Activate Your Practice Podcast

Your feet touch the ground thousands of times a day, and every one of those steps sends a message up your body. That is why we sat down with Jamie Greenawalt, president of Foot Levelers Incorporated, to get practical about foot biomechanics, custom orthotics, and how better support can change posture, comfort, and daily energy. Jamie shares the company’s origin story, starting in 1952 with Dr. Monty Greenawalt experimenting in his garage after seeing patients struggle with rigid, uncomfortable prescription orthotics. We talk about why flexible, three-arch support matters, how forces travel through the kinetic chain from the feet to the ankles, knees, hips, and low back, and why “small” alignment problems can compound through repetitive stress. We also shift from gait to sleep. Jamie explains how Foot Levelers is applying the same research-first mindset to recovery with the Nexi Custom Pillow, including imaging that maps the head, neck, and shoulders to help support optimal sleep posture. You will hear why listeners report fewer wake-ups, better sleep consistency, and even reduced snoring, plus how travel feedback shaped the product line. Finally, we connect recovery to performance through their partnership with marathoner Sarah Hall and what they look for in aligned, long-term wellness partnerships. If you want to explore custom orthotics or custom sleep support, start at footlevelers.com and nexicustompillow.com, then share this with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review so more people can find the show. Support the show

What should a chiropractic education guarantee when a student finally walks across the stage: seat time, or real competence? We sit down with Dr. Deb Bushway, president of Northwestern Health Sciences University, to get specific about what “practice-ready” actually means and why outcomes like graduation rates and chiropractic board pass rates are still the clearest promise a program can make to students and the public. Along the way, we talk candidly about how easily education can drift into tradition instead of measurable skill. We also go straight at a pain point every new chiropractor recognizes: business readiness. Great clinicians can still struggle with pricing, cash flow, staffing, and the day-to-day reality of private practice. Dr. Bushway explains an approach built for how people learn and when they need the information: online practice management modules reinforced throughout school, plus free access after graduation when the lessons finally feel urgent and practical. Then we zoom out to the bigger system shaping chiropractic training: the relationship between academic programs, accreditation, licensing boards, and the NBCE. We discuss why standardization matters, why hours are a shaky proxy for learning, and how competency-based education could raise clarity and quality across the profession. We also share a powerful VA story that shows how integrative care can shift minds fast when results are undeniable. If you found this useful, subscribe, share the episode with a colleague, and leave a quick review with your biggest takeaway. Support the show

AI is rewriting healthcare while most clinics are still trying to survive the front desk rush, insurance friction, and an endless admin pile. We sit down with Dr. Jay Greenstein, a chiropractor, entrepreneur, and digital health builder, to talk about what it really takes to grow a modern chiropractic practice without losing your values or your sanity. We start with Dr. Greenstein's guiding philosophy of kindness and his drive for justice, then get honest about leadership mistakes that nearly every clinic owner makes. Culture is not a poster on the wall. We explain how hiring for core values, building a repeatable recruiting and onboarding process, and putting the team first creates a better patient experience and a business that can actually scale. We also break down autonomy, mastery, and purpose as a practical framework for keeping purpose from getting crushed by daily chaos. Then we zoom out to the biggest shift in chiropractic practice management right now: AI in healthcare and digital health. Dr. Greenstein shares why “learn, play, implement” beats fear and procrastination, plus concrete starting points with tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, and more. We also talk patient engagement between visits, remote therapeutic monitoring, and why at-home care is becoming the expectation, especially for older adults focused on mobility and independence. If you want clearer systems, better leadership, and a realistic path to adopting AI without the hype, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review with the one idea you are going to implement this week. Support the show

A 105-degree fever, weeks of rapid weight loss, and no clear answers sent Dr. John Maltby down a path he never expected. One chiropractic visit changed everything and that moment eventually led him to 48 years in practice and a new role as Secretary General of the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC). We sit down with John to hear the full story, from a teenage health crisis to building a long-term practice in a small farming community, and why he believes chiropractic’s impact grows when we stay focused on results that matter to real people. We also get specific about what the WFC actually does and why its relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO) is such a big deal for global health. John breaks down how the WFC represents chiropractic to the WHO, helps open doors with governments and health leaders, and supports a simple vision: access to chiropractic care for all people, of all ages, in all nations. Along the way, we talk about the profession’s biggest obstacle: internal division that confuses the message when the world is asking one question, “How can you help our people be healthy?” From low back pain as a leading cause of disability worldwide to the everyday goal of staying mobile as we age, we connect chiropractic, rehabilitation, and quality of life. John also shares why the adjustment remains the profession’s unique core, plus an exciting look at sports chiropractic momentum and how close chiropractic is to being part of every Olympic team. Subscribe, share this with a colleague or patient, and leave a review, what do you think chiropractic should be known for globally? Support the show

