The Neuro Collective Podcast

Dr. Michael Bagnell & May Bagnell
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Semiweekly

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. 1d ago

    The Signals Beneath the Symptoms: Stop Asking What's Wrong With Me and Ask This Instead

    Send us Fan Mail Anxiety, dizziness, brain fog, fatigue, and pain may not be random symptoms - they can be signals.  Dr. Michael and May Bagnell, IHP reveal a powerful new way to understand mental health, one that looks beyond the diagnosis and into the brain-body patterns driving how you feel. Fresh from a professional conference where they trained doctors and practitioners on the connection between the brain, body, and mental health, the Bagnells unpack why so many symptoms are really about regulation, prediction, and protection. Instead of asking only, "What is wrong?" they ask a better question: What is the nervous system responding to?You’ll discover: Why mental health is often a regulation story, not just a chemistry storyHow the brain uses input, processing, and output to create symptoms like dizziness, anxiety, and brain fogWhy the brain is a prediction machine that constantly checks whether the world matches what it expectsHow movement, sensory input, sleep, nutrition, inflammation, and breathwork shape nervous system healthWhy pain and anxiety can be protective outputs, not proof that something is brokenHow shifting from "What’s wrong with me?" to "What is my nervous system responding to?" can change everything  Dr. Michael Bagnell brings the functional neurology perspective, showing how the cerebellum, vestibular system, autonomic nervous system, and movement all influence brain regulation and stability. May Bagnell adds the lived, coaching-centered lens, exploring how meaning, identity, emotional processing, and mindset can either reinforce distress or help the body and brain move through it. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a loop of symptoms, or you care about someone who seems anxious, overwhelmed, dizzy, or exhausted without a clear explanation, this episode offers a more hopeful framework. It’s a grounded, practical conversation about restoring signal, rebuilding safety, and creating the conditions for real change.Perfect for anyone ready to understand the deeper story beneath the symptoms - and what to do next. For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com.  You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!

  2. Aug 7

    {7} The Hidden Conversation Between your Brain & Your Eyes

    Send us Fan Mail The Hidden Conversation Between Your Eyes and Brain Discover how your eyes and brain communicate in this episode, revealing why understanding this connection can influence visual health, focus, and overall brain function. Whether you’re experiencing eye strain, reading difficulty, or brain fog, learn how eye movements reflect your brain health and what you can do to optimize it. Key Topics: How the eye functions as a camera capturing light and informationThe brain’s role in interpreting visual data and filling in blind spotsThe significance of eye movements, including saccades and convergence, for brain healthHow visual issues relate to neurological conditions like concussion, Alzheimer’s, and ADHDThe impact of eye-brain connections on focus, attention, and fatigueTechniques to train eye movements and improve cognitive functionThe importance of pupil response as a biomarker for brain and autonomic healthPractical signs of convergence problems and how they affect daily lifeThe relationship between eye movements and vestibular system healthThe significance of fixation and eye stability in attention and brain vitalityTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the hidden conversation between eyes and brain  00:09 - Why we see with our brain, not just our eyes  01:36 - How photography illustrates the eye-brain connection  02:44 - The brain’s role as a perception machine filling in gaps  04:35 - How scrambled sentences demonstrate the brain’s processing capabilities  05:34 - Eye movements as a reflection of brain health  06:04 - Using eye tracking to identify brain injuries like concussions  06:58 - Common visual symptoms linked to brain function, such as eye strain and headaches  07:53 - The importance of eye movements in assessing neurological health  08:23 - The role of the fovea in focus and peripheral vision  09:17 - How retinal and peripheral vision provide context and environmental awareness  09:38 - Visual issues related to glasses and convergence challenges  10:09 - Asking patients about their everyday visual experiences to identify neurological causes  11:37 - The relationship between eye movements, body posture, and focus  12:38 - How different eye movements (saccades, pursuits, convergence) reflect brain function  14:08 - The importance of accurate saccades for attention and brain fatigue management  16:34 - Training eye movements to improve focus and reduce cognitive fatigue  19:24 - Eye training exercises and tools to strengthen brain function  22:17 - Convergence issues common in young people and those with sensory or attention disorders  23:36 - Symptoms indicating convergence problems and their impact on daily life  25:36 - Pupil responses as a measure of cognitive and autonomic health  26:39 - The interconnectedness of eye and vestibular system health and their role post-injury  28:44 - How visual input influences emotional regulation and sensory processing  29:12 - Practical takeaways for recognizing and addressing vision-related brain health issuesFinal Thoughts:Understanding the hidden conversation between your eyes and brain can provide valuable insights into neurological health and aid in targeted therapies. Paying attention to eye movements, visual fatigue, and focus issues can be key in early detection and intervention for brain health challenges. #NeuroHealth #VisionAndBrain #BrainHacks #EyeMovementTraining #BrainScience #TheBagnellBrainCenter  For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com.  You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!

