In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor, host Dr. Don Macdonald flies over to Germany (virtually) for an insightful interview with Dr. Aileen Hurkett, a passionate and dedicated chiropractor based in the picturesque town of Spire in the Southwest of Germany. Dr. Hurkett, an AECC grad from Bournemouth, UK, in 2015, has been a long standing member of The Informed Chiropractor group and an active participant in several of Dr. Macdonald’s seminars.  Throughout the episode, she shares her unique journey into the chiropractic field, the evolution of her practice from a musculoskeletal to a neurologically focused approach, and the transformative impact of incorporating polyvagal theory into her life and practice. Dr. Hurkett also opens up about a recent personal trauma and how she's used her skills to navigate through it, providing valuable insights and inspiration for chiropractors everywhere.   Show Notes: 00:00 - The making of Dr. Aileen Hurkett05:20 - Chiropractic landscape in Germany07:15 - Transitioning to Vitalistic Chiropractic Care10:40 - Opening a practice in her hometown14:50 - The role of Polyvagal Theory in practice18:00 - Handling recent personal trauma21:00 - Evolution of her chiropractic techniques23:50 - Incorporating neurology and pediatrics into Practice29:10 - Managing a practice and family life32:00 - Advice for chiropractors35:00 - Resilience, growth, and the future of chiropractic   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 this episode of The Informed Chiropractor, host Dr. Don McDonald interviews Dr. Whitney Wihlidal, a seasoned chiropractor with over 24 years of experience practicing in Orillia, Ontario. Dr. Willedahl shares an in-depth look at his career, starting from his initial encounter with chiropractic during his university years, his decision to pursue a chiropractic career, and the subsequent steps that led to him owning a successful practice. Throughout the interview, Dr. Wihlidal emphasizes the importance of community involvement, investing in personal and professional development, and the significant role that applying the polyvagal theory has played in enhancing his chiropractic techniques and patient communication. He also reflects on the learnings from diversifying into property and the strategic decisions that have fueled continuous growth in his practice, ultimately offering valuable insights for both emerging and established chiropractors. 02:46 Dr. Whitney's Journey into Chiropractic 05:53 The Impact of Chiropractic on Health 07:08 Transition to Chiropractic School 10:59 Starting a Chiropractic Practice 14:14 Transitioning to a New Practice Location 16:53 Growing a Chiropractic Practice 17:42 The Power of Community in Chiropractic Practice 17:53 The Importance of Involvement in Local Sports 18:10 The Role of Chiropractic in Family Health 18:19 The Impact of Community Engagement on Patient Acquisition 18:45 The Power of Personal Connection in Chiropractic 19:41 The Value of Face-to-Face Interaction in Chiropractic 20:05 The Evolution of Business Cards in Chiropractic 21:11 The Integration of Polyvagal Theory in Chiropractic 21:28 The Journey of Understanding the Polyvagal Theory 23:32 The Power of Polyvagal Theory in Patient Communication 29:02 The Lessons from Business Ventures Outside Chiropractic 29:30 The Importance of Investing in Yourself as a Chiropractor 35:02 The Power of Chiropractic in Health and Healing 36:15 Closing Thoughts and Reflections   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

In this episode of the The Informed Chiropractor podcast, host Dr. Don McDonald speaks with Dr. Tanya Chambers, a chiropractor from Ontario. Dr. Chambers discusses her journey into chiropractic, sharing that she was nudged toward the discipline after initially considering pediatrics. She emphasizes the importance of feeling comfortable with one's chiropractor for effective care. She also discusses how she applies the principles of Polyvagal theory to her practice, stressing the vital role of making patients feel safe and comfortable. Dr. Chambers also shares advice for students and chiropractors, suggesting they visit other practitioners' offices to learn and always be themselves, prioritizing self-care and maintaining their passion for their work. 02:50 Dr. Tanya Chambers' Journey into Chiropractic 05:29 Exploring Other Career Paths 07:42 Discovering Chiropractic and Starting Practice 13:27 The Importance of Community Engagement in Practice 17:10 Expanding the Practice and Teamwork 18:26 Working as a Husband-Wife Team in Chiropractic 19:46 Balancing Business and Personal Relationships 20:14 The Challenges of Separating Work and Personal Life 20:50 The Intersection of Passion and Work 21:40 Introduction to the Polyvagal Theory 22:53 Applying the Polyvagal Theory in Practice 23:29 The Art, Science, and Philosophy of Chiropractic 26:46 The Importance of Communication in Chiropractic 31:01 Advice for Chiropractic Students 33:41 Reflections and Advice for Younger Self 35:52 The Importance of Self-Care for Chiropractors 39:28 Closing Thoughts and Final Advice 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 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]