Chiropractic can change a person’s life in one visit, but can the profession deliver that kind of result reliably when a practice grows beyond one doctor? I sit down with Dr. Sam Wang to unpack the uncomfortable truth that scaling chiropractic clinics exposes: the variable is often not whether chiropractic works, but whether our systems make outcomes consistent and trainable. We trace Dr. Wang’s path from a car accident and a first adjustment that erased severe pain to building a multi-location model, then connect the dots to an unexpected influence: restaurant operations. Corporate chains succeed because training is standardized, roles are clear, and processes run the same way every day. We explore how that mindset translates to chiropractic practice management, from front desk workflows and documentation to technique consistency across associates, plus why instrument adjusting appealed as a way to create reproducible force and predictable results. The conversation also gets real about the modern landscape: consolidation in healthcare, heavier compliance demands, IT and cybersecurity concerns, and why “be a great clinician and a great entrepreneur” is often too much for one person. For students and new grads, we dig into the job market, the lack of standardized associate contracts, and the weight of student loan debt that can reach $250,000 to $400,000. Dr. Wang explains why structured groups and formalized postgraduate training can bridge the experience gap while protecting patient trust. If you care about standardized chiropractic care, multi-doctor clinic consistency, and building a career that does not collapse under complexity, you will take a lot from this one. Subscribe, share it with a student or associate, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Support the show

Seconds decide futures when a stroke strikes, and the biggest lifesaver isn’t a gadget—it’s knowing what to do first. We sit down with nurse practitioner and stroke program leader Euly Smith to unpack the exact steps that protect brain tissue, open doors to modern treatments, and turn a terrifying moment into a survivable story. If you’ve ever wondered how to tell dizziness from danger, or whether driving yourself helps, this conversation gives you a clear plan. We start with what stroke really is—a brain attack caused by either a burst vessel or a blocked artery—and the B.E.F.A.S.T checklist that anyone can memorize: balance changes, vision loss, facial droop, arm or leg weakness or numbness, speech trouble, and time to call 911. Euly explains why paramedics matter more than car keys: EMS pre-alerts stroke centers, bypasses unprepared hospitals, and gets you straight to imaging. We also dig into the rise of stroke in younger adults and the overlooked risk drivers behind it, from hypertension and high cholesterol to diabetes, smoking, substance use, and undiagnosed sleep apnea. From there, we explore treatment windows and what “time is brain” actually means. You’ll learn when clot-busting medication can dissolve small-vessel clots, why large-vessel blockages need mechanical thrombectomy, and how specialized biplane imaging suites guide catheters to remove clots at their source. We tackle dangerous myths—like waiting out symptoms or taking aspirin—and reframe TIAs as urgent warnings you can act on. Euly shares the smart questions to bring to your next checkup about AFib screening, blood pressure, glucose control, and sleep studies, plus the community programs that support survivors and families after discharge. Walk away with a practical, memorable action plan: recognize B.E.F.A.S.T , call 911, request a stroke-certified center, and follow up on your personal risk profile. If this episode helps one person catch a stroke sooner, it was worth every minute. Subscribe, share with someone you love, and leave a review telling us which takeaway you’ll act on today. Support the show

