators in the nervous system space
How a regulated nervous system supports resilience and wellbeing
Related Article
Read the companion article:
👉 The Vagus Nerve and Nervous System Regulation
https://drdonmacdonald.com/the-vagus-nerve-and-nervous-system-regulation/
This article expands on the concepts discussed in this episode, including Polyvagal Theory, nervous system regulation, vagus nerve function, and practical applications for chiropractors.
Resources Mentioned
The Informed Chiropractor Super Conference
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/toronto
Join The Informed Chiropractor Mentorship Waitlist
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor
Free Intro to the Polyvagal Lens (For Chiropractors)
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens
...more
26min
October 30, 2025From Pregnancy to Pediatric Care: Dr. Kelly-Jane McLaughlin on the Next Evolution of Chiropractic
Dr. Kelly-Jane McLaughlin, a passionate chiropractor practicing in Carlisle, England, joins us for today’s conversation. We get the details on her unique career journey, which did not start with a burning passion to become a chiropractor, and explore her experiences working with a rugby team. She also has a huge passion and dedication to pediatric and pregnancy chiropractic care, which she shares valuable insights on. Dr. McLaughlin also provides tips on simplifying your chiropractic practice, the importance of mentorship, and balancing your professional and personal life.
In this episode:
How growing up in Germany eventually led Dr. McLaughlin to pursue chiropractic as a career.
The role of community and collaboration in Dr. McLaughlin's chiropractic journey across countries.
Why Dr. McLaughlin emphasizes pediatric and pregnancy chiropractic care.
The challenges and benefits of balancing professional and personal life when working with a spouse.
Why is clear role delineation and compromise so important in chiropractic practices run by couples?
Dr. McLaughlin’s opinion on the large number of C-section births that take place.
How demystifying complex neurology fosters practitioner confidence and enhances patient interactions.
How passion and ongoing learning are crucial in sustaining long-term enthusiasm in chiropractic.
Why Dr. McLaughlin's seminars on pregnancy care are essential for expectant mothers' informed decisions.
How the Revival Retreat, hosted by Dr. McLaughlin and her business partner, fosters connection, bravery, and personal growth among chiropractic participants.

Hayley & Kelly: https://www.hayleyandkelly.co.uk

The Informed Chiropractor Super Conference — Toronto, Dec 6: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/toronto

Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor

Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens
...more
34min
October 09, 2025From Inflammation to Regulation: How Chiropractic Engages the Vagus Nerve
Today, I’m taking a closer look at the importance of understanding inflammation in modern chiropractic care. Join me as I explore how inflammation affects cognitive health, drawing on insights I’ve gained from experts like Dan Murphy and JP Errico. I’ll unravel the complex interplay between the vagus nerve and the body's inflammatory response, emphasizing the significance of vagal tone in achieving physiological balance.

In this episode:
Understanding the role of the vagus nerve is crucial in addressing inflammation and providing effective patient care.
How electrical stimulation techniques are being explored for activating the vagus nerve.
How the polyvagal theory and societal dopamine addiction impact the effectiveness of healing practices.
How inflammation and vagal tone influence the body's stress response and overall health.
What the inflammatory cascade bell curve is and why it’s so important.
Why macrophages and microglia are vital in brain development and maintaining cognitive health.
How autophagy and fasting contribute to reducing inflammation and supporting brain function.
The four main jobs of the microglia cells when the body is in a non-inflamed state
Maintaining low inflammation for the child's brain development and preventing cognitive decline.
How gene-editing research in China revealed links between reduced inflammation and accelerated brain development.
Why social connections and mental activity are essential in preventing dementia and maintaining cognitive health.

The Informed Chiropractor Super Conference — Toronto, Dec 6: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/toronto

Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor

Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens
To book an appointment with Dr. Don MacDonald in Edmonton, Alberta, visit
https://www.edmontonchirosouthside.com/
...more
25min

FAQs about The Informed Chiropractor Podcast:

How many episodes does The Informed Chiropractor Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 205 episodes available.

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The Informed Chiropractor Podcast

FAQs about The Informed Chiropractor Podcast:

How many episodes does The Informed Chiropractor Podcast have?

The Informed Chiropractor Podcast episodes:

FAQs about The Informed Chiropractor Podcast:

How many episodes does The Informed Chiropractor Podcast have?

More shows like The Informed Chiropractor Podcast

Marketing Your Practice

The Remarkable CEO for Chiropractors

Steve Judson "Wake Up Humans"

Under the Influence with Martin Harvey