The Neuro Collective Podcast

Dr. Michael Bagnell & May Bagnell

Welcome to The Neuro Collective Podcast! We are your hosts, Dr. Michael Bagnell, Functional Neurologist and May Bagnell, Mindset and Nutrition Coach. Together, we are here to guide you through the dynamic intersection of Functional Neurology, Mindset Coaching, and Functional Medicine. If you're passionate about neuroscience, alternative health, and holistic wellness, you're in the perfect place. Our podcast is designed for those who are eager to explore innovative ways to heal brain conditions, optimize brain performance, and enhance overall well-being.   We cater to everyone from health-conscious individuals to high-performing athletes. Each week, we bring you expert interviews, the latest research, and actionable tips to help you achieve peak mental and physical health. Together, we'll dive deep into the science and practicalities of brain health, empowering you to live your best life with a sharper mind and a healthier body. So, let's embark on this journey together and unlock the limitless potential of your brain. This is The Neuro Collective Podcast—where holistic health meets neuroscience.

  1. 3D AGO

    Part 5-Lighting The Way: Peptides & Regenerative Tools- Episode 139

    Send us a text What if your brain’s best days are still ahead? In Episode 5 of our Lighting the Way December series, Dr. Michael Bagnell and May Bagnell, IHP explore one of the most exciting frontiers in neuroscience and regenerative medicine: peptides — powerful biological messengers that help the body repair, regenerate, and restore balance. This conversation isn’t about symptom suppression. It’s about supporting the body’s innate ability to heal, something medicine is finally rediscovering after decades of overlooking it. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: What peptides are and why your body naturally produces thousands of themWhy peptide signaling declines with age, inflammation, and chronic stressHow peptides act like “text messages” between cells, reminding your body what it already knows how to doWhy peptides are becoming a breakthrough tool in 2025 for brain health, gut healing, injury recovery, and longevity🧠 We dive deep into three foundational peptides: BPC-157 – the repair & protection peptide for gut, brain, and connective tissueTB-500 – the movement & tissue healing peptide for stubborn or old injuriesGHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) – the regeneration & longevity peptide supporting skin, collagen, and cellular resilienceYou’ll also hear how peptides fit into a functional neurology model, why order of operations matters, and how calming the nervous system, improving sleep, and reducing inflammation allow healing tools to work more effectively. If you’re dealing with brain fog, chronic inflammation, slow healing, gut issues, post-concussion symptoms, autoimmune challenges, or simply feel like your body isn’t bouncing back the way it used to, this episode offers clarity, understanding, and hope. 💡 Key takeaway: Your body is not broken — it may just need the right signals. As always, we’re here to remind you:  ✨ You can heal. And we can help. 🎧 Tune in and take the next step toward a brighter brain ahead.

    25 min
  2. DEC 19

    Part 4-Rewiring the Holidays: How Neuroplasticity Works & Why Your Brain is Never Stuck-Episode 138

    Send us a text How Neuroplasticity Works & Why Your Brain Is Never Stuck  In this powerful December episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell continue the Lighting the Way series with one of the most hope-filled discoveries in modern neuroscience: your brain is never stuck.  This conversation explores how neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire, reorganize, and strengthen new connections—can transform the way you experience the holidays, your health, and the year ahead.  ✨ What you’ll discover in this episode:  Why neuroplasticity is the foundation for healing from stress, trauma, ADHD, anxiety, concussion, and emotional patternsHow the brain continues to change at any age—30, 60, even 80+The powerful role of movement, sensory input, and timing systems in supporting brain healthWhy frustration + novelty are actually signs your brain is growingHow gratitude, rest, and intentional pauses can rewire the brain for calm, clarity, and resilienceThe difference between what’s considered “normal” aging and what’s truly naturalHow stress, cortisol, and blood sugar imbalance can limit neuroplastic potentialWhy the holidays are a critical window for shaping what your brain wires itself for next 🧠 Dr. Michael breaks down the science with vivid metaphors—neurons like branching trees, pruning what no longer serves so stronger connections can grow—while May highlights the emotional side of neuroplasticity, including belief systems, mindset, and “truth implants” that reshape how we live.  You’ll also hear real-life examples of neuroplasticity in action—from learning a new language to returning to piano decades later—and why pairing light movement before learning can dramatically improve results. 💡 Key takeaway: Your brain is always rewiring. The question is—what is it being rewired for? As you move through a season of both overstimulation and reflection, this episode invites you to pause, choose intention, and step into the new year with agency, hope, and clarity. 👉 You don’t have to wait until January. 👉 You don’t have to stay stuck. 👉 You can heal. And we can help. 🎧 Tune in and let this episode help you rewire the holidays—and your future.