Ready for a year where research, training, and access all move in the same direction? We lay out a concrete plan for 2026: bringing seminars back to college campuses, strengthening state association presence, and pairing that with virtual education proven to match hands-on outcomes. Along the way, we share how publishing in Nature turned heads across the broader medical world and opened doors to high-level collaborations, including a spine study with Ohio State that leverages precise instrumented thrusts. We dig into mechanism-first research that answers real clinical questions, like whether adjusting around osteoporotic hips is safe. The findings go further than expected: not only safety signals, but evidence of trabecular regrowth in models—an insight that reframes fracture risk, fall narratives, and mobility trajectories for older adults. It’s the kind of data that boosts practitioner confidence and directly benefits patients who need careful, effective care. Our podcast started during lockdowns as a way to keep teaching and quickly evolved into a hub with hundreds of thousands of downloads, attracting clinicians, patients, and other providers. Conversations with leaders like orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jimmy Chow and practice-growth experts bring both clinical depth and practical wisdom. That cross-pollination reflects how far interprofessional respect has come—and how evidence, patents, and consistent publishing helped change perceptions of chiropractic in the wider health ecosystem. Training and reach are scaling together. With presence in dozens of colleges and a diverse speakers bureau, we’re building a pipeline of proficiency-rated practitioners ready for real-world cases: sports injuries, post-surgical care, documentation, Medicare, risk management, and even animal care. Expect regional seminars, alumni-centered campus events, and guests who share hard-earned insights you can apply the same day. If you’re aiming to sharpen your scan protocols, grow a sports practice, or align with the latest research, this is your roadmap. Subscribe, share this with a colleague who needs a lift, and leave a review with the one topic you want us to tackle next. Support the show

Most people who avoid chiropractic share one fear: neck cracking. We dive into a precision-first alternative—instrument-assisted adjusting—showing how it’s reshaping patient trust, clinical outcomes, and the day-to-day life of busy practices. With Dr. Arlan Fuhr and new president Dr. Kristina Petrocco-Napuli, we unpack the past year’s biggest moves and what’s coming next. We trace the rise of virtual training that actually sticks, covering decision-making at the table—where to adjust, when to adjust, and when to stop—so new graduates and veterans alike avoid over-treatment. Then we open the CE toolkit: risk management and women’s health that can reduce NCMIC malpractice premiums for three years, plus documentation strategies that protect practices and speed reimbursements. It’s practical, measurable, and designed for the whole team. Safety sits at the center. You’ll hear how a pediatric tip calibrated to about 20 newtons keeps infant care gentle and consistent, grounded in biomechanics research. On the other end of the spectrum, we walk through geriatric, post-surgical scenarios—pelvic changes after knee and hip replacements, IT band trigger points, and how targeted adjustments restore balance and reduce pain. We also explore core strength and balance improvements tied to precise care and how simple, weekly isometrics can reboot mobility. The data now match the momentum: according to NBCE practice analysis, roughly 93% of chiropractors have an instrument in the office. That shift fuels referrals from primary care and surgical teams who want conservative, precise options for spine and extremity care. We wrap with the energy of a sold-out university seminar, plans for the next campus stop, and a forward-looking roadmap that keeps training, tools, and research aligned. If precision, safety, and real-world results matter to you, follow the show, share this episode with a colleague, and leave a quick review to help more practitioners find it. Support the show

What if pain relief could be tracked as clearly as a lab result? We sit down with Dr. Ricardo Fujikawa—a physician who became a chiropractor—to explore how precision tools, rigorous research, and biomarkers are reshaping conservative spine care. From Brazil to Madrid, he’s built programs, founded a research foundation, and pushed chiropractic into high-impact journals where the broader medical community pays attention. WATCH THE FULL PODCAST AT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaWZCdk_NB4 We dig into mechanism research that moves beyond small, expensive clinical trials to answer how an adjustment creates change. In osteoporotic rat and osteoarthritic rabbit models, controlled force from an activator instrument produced measurable tissue effects, including changes tied to mechanogrowth factor and bone density. That same reproducibility has opened doors at major universities and fueled NIH-funded collaborations, proving that standardized inputs let researchers isolate variables and ask smarter questions about dose, timing, and outcomes. The conversation shifts to objective measurement with TNF alpha and related inflammatory biomarkers. Patient-reported pain scales still matter, but they’re subjective; urine-based testing and algorithmic prediction promise a practical, noninvasive way to track real physiological improvement. Imagine a clinic where a quick strip test guides care plans, validates progress, and reduces reliance on drugs—while giving medical doctors, physical therapists, and chiropractors a shared language for results. We also touch on the future of chiropractic technology, from instrumented assessments to precisely targeted adjustments, and the rise of global education standards that prepare the next generation to practice with data-driven confidence. With an international network of proficiency-rated practitioners, patients can expect consistent, high-quality care whether they’re in Phoenix or Madrid. If you care about evidence, safety, and real-world outcomes, this conversation lays out a compelling blueprint for where spine care is heading. Enjoyed the episode? Follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review to help more listeners discover evidence-driven chiropractic. SPONSORED BY Softec - Use promo code: ACTIVATE25 at https://www.softectables.com/ayp Support the show