  3. Aug 5

    {6}The Hidden Conversation Between Your Brain and Your Heart

    Send us Fan Mail The Hidden Conversation Between Your Brain and Heart: How Nervous System Regulation Affects Heart Rate and Resilience Explore the intricate, two-way communication between your brain and heart, and learn how understanding this dialogue can unlock better management of heart rate variations, emotional influences, and overall resilience. This episode reveals the science behind autonomic regulation and offers practical insights for improving heart-brain health. Key topics - 5-10 bullets: The brain and heart are not separate systems but operate as a connected team influencing each other’s function.The cardiovascular system provides feedforward signals to the brain, helping it respond to movement, stress, or posture changes. The autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, modulates heart rate and blood pressure.Baroreceptors in blood vessels and the vagus nerve serve as critical sensors and regulators within this communication loop.Emotional states, stress, and trauma significantly impact the heart-brain dialogue, often exacerbating dysregulation.Heart rate variability (HRV) is a valuable indicator of autonomic responsiveness and resilience.Dysautonomia and conditions like POTS can disrupt normal heart-brain interactions, leading to symptoms like lightheadedness, fatigue, and palpitations.Pattern recognition in physiological responses facilitates better management and coaching to restore balance.Mindset, emotional regulation, and breath work are powerful tools for modulating autonomic activity.Addressing multiple variables—biological, emotional, behavioral—is essential for holistic healing.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the brain-heart hidden conversation and its importance 01:11 - Science behind the interconnected brain and cardiovascular systems 02:36 - How blood vessels and nervous signals regulate the heart-brain loop 03:28 - Brain mechanisms that influence cardiac function and heart rate changes 04:41 - The role of the autonomic nervous system, including sympathetic and parasympathetic branches 05:02 - Cortical and limbic brain areas impacting heart regulation during emotional states 06:36 - The influence of the vagus nerve and baroreceptors in heart rate control 07:19 - How patterns and triggers influence heart-brain communication 08:02 - Recognizing symptoms of dysautonomia and understanding their triggers 09:10 - The role of stress, emotion, and emotional states in heart rate variability 10:00 - How emotional regulation affects chronic conditions like balance issues and dysautonomia 11:56 - Using HRV as a neurocardiac health indicator and its measurement with wearables 13:23 - Practical interventions: mindset, breathing, and vagal activation strategies 15:23 - Future pacing and shifting focus from past limitations to new health opportunities 16:50 - The importance of mindset, emotional awareness, and personal agency in physical health 17:58 - How pattern recognition in symptoms helps demystify heart-brain dysregulation 18:50 - Utilizing HRV to understand vagal modulation and resilience potential 20:09 - Symptoms of heart-brain dysregulation and the importance of pattern recognition 21:33 - Brain regions involved in heart regulation and the neurophysiological basis of symptoms 23:02 - The vagus nerve and its role as the body's braking system for heart rate control 25:23 - Pattern identification and the significance of physiological triggers 27:49 - The importance of awareness, mindset, and functional strategies in recovery 32:25 - Creating calm through breathing, emotional regulation, and neurological practices 33:12 - Closing thoughts on holistic approaches and personal empowerment in healing Endnote: This episode emphasizes that understanding and optimizing the brain-heart connection is fundamental for improving resilience, managing symptoms, and fostering holistic health. By recognizing patterns and regulating emotional states, you can enhance your nervous system’s health and overall well-being. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bagnell_brain_center/ For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com.  You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!