    25 min
  3. DEC 17

    Part 3-Lighting the Way:Sleep, Peace & the Glymphatic Glow-Episode 137

    Send us a text In this holiday edition of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell, IHP invite you to slow down, settle in, and explore one of the most fascinating discoveries in modern neuroscience: the glymphatic system—your brain’s nighttime detox network. As part of our Lighting the Way series, this episode dives into how deep, restorative sleep acts as biological medicine, helping your brain clear metabolic waste, reduce inflammation, and protect long-term cognitive health. If you’ve ever struggled with brain fog, poor focus, mood changes, or chronic exhaustion, this conversation may completely change how you view sleep. You’ll learn: Why the glymphatic system only activates during deep sleepHow slow-wave sleep (N3) supports brain cleansing and renewalThe surprising link between poor sleep and conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ADHD, and cognitive declineWhy sleep is one of the most powerful modifiable lifestyle factors for brain healthHow simple shifts—like movement, sleep routines, hydration, and evening rituals—can dramatically improve sleep qualityThe best sleeping position to support optimal brain drainageHow functional neurology approaches help restore sleep architecture in real patientsDr. Michael and May also share practical, compassionate insights from the clinic—connecting sleep to gut health, hormones, stress resilience, emotional bandwidth, and nervous system regulation. Through relatable examples and seasonal reflection, they remind us that rest is not a luxury—it’s a built-in reset button available every single night. As you move through this busy season, we invite you to reflect: Where can you create more space for rest?What boundary could better protect your peace and sleep?What wind-down ritual would truly help your brain let go?If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, forgetful, or depleted, your brain may simply be asking for deeper rest.  Protect your sleep—and your brain will protect you. Share this episode with someone who needs more peace this season, and let us know: what’s your biggest sleep challenge right now? As always, remember: You can heal—and we can help.

    30 min
  4. DEC 12

    Part 2-Lighting the Way:The Gut-Brain Axis: How Your Microbiome Shapes Mood, Focus & Sleep-Episode 136

    Send us a text In this episode of The NeuroCollective Podcast, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell,IHP continue the Lighting the Way series with a deep dive into the Gut-Brain Axis, exploring how your microbiome shapes your mood, focus, and sleep, especially during the holiday season. They discuss why the gut functions as an ecosystem, how increased sugar, stress, and disrupted routines can suppress immunity and create dysbiosis, and why a healthy microbiome is essential for emotional regulation, dopamine-supported focus, and restorative sleep. You’ll learn about new 2025 research showing gut-to-brain communication occurring in under 100 milliseconds, the critical role of the hypothalamus in stress and hunger regulation, and how poor gut health can quickly lead to anxiety spikes, sleep disruption, mood instability, and attention challenges like ADHD. The episode also offers simple holiday strategies—such as prioritizing protein, choosing one indulgence, going for after-dinner walks, adding electrolytes, maintaining a consistent bedtime, and practicing mindful breathing—to help you protect your brain, calm your nervous system, and enjoy the season with less stress and more resilience. Dr. Michael and May also share how functional neurology tools, including gut-healing protocols, food sensitivity testing, brain-based exercises, and soon-to-come conversations about peptides like BPC-157, can help restore balance. This episode reminds you that small daily choices create big shifts in your health, and that when you support your microbiome, you support your entire brain and body. Remember—you can heal, and we can help.