Feeling out of balance, rushed, and stuck in symptom-chasing? We sit down with Dr. Sherry McAllister to unpack Adjusted Reality—a practical, story-driven guide to living in alignment physically, mentally, and emotionally. Instead of treating chiropractic as a last stop for back pain, we explore it as a catalyst for performance, confidence, and long-term resilience. Sherry shares the seven pillars—investment, replenishment, nourishment, movement, adjustment, contentment, and revitalizement—and shows how they create a path from chaos to clarity. You’ll hear how one young athlete avoided a spiral into depression by finding a doctor who would walk the full journey: clear education, research-backed steps, and care that honored the whole person. We also dig into the difference between disease care and health care, and why collaboration—not competition—gives patients the best outcomes. When communication bridges both systems, people don’t just recover; they regain momentum, purpose, and self-agency. The conversation takes an unexpected turn to New York Fashion Week, where posture and alignment meet confidence and design. Health becomes the ultimate accessory, shaping how we move through rooms, handle stress, and tell our story without words. Along the way, Sherry offers a deceptively simple prompt for clinicians and patients alike: What do you want your health to help you do more of? Aligning care to that answer turns routines into a lifestyle and worry into courage. Ready to rethink what care can do for you? Press play, share this with a friend who needs momentum, and if the message resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us which pillar you’ll build first. Support the show

What happens when a career in federal law enforcement comes to an abrupt end? For Dr. Stacy Neal, a workplace injury that left her dependent on a walker transformed into an unexpected gateway to a fulfilling second career in chiropractic care. As the newest member of Activator Methods International's Speakers Bureau, Dr. Neal shares her extraordinary journey from senior special agent with Homeland Security Investigations—where she tackled human trafficking, narcotics, and financial crimes—to becoming a passionate chiropractor. After sustaining a severe injury during training that led to eleven surgeries and an implanted spinal cord stimulator, it was a workers' compensation chiropractor who convinced her she could walk unassisted again. That life-changing experience inspired her complete career transformation at age 41. Dr. Neal brings a unique investigative mindset to patient care, applying her background in criminology and forensics to clinical diagnosis. This approach has proven invaluable, as she recounts a powerful story of helping a patient who had been dismissed by both emergency room and urgent care providers. Her persistence in ordering appropriate imaging revealed the true source of the patient's debilitating pain, bringing not just physical relief but profound emotional peace. Now serving as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University, Dr. Neal has come full circle from student to practitioner to educator. Her story embodies resilience and purpose—demonstrating how personal adversity can reveal unexpected calling. Through Activator Methods' new Speakers Bureau launching in 2025, associations and organizations can request Dr. Neal and other speakers at no cost to share their expertise and inspire others in the chiropractic community. Have you considered how life's unexpected turns might be directing you toward your true purpose? Share your thoughts or reach out to learn more about Activator Methods' speakers for your next event. Support the show

When was the last time you calculated what a new patient is truly worth to your practice? In this eye-opening conversation with marketing expert Nick Doyle, author of the bestselling "Outmarket the Competition," we explore a revolutionary approach to marketing that's transforming how businesses think about customer acquisition. Nick reveals why most marketing strategies fail: they focus exclusively on either brand building or performance metrics, missing the powerful synergy created when both work together. "Brand marketing is trust," Nick explains, drawing parallels to the branded products we instinctively choose every day. Meanwhile, performance marketing helps you "fish where the fish are" by targeting those actively seeking your services. The magic happens when these approaches combine. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Nick introduces his lifetime value framework—a sophisticated yet practical model that uses patient profitability to determine appropriate marketing spend. Rather than arbitrarily setting monthly budgets, Nick advocates calculating what a new patient is actually worth to your practice, then using that figure to inform acquisition costs. While the math might seem daunting at first, the principles can be applied by any practice that understands its basic patient metrics: visit frequency, average cost, and treatment duration. What makes this approach particularly valuable for chiropractors? As Nick points out, local businesses often have an advantage since they're targeting a defined geographical area rather than competing nationally. The key is overcoming personal bias—designing marketing that resonates with patients rather than what appeals to the practitioner. Ready to transform your practice marketing? Listen now and discover why Nick's book has become a bestseller across multiple business categories. The concepts may be advanced, but the potential impact on your practice growth is well worth the learning curve. Support the show

