The Chiropractic Podcast

Christie Owen Irwin sits down with Melissa Asher, a massage therapist who operates her own business within a chiropractic practice. Melissa, who started as a chiropractic assistant, explains that she became a massage therapist to work in tandem with chiropractic care, helping to relax fascia and muscles and aid the movement of subluxations that aren't progressing as quickly as desired. She details her business model, which involves paying rent to the chiropractic office, and how her business, which now includes two other therapists, has grown through word-of-mouth and community outreach. The conversation covers key operational aspects such as having front desk staff handle all booking, using cluster booking, and maintaining a strict schedule to ensure a smooth flow of patients. Melissa shares her personal limit of six massages a day to prevent burnout and the importance of setting similar boundaries for her staff. The episode concludes by highlighting how this symbiotic relationship creates a win-win situation, providing a new income stream for the practice, enhancing patient care, and educating massage clients on the benefits of chiropractic. For more coaching and chiropractic resources, visit amcfamily.com Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com

Dr. Zach Wilson and Dr. Justin Ford discuss the common issue of burnout in chiropractic practice. They define burnout as a feeling of falling out of love with your profession, patients, and even family, often stemming from a lack of gratitude. The core problem, they explain, is constantly pouring into others without refilling your own energy and passion. They break burnout down into two components: physical and mental. Physical burnout is often caused by a chaotic office environment, an untrained staff, and the doctor wearing too many hats. To combat this, they recommend investing in your team and delegating tasks. The mental side of burnout stems from a lack of routine and failure to create boundaries between work and home life. They advocate for scheduled time off to recharge and leaving work burdens at the office door. They conclude that burnout is not a point of no return but a sign of a lack of "harmony," which can be fixed with small, consistent corrections, much like a chiropractic adjustment. For more coaching and chiropractic resources, visit amcfamily.com Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com

Dr. Bill Kriva and Dr. John Lay discuss the critical importance of understanding chiropractic history for both seasoned practitioners and new graduates. They delve into the challenging early days of the profession, highlighting how D.D. and B.J. Palmer navigated a healthcare landscape dominated by the American Medical Association (AMA), which actively sought to monopolize medical education and eliminate competing health professions. A key historical point is the AMA's aggressive stance on licensing, initially resisted by B.J. Palmer, which led to chiropractors being prosecuted for practicing medicine without a license. The conversation powerfully pivots to the 1917 Spanish Flu epidemic, revealing government data that showed chiropractors were "tremendously more effective" in treating patients than medical doctors, with significantly lower death rates. This historical success directly influenced the widespread passing of chiropractic licensure laws in states across the country. They also touch upon lesser-known historical aspects like B.J. Palmer's Clearview Sanitarium, a mental hospital that successfully treated mental health conditions chiropractically, a practice largely lost with the advent of psychiatric medications. The episode concludes with a strong call to action for chiropractors to learn, embrace, and share their rich history, emphasizing that knowing their roots empowers them to articulate the profound capabilities of chiropractic, foster conviction, and build thriving, impactful practices. They even share a fun historical tidbit about Ronald Reagan working for B.J. Palmer's radio station. For more coaching and chiropractic resources, visit amcfamily.com Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com

Dr. Bill Kriva and Dr. Tara Horrell discuss the profound importance of chiropractic philosophy for success in practice. Dr. Kriva recounts a telling observation from a real estate developer: chiropractors with a strong philosophical understanding are significantly more successful. They lament the decline of philosophical teaching in chiropractic schools, noting that only a handful of institutions still truly emphasize it. Dr. Horrell shares her frustration with the shift away from core chiropractic principles like subluxation towards more superficial concepts like posture, which she believes dilutes the profession's unique identity. They explore how the insurance-driven model has impacted practice by limiting care and focusing on symptom suppression rather than holistic healing. Both doctors share personal experiences where chiropractic care resolved long-standing health issues beyond just pain, underscoring the power of chiropractic when practiced with a deep philosophical understanding. They encourage listeners to seek out philosophical education through clubs, mentors, and foundational texts like Stevenson's and Virgil Strang's books to deepen their conviction and transform their practices into fulfilling, life-changing endeavors for both practitioner and patient.ew patient carousel" and build a resilient, referral-based practice by strategically investing in their marketing efforts and community presence. For more coaching and chiropractic resources, visit amcfamily.com Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com