  4. Jul 31

    {5} Unlocking the Hidden Conversation Between Your Brain and Immune System

    Send us Fan Mail Unlock the hidden dialogue between your brain and immune system—and discover how nurturing this connection can transform your health.  Did you know your brain and immune system are constantly communicating, influencing everything from sleep and brain fog to autoimmune responses and mental health? In this eye-opening episode, May Bagnell and Dr. Michael Bagnell reveal the powerful, yet often overlooked, pathways that regulate your body's defenses and recovery. Dive into expert insights on how cytokines, microglia, the vagus nerve, and stress responses play starring roles in how your body fights off illness, heals, and maintains cognitive clarity.  You'll discover: How sleep acts as the night shift for immune and brain health, and simple strategies to optimize itThe surprising link between immune signals and symptoms like brain fog, depression, and chronic inflammationThe role of microglia as the brain’s groundskeepers—and how their overactivation impacts mood, memory, and pain perceptionWhy chronic stress and a hyperactive sympathetic nervous system sabotage your immune defensesPractical tips to activate your vagus nerve, modulate autoimmune responses, and improve your overall resilience. This episode is a must-listen for anyone tired of feeling run down, foggy, or overwhelmed by health issues that seem to linger. If you're ready to change the conversation in your body from chaos to control—giving your immune system the support it needs to function optimally—this is your masterclass.  Whether you're dealing with autoimmune conditions, brain fog, chronic fatigue, or just want to stay vibrant as you age, understanding this intricate brain-immune dialogue unlocks new pathways to health.  Tune in, learn how to listen to your body's subtle signals, and take actionable steps toward a stronger, more balanced you. Your health's hidden conversations are waiting for you to decode.  Follow us on Instagram @BagnellBrainCenter for more breakthroughs, and remember—your brain is always listening. So is your immune system. Start creating the conversations that heal. You can Heal! We can Help!   For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com.  You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!

  5. Jul 29

    {4} Pillow Talk - The Hidden Conversation Between Your Brain and Immune System While you Sleep

    Send us Fan Mail Unlock the Hidden Conversations Between Your Brain and Immune System — What You Need to Know to Heal Naturally Your brain and immune system are constantly talking — often unnoticed, yet their dialogue holds the key to your health. In this eye-opening episode, May Bagnell and Dr. Michael Bagnell reveal how sleep, stress, inflammation, and even gut health influence your immune function, from the microglia cells supporting your brain to the vagus nerve acting as a communication highway. Discover how immune signals like cytokines impact your mood, mental clarity, and even autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's, challenging the common notion that illness is solely about pathogens.You'll uncover:   How sleep acts as the nightly repair crew for your brain and immune system — and why prioritizing quality sleep is more critical than ever.  The role of cytokines in sickness behavior and real-world symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and pain, revealing their impact beyond just infections.  Why chronic inflammation and immune misregulation can quietly sabotage your mental health, mood, and long-term vitality, even when you feel "fine."  The fascinating concept of "immunoseption" — how your brain's immune regulation is a two-way conversation, not just a one-way response to illness.  Practical steps to modulate autoimmunity, reduce stress-driven immune overload, and optimize vagus nerve function, supporting a balanced, resilient immune system.  Whether you're fighting fatigue, brain fog, autoimmune issues, or simply want to understand how your nervous system influences your health, this episode offers clear, actionable insights from top neuro and immune experts. Learn how to harness the power of your body's communication pathways to restore harmony and thrive at any age.Perfect for health-conscious individuals, biohackers, or anyone tired of band-aid remedies, this episode helps you decode your body's silent language — because understanding these hidden conversations could be your secret to lasting vitality.Remember: Your brain and immune system's dialogue is always happening — learn how to listen, influence, and turn the conversation in your favor.Tune in today and start rewiring your health from the inside out!Why this works:   Visit us at https://www.instagram.com/bagnell_brain_center/ #FunctionalNeurology #BrainFog #NeuroImmunology  For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com.  You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!