What does it really take to create high-quality nutritional supplements? Charlie DuBois, Chairman and CEO of Standard Process, pulls back the curtain on the 95-year journey of this family-owned company that's refusing to compromise on whole food nutrition. Starting with his unusual path from electrical engineer to supplement company leader, Charlie shares how he borrowed "more millions than years of age" at just 29 to purchase the family business from his great-aunt's estate. This decision has preserved Dr. Royal Lee's founding vision that whole foods—not isolated nutrients—provide the best nutritional foundation. The conversation reveals Standard Process's unique farm-to-supplement approach, including their impressive 1,200-acre certified organic farm (dwarfing the average 4-acre organic operation in America) and their commitment to keeping production entirely within Wisconsin. Charlie explains how they've expanded their scientific credentials through their North Carolina research center, which conducts everything from cellular studies to human clinical trials. Perhaps most surprising is Charlie's revelation that he receives serious offers to buy Standard Process weekly, yet remains committed to transitioning leadership to the fourth generation—his children Jack and Simone. "When private equity owns a supplement company, the results are different," he notes, highlighting how this commitment to family ownership rather than corporate consolidation directly impacts product quality. For chiropractors and health practitioners interested in nutrition, this rare glimpse into the philosophy, research, and family values behind Standard Process illuminates why their approach to supplementation continues to align so strongly with holistic healthcare. Listen now to understand what truly separates quality supplements from the countless options flooding today's marketplace. Support the show

What happens when a doctor becomes the patient? Dr. Cindy Howard, a survivor of Hodgkin's lymphoma, takes us through her remarkable journey from self-diagnosis to complete recovery, offering a master class in integrating conventional and functional medicine approaches along the way. Ten years ago, Dr. Howard woke up with a golf ball-sized lymph node in her neck. Drawing on her medical expertise, she diagnosed herself with Hodgkin's lymphoma and made the critical decision to pursue both chemotherapy and functional medicine treatments simultaneously. "If I don't fix the terrain that cancer grew in, what makes me think I won't wind up there again?" she explains, articulating a philosophy that guided her through recovery and continues to inform her approach to health. Throughout her six-month chemotherapy treatment, Dr. Howard supplemented with high-dose IV vitamin C and approximately 150 different nutritional supplements while maintaining a pristine diet of organic, whole foods. Despite facing resistance from the medical establishment—including being denied access to a less toxic chemotherapy protocol—she advocated fiercely for her health, refusing recommended radiation therapy after completing chemotherapy. Today, she remains cancer-free while managing the side effects of treatment, including reduced lung capacity. Dr. Howard's personal experience has deeply informed her professional work with patients facing various health challenges. She shares practical insights on concussion treatment, emphasizing anti-inflammatory supplements like omega fatty acids, Boswellia, and magnesium threonate. For diabetes management, she recommends berberine HCl, chromium, and cinnamon as natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals. Her passionate approach to women's health stems from her belief that symptoms like menstrual cramps and menopausal discomfort are "common but not normal" and can be effectively addressed. Ready to take control of your health journey? Listen now to discover how one doctor's personal battle with cancer transformed her approach to medicine and might just change your perspective on healing too. Support the show

What does the future of global chiropractic look like? Meet Dr. Brad Beira, the incoming Secretary General of the World Federation of Chiropractic, whose remarkable journey from South African chiropractor to international leader offers invaluable insights for practitioners everywhere. With disarming honesty, Dr. Beira reveals how his early fascination with the nervous system and diagnostics led him to become South Africa's first registered chiropractic student in 1989—coincidentally the same year the WFC was formed. His career evolution from private practice to corporate stress management speaker, then to business executive and legal expert, has uniquely prepared him for guiding chiropractic's global future. Dr. Beira's vision centers on expanding access—both for patients to chiropractors and for chiropractors to safe markets. "We're our own best kept secret," he admits, emphasizing how research and clear communication are essential for demonstrating chiropractic's effectiveness. He speaks passionately about physical literacy and maintaining mobility across all life stages, positioning chiropractors as vital healthcare partners in an increasingly sedentary world. For practitioners feeling isolated in their clinics, Dr. Beira offers practical wisdom: find mentors, seek business management support, and never stop learning. His candid assessment that "practice is hard" and "practice is lonely" resonates with clinicians everywhere, while his call for greater community engagement addresses the concerning trend of younger chiropractors disconnecting from professional associations. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner, new graduate, or chiropractic student, Dr. Beira's passionate call to action will inspire you to connect more deeply with colleagues and communicate your value more effectively to patients and other healthcare professionals. His leadership promises a new chapter for chiropractic that honors its roots while embracing innovative approaches to global healthcare challenges. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with chiropractic thought leaders who are shaping the future of our profession. Support the show