In this episode of the Chiropractic Podcast, Tom sits down with Daniel Carroll of Secret Crowds Marketing Agency to dissect the often-misunderstood world of chiropractic marketing. While many chiropractors focus solely on acquiring new patients, Tom and Daniel emphasize a more sustainable approach: nurturing leads, building strong community ties, and fostering patient longevity to create self-sustaining, stress-free practices. They challenge common misconceptions about marketing, highlighting the critical difference between clicks and qualified leads, and the importance of having robust internal systems to convert interest into lasting patient relationships. Daniel and Tom explore the nuances of cold, warm, and hot leads, stressing that an appointment booked is a "hot lead" that still requires careful nurturing to become a long-term patient. They discuss the necessity of a tailored marketing message that resonates with specific demographics, using the analogy of fishing to illustrate the importance of knowing your market and using the right "bait." This conversation is a must-listen for any chiropractor looking to move beyond the "new patient carousel" and build a resilient, referral-based practice by strategically investing in their marketing efforts and community presence. For more coaching and chiropractic resources, visit amcfamily.com Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com

AI for Chiropractors: Optimizing Practice Management & Growth In this compelling episode of the Chiropractic Podcast, Tom sits down with special guest Jake Press of Press Purpose AI, a visionary in leveraging artificial intelligence for business acceleration. Jake, deeply passionate about chiropractic care due to its profound impact on his own life, shares how AI can transform chiropractic practices across the country. This discussion isn't just about technology; it's about making your practice more efficient, proficient, and ultimately, more profitable by intelligently integrating AI into key areas like marketing, new patient intake, and patient recalls. Tom and Jake dive deep into practical applications, including a live demonstration of an AI voice agent handling an incoming patient call, showcasing its empathy, ability to answer service-related questions, and seamless appointment booking. They emphasize that AI isn't about replacing staff, but empowering them to focus on high-value patient care by automating time-consuming, menial tasks. Discover how AI can help you capture more leads, reactivate past patients, enhance appointment reminders, and even streamline your social media marketing efforts. For more coaching and chiropractic resources, visit amcfamily.com Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com

The CA Advantage: How to Hire, Train & Build a Thriving Chiropractic Team In this episode, CA coach and office manager Jan Tresse joins Christie Owen Irwin to discuss what it really takes to build and lead a strong chiropractic team. From hiring with purpose to developing staff through intentional training, they share practical insights and real success stories from practices around the country. Whether you're a doctor managing your first staff member or a seasoned CA looking to grow in your role, this conversation covers the systems and mindset that create long-term team success. In this episode: What to look for when hiring the right team member Why “motivational DNA” matters in placing staff Real examples of practices improving missed appointments and patient retention How to train for communication, not just task completion Why investing in your staff pays off in growth, culture, and retention For more coaching and chiropractic resources, visit amcfamily.com Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com

Why Starting a Practice Doesn’t Have to Be a Struggle In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Brubaker and Dr. Tara Horrall dive into the real-world challenges of launching a chiropractic practice—and why so many of them are avoidable. From student debt to market research, mentorship to mindset, they reflect on the common (and preventable) mistakes new chiropractors make, and share the hard-won lessons they wish they’d known from day one. Whether you're in your first year of practice or two decades in, this episode offers practical, encouraging insight into building a thriving career without the burnout. What you’ll learn: Why the “five years of struggle” myth holds too many chiropractors back Common mistakes new docs make—and how to avoid them The value of mentorship and community support How to shift from survival mode to strategy Why chiropractic is a people business (and how to embrace that) If you're thinking about opening your own office, stuck in a rough patch, or just want to be reminded that success is possible, this episode is for you. For more information visit amcfamily.com

The Truth About Chiropractic Marketing: What Works & What’s a Waste of Money Marketing is one of the biggest pain points for chiropractors — and one of the easiest places to waste time and money. In this episode, Tom Owen sits down with marketing strategist Daniel Carroll to break down what actually works in chiropractic marketing today, what to avoid, and how to get more out of your marketing budget. They cover the difference between branding and marketing, how platforms like Google and Meta (Facebook/Instagram) function differently, and why consistency and clarity in your message are key to building long-term growth. In this episode: Why most chiropractors overspend and underperform in marketing How branding supports but doesn’t replace actual marketing Common traps and false promises in digital advertising What Google and Meta are really good for (and what they aren’t) How to set a budget that works for your stage of growth Why the best results come from pairing marketing with a proven system If you’ve been burned by flashy agencies or feel like your marketing isn’t bringing the ROI it should, this episode is for you. For more episodes and practice growth resources, visit amcfamily.com.

