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]

On today’s episode, Dr. Don speaks with Dr. Peter Kevorkian for the third time on the podcast. A lot has changed since Dr. Kevorkian last visited the show. This time, he’ll dissect the effects of the pandemic and talk about how we can transition out of it healthily. Over the last few years, many things have changed for practitioners and patients. How do you navigate the changes personally and professionally? And more importantly, how do you make the needed transitions to continue?   Key Takeaways: What it’s been like as practitioners transition out of the pandemic. [01:28] Three things that have got Peter through the pandemic. [02:45] How the trauma of COVID-19 has affected everyone. [03:30] Why adaptation is necessary and a sign of good mental health. [04:25] Understanding that cultural norms may be flawed. [06:00] How the pandemic has drastically affected peoples’ physiology and nervous system. [07:00] Tip 1: Be aware of what is happening around you and stay awake. [08:15] Find the joy in something and hold on to it; create space for it. [11:45] Tip 2: Create a safe space to decompress and turn off the fight or flight instinct. [13:00] What can you do to create safety in your life, and what did Peter do? [16:15] Being conscious of creating a safe space for others in your practice. [17:00] Tip 3: Get back into your heart. The world needs love and respect. [22:10] Recognize the differences in perspectives and respect them. [23:45] Maintaining your self-care. [26:00] What major transitions have Peter and his work been through since the beginning of the pandemic? [29:00] Dealing with the passing of a colleague and friend. [30:50] Words of wisdom. [36:00] For more information on "The Informed Chiropractor," click https://www.thevitalityshift.com/the-informed-chiropractor