    22 min
  5. DEC 10

    Part 1 - Lighting the Way: The Breakthrough Brain Science That Brightens The Coming Year-Episode 135

    Send us a text In this opening episode of our December series, Lighting the Way: The Breakthrough Brain Science That Brightens the Coming Year, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell, IHP broadcast from their peaceful outdoor garden—a fitting backdrop for today’s focus on calm, clarity, and creating a healthier way of living.  As we enter a busy season filled with commitments and expectations, we explore how intentional choices can help you build a peaceful, focused, and resilient nervous system. Before diving into advanced topics like peptides, genetics, and neuro-optimization, this episode brings us back to the foundation: your lifestyle.  You’ll learn how a major 2025 landmark trial—the POINTER Study funded by the Alzheimer’s Association—reveals that a structured multi-domain lifestyle intervention built on nutrition, movement, cognitive training, and health monitoring can significantly improve cognitive function and help prevent age-related decline.  Inside this episode, we break down:  Why the nervous system must come first in every healing or optimization planHow simple choices like saying “no” can protect your peace during the holidaysThe importance of structured movement for longevityHow to elevate daily nutrition by prioritizing protein, healthy fats, and minimizing fast-burning sugarsThe power of tools like continuous glucose monitoring, sleep tracking, and yearly labsWhy cognitive training must go beyond puzzles into deeper areas such as executive function, impulse control, and brain network strengthening Whether you are seeking healing or looking to optimize already good health, this conversation gives you clear direction on how to step into 2026 feeling prepared, grounded, and informed—not overwhelmed or uncertain. You can heal, and we can help.

    26 min
  6. DEC 6

    Part 2-Inside the Brain of Tomorrow: The Most Exciting Discoveries of 2025 (What They Mean for You in 2026)-Episode 134

    Send us a text In this second part of our Inside the Brain of Tomorrow series, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell,IHP take you deeper into the most transformative discoveries in neuroscience from 2025—and how these advancements are shaping practical, personalized brain health in 2026. This episode unpacks powerful new tools in brain analysis, sleep-focused wearables, peptide therapy, bioregulators, and the introduction of AI-driven digital brain modeling into functional neurology. Episode Highlights High-speed brain analysis through the eyes Breakthroughs in measuring eye movements now offer earlier detection for conditions such as Parkinson’s, cognitive decline, and neuroinflammatory disorders.Brain Mapping & Cognitive Network Insights How advanced qEEG brain maps reveal learning blocks, cognitive patterns, and neurological efficiency—and why Dr. Bagnell calls eye tracking + brain mapping the “two essentials” of modern brain evaluation.Wearables That Transform Sleep & Recovery Using data-driven tools to improve sleep cycles, detoxify the brain through the glymphatic system, and reduce risks of ADHD, anxiety, Alzheimer’s, and chronic inflammation.Peptides & Bioregulators: The Regeneration Revolution A deep dive into foundational peptides—BPC-157, TB500, and GHK-CU—and how they support inflammation reduction, gut-brain repair, tissue healing, anti-aging, and neurological recovery.Spermidine & Spermine: Cellular Age-Reversal Compounds Emerging research on polyamines that help clear toxic proteins linked to Alzheimer’s and brain aging.AI-Powered Digital Brain Modeling How AI + neuro-ontologic technology now helps map brain function, predict optimal rehab approaches, and personalize care using large datasets—technology already used in space research.Genetic Blueprinting for Brain & Body Health Why functional genomics is becoming essential for long-term wellness and how understanding your genetic blueprint can guide precision lifestyle and therapeutic decisions.Why This Matters Tomorrow’s neuroscience is no longer theoretical—it’s already here.  These breakthroughs give you the tools to: Prevent decline before symptoms showOptimize cognitive functionSupport long-term brain resiliencePersonalize your healing based on real dataIf you’re curious about brain mapping, peptides, genetic testing, or AI-guided restoration, reach out—we’re here to guide you. You can heal. We can help.