Thrive in 2025: The Mindset Shift Every Chiropractor Needs Join Dr. Todd Osborne (Dr. Oz) and Dr. Shannon McMurtry for a powerful discussion about what it really means to thrive in chiropractic practice. Thriving isn’t about “arriving”—it’s about daily choices, overcoming obstacles, and progressing despite circumstances. In this episode, Dr. McMurtry shares his personal journey from struggle to success, how fear almost held him back, and how obstacles are actually opportunities in disguise. Whether you're just starting out, growing your practice, or facing challenges, this episode will give you the mindset shift and actionable steps to thrive. If you’re a chiropractor looking for inspiration, struggling to grow, or passionate about pediatrics & perinatal care, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Hear personal stories of practice transformation, explore insights on leadership, and learn why prioritizing what matters most is key to sustainable success. Whether you’re looking to scale your chiropractic practice, improve your team dynamics, or better serve your community, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you thrive. Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com For more information about Aligned, and how it can help your practice, visit us at https://amcfamily.com.

Join Tom Owen as he hosts Drs. Justin & Candy Ford for a powerful conversation about overcoming practice struggles, building a thriving patient base, and the power of mentorship in chiropractic success. If you're a chiropractor looking for inspiration, struggling to grow, or passionate about pediatrics & perinatal care, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Hear personal stories of practice transformation, explore insights on leadership, and learn why prioritizing what matters most is key to sustainable success. Whether you're looking to scale your chiropractic practice, improve your team dynamics, or better serve your community, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you thrive. Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com For more information about Aligned, and how it can help your practice, visit us at https://amcfamily.com.

Join Dr. Kelly Henry and guest host Jered Wayland for a deep dive into the transformative power of the new Peak Advanced Therapy Solutions program. In this episode, discover how chiropractors can grow their practices, simplify operations, and enhance patient care by focusing on core principles and leveraging advanced therapies like decompression, cold laser, and shockwave.   Hear personal stories of practice transformation, explore insights on leadership, and learn why prioritizing what matters most is key to sustainable success. Whether you're looking to scale your chiropractic practice, improve your team dynamics, or better serve your community, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you thrive.   Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com   For more information about Aligned, and how it can help your practice, visit us at https://amcfamily.com.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Lyndsy Johnston, who has transformed a small-town practice into a thriving center for chiropractic care. From her high school job in a chiropractic office to becoming a leader in the field, Dr. Johnston shares her path to success, the power of mentorship, and the drive to impact lives. In this episode, we dive deep into Dr. Johnston’s story: how she doubled her practice size, overcame challenges, and became a role model for aspiring female chiropractors. If you’re in healthcare or seeking professional growth, this conversation offers valuable insights into building a practice with purpose, resilience, and a supportive team. Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com For more information about Aligned, and how it can help your practice, visit us at https://amcfamily.com.

Join Tom Owen as he hosts Dr. JP Whittaker to discuss the importance of the diversity branch within Aligned and how it is doing amazing work expanding the reach of chiropractic care to underserved communities. Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com For more information about Aligned, and how it can help your practice, visit us at https://amcfamily.com.

Wake Up Aligned is transitioning to a new show called: The Chiropractic Podcast. In addition to the audio content you are used to, you can view a video version of the podcast on YouTube. Search for "The Chiropractic Podcast" and don't forget to subscribe. On this episode, Tom Owen hosts Dr. Henri Dallies to discuss a new partnership between Aligned and the group KCUCS, Knee Chest Upper Cervical Specific. This November, doctors from around the country will have the opportunity to enhance their technique and their business acumen with a joint event in Atlanta, GA. You can sign up for the milestone event using the following link: https://www.amcfamily.com/meetup_event/kcucs-nov-24-atlanta/   Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com   For more information about Aligned, and how it can help your practice, visit us at https://amcfamily.com.

Join Tom Owen and Dr. Todd Osborne as they discuss what it takes to build a team and how their success becomes your success.   Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com   For more information about Aligned, and how it can help your practice, visit us at https://amcfamily.com.

Join Tom Owen and Dr. Tara Horrall as they break down how to find your chief aim in life and practice.   Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com   For more information about Aligned, and how it can help your practice, visit us at https://amcfamily.com.

Join Tom Owen and Dr. Bill Kriva as they discuss how to handle worries, fears, and adversity in your practice and your life.       Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com       For more information about Aligned, and how it can help your practice, visit us at https://amcfamily.com.

Join Dr. Lisa Beighle as she hosts Dr. Jeremiah Bursch, Dr. Lyndsy Johnston, and Dr. Nicole Mathey to discuss their history with AMC and how it changed their lives!     Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com       For more information about Aligned, and how it can help your practice, visit us at https://amcfamily.com.

Join Tom Owen and Dr. Jeremy Brubaker as they answer an important question from a young AMC doctor.     Send us your questions and comments! You can reach us at: mailbag@amcfamily.com     For more information about Aligned, and how it can help your practice, visit us at https://amcfamily.com.