Ireland’s Open Frontier for Chiropractors || Dr. Erina Olsen on Vitalistic Care, Polyvagal Theory, and Chiropractic
In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor Podcast, the conversation begins with Dr. Olsen recounting her early exposure to manual therapy. At age 11, a visit to an osteopath in New Zealand alleviated chronic sinus issues, sparking her interest in holistic care. Though initially drawn to osteopathy, a mentor redirected her toward chiropractic. She pursued this path at the newly established New Zealand College of Chiropractic, where she graduated in its second cohort, navigating the high-stakes pressure of securing the school’s accreditation alongside her peers.
From there, her journey took unexpected turns: locum work in Australia led to a life-changing call about an opportunity in Ireland. What began as a one-year adventure turned into two decades, complete with practice ownership, parenthood, and the unique challenges of working in a country where chiropractic remains unregulated, which brings us to the question that there might be an untapped resource for founding Chiropractors in Ireland?.
Dr. Olsen opens up about the pandemic’s toll on patients’ nervous systems and how the polyvagal theory transformed her approach, like when she calmed a terrified patient’s defenses with gentle adjustments and a crash course in “survival mode” biology. She laughs about her early days adjusting skeptics in Ireland (“Imagine explaining subluxation to someone who’s never heard of a spine!”) and drops wisdom on why chiropractors need self-care routines rivaling Olympic athletes.
Want to hear how she turned a St. Patrick’s Day parade into a practice-building opportunity? Or why she insists nervous system science is the future of chiropractic?
Watch this very exciting episode and get the full gist and insight
Timestamp
0:00 - 02:15 Introduction
2:15 - 07:16: Discovering Chiropractic and Early Career
7:16 - 15:15: Transition to Ireland and Practice Experiences
15:15 - 18:58: Chiropractic in Ireland and Regulatory Challenges
18:58 - 20:57: Introduction to the Vitality Shift and Polyvagal Theory
20:57 - 29:12: Impact of Polyvagal Theory on Practice and Patient Communication
29:12 -32:08 Inspiration and Motivation in Practice
32:08- 38:17: Final Thoughts.
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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 #Joboppurtunitiesinchiropracticcare #Joboppurtunities #Job
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38:16
Polyvagal Inspired Pediatric Chiropractic and the Art of Visceral Work || Dr. Kate Finlayson.
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.
They closed the episode discussing plans to reconnect at an upcoming seminar in Sydney this June, underscoring the value of continuous learning and community in advancing chiropractic care.
Timestamp
0:00 – 14:30: Dr. Kate Finlayson's Journey into Chiropractic
14:30 – 14:48: Discovering Chiropractic and Early Career
14:48 – 15:14: Transition to Practice and Pediatric Focus
15:14 – 15:30: Pediatric Training and Practice Challenges
15:30 – 18:30: Impact of Polyvagal Theory on Practice
18:30- 21:32: Balancing Practice and Personal Life
21:32 - 25:00: Inspiration and Future Goals
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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
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24:59
When Chiropractic Care Goes Beyond Humans: Healing Horses, Dogs, and Communities || Dr. Emir Lervy
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
0:00 – 6:16: Background of Dr. Emir
6:16 – 6:31: Early Influences and Career Path
6:31 – 8:31: Transition into Practice & Learning Journey
8:31 – 12:00: Chiropractic Techniques and Animal Adjustment
12:00 – 16:48: Polyvagal Theory & Practical Application
16:48 - 21:47: Advise For New Chiropractors
21:47 - 25:07: Final Thoughts
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#ChiropracticCare #NervousSystemHealing #ChiropracticSuccess #PolyvagalTheory #Chiropractor #Chiropractors #ChronicIllnessWarrior #MindBodyConnection #Medicine #ChiropracticSuccess #ChiropracticCare #PracticeGrowth #ChiropracticMentorship #PolyvagalTheory #ChiropracticPodcast #ChiropracticBusiness #ChiropracticLife #Trends
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25:06
The Vision of the ASRF for the Chiropractic Research Revolution || Dr. Ryan Seaman
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:
0:00 - 01:09: Dr. Ryan Seaman's Chiropractic Journey and Practice Transformation
01:09 - 04:32: Dr. Ryan Seaman Background
04:32 - 08:48: Challenges and Growth in Chiropractic Practice
08:48 - 13:16: Transition to Leadership in the Australia Spinal Research Foundation.
13:16 - 29:02: Supporting Chiropractic Research and Practice
29:02 - 34:48: Challenges and Opportunities in Chiropractic Research.
34:48 - 35:21: Encouragement and Support for Chiropractic Practitioners.
35:21 - 36:47: Final Thoughts and Inspirations.
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theInformedChiropractor
#ChiropracticCare #NervousSystemHealing #ChiropracticSuccess #PolyvagalTheory #Chiropractor #Chiropractors #ChronicIllnessWarrior #MindBodyConnection #Medicine #ChiropracticSuccess #ChiropracticCare #PracticeGrowth #ChiropracticMentorship #PolyvagalTheory #ChiropracticPodcast #ChiropracticBusiness #ChiropracticLife
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36:46
A NECESSARY ENDING || 5 lessons from losing Lux.
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:
Grief is a sign of deep connection
Endings are required for new growth.
The pain of holding on can be greater than the pain of letting go.
You must grieve the old to welcome the new fully.
Endings make us more human—and more connected.
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:
0:00 - 08:03: Necessary Endings and New Beginnings.
08:03 - 08:23: Experience from Losing Lux
08:23 - 12:07: Lessons from losing Lux
12:07 - 15:02: Practical applications in Chiropractic Practice.
15:02 - 20:14: Handling Challenges in Relationships and Practice
20:14 - 24:27: Upcoming Events and Program
24:27 - 26:49: Final Thoughts and Encouragement.
You can connect with us on other platforms:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinformedchiropractor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/informed_chiropractor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theInformedChiropractor
#ChiropracticCare #NervousSystemHealing #ChiropracticSuccess #PolyvagalTheory #Chiropractor #Chiropractors #ChronicIllnessWarrior #MindBodyConnection #Medicine #ChiropracticSuccess #ChiropracticCare #PracticeGrowth #ChiropracticMentorship #PolyvagalTheory #ChiropracticPodcast #ChiropracticBusiness #ChiropracticLife
Dive into the vibrant world of chiropractic care through a Polyvagal Lens with ”The Informed Chiropractor.” Hosted by Dr. Don MacDonald, this illuminating series explores chiropractic’s vitalistic and salutogenic models through the insightful lens of the Polyvagal Theory.
Each episode offers a blend of engaging interviews with industry experts and personal reflections on chiropractic’s foundational principles. Here, we unravel the keys to human health, wellness, and innate potential, bridging the time-tested truths of chiropractic practice with cutting-edge neuroscientific understanding of the Polyvagal Theory.
Whether you’re a seasoned chiropractor seeking to refine your approach or a student eager to tap into the roots and future of chiropractic care, this podcast promises to enlighten, challenge, and inspire. Join us on a transformative journey as we explore the nuances, challenges, and triumphs of a practice dedicated to unlocking the body’s inherent vitality through the quest for Safety through a Polyvagal Lens.
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