A decade of transformation in global chiropractic comes to light as Dr. Richard Brown, retiring Secretary General of the World Federation of Chiropractic, shares his remarkable journey with Dr. Arlan Fuhr. Their conversation reveals how chiropractic has evolved from a peripheral profession to an evidence-supported healthcare approach recognized worldwide. Brown's proudest achievement—the "Be Epic" campaign—epitomizes his vision for chiropractic: Evidence-based, People-centered, Interprofessional, and Collaborative. This simple framework resonated globally, unifying diverse stakeholders from national associations to educational institutions under a common philosophy. Throughout challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, this foundation proved invaluable as the WFC supported practitioners across 96 countries navigating unprecedented healthcare disruptions. The healthcare landscape has shifted dramatically during Brown's tenure, with international guidelines increasingly recommending non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical interventions—precisely what chiropractors deliver. This evidence-based evolution has positioned the profession favorably, but Brown emphasizes two critical frontiers: demonstrating cost-effectiveness to policymakers and embracing the growing need for geriatric care. With aging populations worldwide fearing mobility loss and social isolation, chiropractors hold a unique opportunity to maintain seniors' independence and quality of life. As Brown transitions to new roles including judicial work as an appointed magistrate and continued practice in an integrated medical setting, he leaves the profession with both wisdom and optimism. His leadership philosophy—humanity, humility, and integrity—offers guidance to future leaders, while his parting message resonates with possibility: "The best is yet to come." Through continued research investment and healthcare integration, chiropractic stands poised for its most impactful era yet. Support the show

The connection between your spine and brain is far more profound than conventional medicine has recognized. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Heidi Haavik, Director of Research at New Zealand College of Chiropractic, shares revolutionary findings from 24 years of neuroscience research that completely transform our understanding of how chiropractic care works. Forget what you thought you knew about chiropractic. Those old theories about "relieving pressure from pinched nerves" have given way to a sophisticated brain-centered model. Dr. Haavik's research team has consistently demonstrated that spinal adjustments directly change brain function, regardless of where along the spine the adjustment occurs. "We had to really rethink the entire model," she explains, "because it doesn't seem to be the nerve roots, but we're directly changing the brain when we're adjusting subluxated segments." The mechanism? High-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts (whether from Activator instruments or manual techniques) stretch deep spinal muscles that have become atrophied around dysfunctional segments. These muscles play a crucial role in proprioception - your brain's awareness of body position. When they're not communicating properly, your brain operates on an incomplete "story" about what's happening in your body, potentially leading to countless downstream effects. This explains why chiropractic benefits extend far beyond pain relief. Recent clinical trials reveal improvements in fatigue, anxiety, depression, and even how the brain processes sensory information like sound and visual input. Perhaps most remarkable are multiple studies showing significant rehabilitation benefits for chronic stroke survivors - an ironic development for a profession once wrongly accused of causing strokes. For those considering chiropractic care, Dr. Haavik recommends at least three months of consistent visits. "Some of the neuroplastic brain changes don't necessarily show up straight away," she notes. "Some change immediately, but some you only see at about 12 weeks." Looking ahead, she's excited about emerging technologies that will make neurological assessment more accessible in chiropractic offices, along with big data initiatives that will better identify which populations benefit most from care. Want to understand how your spine influences your brain and overall health? This conversation illuminates the science behind what chiropractors have observed clinically for decades - that spinal care influences far more than just back pain. Support the show