    22 min
  7. DEC 4

    Part 1-Inside the Brain of Tomorrow: The Most Exciting Discoveries of 2025 (What They Mean for You in 2026)-Episode 133

    Send us a text In today’s episode, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell,IHP open with three powerful, real-life stories from individuals searching for answers, clarity, and hope. Before diving into the groundbreaking neuroscience from 2025, May shares meaningful conversations with people who felt stuck, misunderstood, or dismissed, yet refused to settle for “this is just how it is.” Their experiences underscore why this work matters—and why understanding your brain has never been more important.  This episode unpacks the breakthroughs that are reshaping brain health, offering a transformative look at what’s now possible and how you can benefit in 2026. If you’ve ever felt lost in your health journey, overwhelmed by symptoms, or unsure where to begin—this episode brings both clarity and direction.   In This Episode, We Explore:  1. Early Detection Through Advanced Brain Imaging  Discover how next-generation imaging and oculomotor analysis (eye movement testing) now allow clinicians to identify early signs of neurological decline—including Parkinson’s—decades before symptoms appear. Early awareness means intervention, prevention, and taking back control of your health.  2. Brain Mapping and Cognitive Networks  Learn why QEEG brain mapping is becoming one of the most essential tools in neuroscience. Rather than focusing only on regions of the brain, we now look at networks—from the default mode network to the executive network. Understanding how these circuits coordinate can explain anxiety, cognitive decline, trauma patterns, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, and more.  3. Wearables That Reveal Brain Health  Sleep is not just rest—it is neurological repair. Discover how wearable technologies tracking HRV, sleep architecture, and recovery metrics provide insights into the glymphatic system, longevity, mental health, and your brain’s ability to heal.  4. Regeneration & Peptides  One of the fastest-growing fields in neuroscience today. Explore how regenerative compounds, advanced nutritional support, and targeted metabolic interventions open new possibilities for repairing, rebuilding, and rebooting brain function.  5. Brain–Computer Interfaces & AI  2025 marked a major leap in how AI is used in brain health. From predictive modeling to personalized brain rehabilitation strategies, the future of neuroscience is merging human intelligence with artificial intelligence—and it’s happening faster than ever.   Why This Episode Matters  If you’re in your 30s, this information helps you build a foundation and prevent issues before they begin.  If you’re in your 50s and feeling great, early detection still gives you an essential baseline.  If you’re already experiencing brain fog, emotional dysregulation, cognitive changes, anxiety, or unexplained symptoms, there is hope, and there are answers.  As May shares, people often feel like their decline was “sudden,” but neurologically, these changes are years—sometimes decades—in the making. Understanding the why behind your symptoms is the first step toward discovering how to heal.   Takeaway  The discoveries of 2025 are not just exciting—they are actionable. They provide insight, clarity, direction, and most importantly, options. Inside the brain of tomorrow is a roadmap for how you, your family, and your community can heal, restore, and thrive in 2026.  If this episode resonates, or if you see yourself in the stories shared today, reach out. You don’t have to stay where you are. There is a path forward.

    32 min
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Neuro Collective Podcast! We are your hosts, Dr. Michael Bagnell, Functional Neurologist and May Bagnell, Mindset and Nutrition Coach. Together, we are here to guide you through the dynamic intersection of Functional Neurology, Mindset Coaching, and Functional Medicine. If you're passionate about neuroscience, alternative health, and holistic wellness, you're in the perfect place. Our podcast is designed for those who are eager to explore innovative ways to heal brain conditions, optimize brain performance, and enhance overall well-being.   We cater to everyone from health-conscious individuals to high-performing athletes. Each week, we bring you expert interviews, the latest research, and actionable tips to help you achieve peak mental and physical health. Together, we'll dive deep into the science and practicalities of brain health, empowering you to live your best life with a sharper mind and a healthier body. So, let's embark on this journey together and unlock the limitless potential of your brain. This is The Neuro Collective Podcast—where holistic health meets neuroscience.