When most doctors hear "NCMIC," they immediately think malpractice insurance—but as President David Siebert reveals, that's just scratching the surface. Founded in 1946 by chiropractors for chiropractors, NCMIC has evolved into a comprehensive resource offering everything from business insurance to financial services tailored specifically for the profession. What distinguishes NCMIC from competitors? Their impressive 300+ years of collective claims experience makes a profound difference when defending chiropractors. As a mutual company answering to policyholders rather than shareholders, NCMIC takes a long-term approach that has allowed them to return over $170 million in dividends to doctors over 25 consecutive years. Their board, predominantly comprised of chiropractors, ensures decisions always prioritize the profession's best interests. For doctors facing potential claims, NCMIC offers critical guidance through what can be an emotionally challenging process. Their "consent to settle" policy guarantees doctors maintain control over their professional reputation, as no case settles without the doctor's written permission. Siebert shares how NCMIC will invest significantly in legal defense when a doctor wants their day in court, even when settlement might be less expensive—because protecting a chiropractor's reputation matters more than saving money. Beyond malpractice coverage, NCMIC offers business insurance, specialized long-term disability policies that understand chiropractors' unique needs, and personal lines including home and auto insurance. Their financial arm provides transparent merchant processing without long-term contracts, equipment loans, business credit cards, and premium financing options. They've become a true one-stop solution for chiropractic practice needs. The company's commitment extends to supporting over 200 chiropractic events annually, providing campus resources, risk management training, and their "Starting Into Practice" program. The NCMIC Foundation has invested more than $10 million in research that's opening doors for chiropractors in integrated healthcare settings. With growing public interest in preventative care post-pandemic, Siebert sees a bright future ahead for the profession. Discover how NCMIC can help protect and grow your practice with solutions designed specifically for chiropractors. Call today to learn more about their comprehensive services beyond malpractice insurance. Support the show

Every breath has significance when you're the son of a chiropractor – especially your first one. Dr. Mark Sanna, CEO of Breakthrough Coaching, opens this compelling conversation by sharing how a chiropractic adjustment from his father literally gave him his first breath as a "blue baby" born without oxygen. This profound beginning shaped his lifelong connection to a profession that he now helps others master through his coaching enterprise. The heart of successful chiropractic practice, Sanna reveals, lies not in clinical skills alone but in the foundational business principles rarely taught in school. "It's not how much you make, it's how much you keep," he emphasizes, sharing how his 30-year discipline of consistently investing 10% of his earnings has created financial freedom through the magic of compounding interest. This wisdom proves especially valuable for new practitioners who possess time – the most powerful wealth-building asset. Sanna addresses the challenging reality of insurance reimbursements frozen at 20-year-old rates despite rising delivery costs. He advocates for a balanced approach incorporating cash services, where practitioners effectively communicate the value of investing in health. "Your job is to make their health a priority," he explains, highlighting how skilled practitioners help patients recognize that discretionary spending on wellbeing delivers returns no other purchase can match. The conversation shifts to sustainability practices for busy practitioners, with Sanna offering a counterintuitive insight: "You're either expanding or contracting." He explains that regular environmental changes – whether weekend retreats or seasonal homes – provide the mental expansion necessary to prevent burnout and maintain practice vitality. This perspective challenges the notion that constant presence equals greater success. Breakthrough Coaching distinguishes itself through integrity, systems-based management, and consultants who've personally implemented these principles. Sanna particularly emphasizes succession planning – helping practitioners create actual value in their practices that translates to retirement security while ensuring continued patient care. For listeners contemplating practice growth or transition, this discussion offers both strategic wisdom and practical next steps toward building a sustainable chiropractic legacy. Ready to transform your practice with proven systems? Connect with Dr. Sanna at mybreakthrough.com or call 800-723-8423 to discover how coaching can help you achieve your practice goals faster and with greater certainty. Support the show

Discover the inspiring journey of Dr. Bob Martin, whose early struggles with asthma and immune issues in Davenport, Iowa, led him to a life-changing encounter with chiropractic care. We explore how a seemingly simple adjustment transformed his health, igniting a passion for chiropractic that would shape his career. Dr. Martin's story highlights the profound impact this approach had on his own life, setting the foundation for his future as a pioneering radio host and advocate for holistic health. His tale is not just about personal healing but about the power of perseverance in the face of skepticism. Join us for an engaging conversation about Dr. Martin's transition from a dedicated chiropractor to a celebrated syndicated radio show host with iHeartMedia. Despite facing resistance in the 1970s due to his lack of an MD, Dr. Martin's unwavering commitment to integrating nutrition and lifestyle medicine into his practice expanded his reach. We delve into the influence of figures like Chester Wilk and the strategies Dr. Martin used to confront critics and champion chiropractic care. As listeners, you'll gain valuable insights and inspiration from his dedication to advancing the field and his unwavering belief in the benefits of holistic health. Support the show