  6. Jul 16

    Day in the Clinical Life: Vestibular and Visual Training in Action 187

    Send us Fan Mail Day in the Clinical Life: Vestibular and Visual Training in Action In this episode of The Neurocollective Podcast, we take listeners behind the scenes for a “day in the clinical life” as May Bagnell, IHP shares her personal experience with vestibular and visual system testing and training. The conversation explores how this technology works, what the evaluation measures, and why strengthening the vestibular system can have a profound impact on energy, clarity, balance, and overall brain function. What You’ll Learn What the vestibular system does and why it matters beyond balanceHow low vestibular function can show up as fatigue, fogginess, dizziness, and even emotional symptomsWhat the testing and training process looks like in the clinicHow a mathematically guided protocol is used to target imbalancesWhy the chair-based vestibular training can create noticeable shifts in just one sessionHow brainstem regulation connects vestibular function, heart rate, blood pressure, and dysautonomiaWhy this technology is useful for understanding deeper brain and eye-brain relationshipsEpisode Highlights A real-time “before and after” experience from MayDiscussion of how vestibular weakness can drain energy and affect cognitionAn inside look at the rotational multi-axis chair and its advanced softwareThe role of goggles and eye tracking in measuring brain responsesWhy the team emphasizes precision, comfort, and individualized careA practical reminder that practitioners also need support and recalibrationKey Takeaways The vestibular system is tightly connected to how the brain processes movement, balance, energy, and orientation.Symptoms like fatigue, heavy eyes, brain fog, dizziness, and palpitations may point to deeper system imbalance.Small, targeted interventions can create significant short-term improvements.Functional neurology approaches work best when they are individualized and data-driven.Practitioners and clients alike benefit from ongoing evaluation and adjustment.Practical Reflection If you’ve ever noticed days where your energy, clarity, or balance feels dramatically worse without an obvious reason, this episode offers a helpful framework for becoming more curious about what your body may be signaling. Closing Message This episode reminds us that healing is often about finding the right imbalance, supporting the right system, and taking the next step with precision and care.Remember: You can heal. We can help. For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com.  You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!

  7. Jul 14

    {3} The Hidden Conversation Series: Your Brain & Hormones 186

    Send us Fan Mail Brain and Hormones: The Hidden Conversation Shaping Your Health In this episode, we explore the powerful two-way conversation between the brain and your hormones. What may feel like “just hormones” is often a more complex feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, ovaries/testicles, and the nervous system. We break down how stress, blood sugar, sleep, inflammation, and nervous system dysregulation can all influence hormone signaling — and how hormonal imbalances can, in turn, affect mood, energy, sleep, memory, and motivation. Key Topics Covered Why hormones are messengers, not the whole storyThe role of the hypothalamus as a translator and thermostatHow the pituitary communicates with other hormone-producing glandsWhy stress, blood sugar, sleep, and inflammation disrupt hormonal balanceThe connection between cortisol, insulin, estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid functionHow brain health and metabolic health shape hormone outcomesWhy lifestyle and nervous system regulation matter before jumping to quick fixesHow to become more curious about your own symptoms and patternsMain Takeaways The brain and hormones are in constant communication.Hormonal symptoms often reflect deeper nervous system and metabolic stress.Supporting sleep, stress regulation, and blood sugar balance can improve hormonal health.Quick fixes may help temporarily, but long-term change usually requires addressing the root causes.Tracking patterns over time can help you connect symptoms to triggers and make better decisions for your health.Practical Exercise: Your Brain-Hormone Conversation Log For one week, each evening or the next morning, write down:   How you slept  How clear your thinking felt  How steady your energy was  How calm or reactive you felt  What was happening in your body or environment when things changed  Use this log to become more curious, not judgmental, about your health patterns. Clinical Insight From a functional neurology perspective, hormone symptoms are not always “in the brain,” but the brain is always part of the picture. That’s why effective care often includes both neurological strategies and metabolic strategies. Who This Episode Is For This episode is especially helpful for anyone dealing with:   Hormone imbalance  Perimenopause or menopause symptoms  Stress and burnout  Poor sleep  Brain fog  Weight changes  Fatigue  Blood sugar instability  Nervous system dysregulation  Closing Message When we understand the hidden conversations between the brain and hormones, we can make more informed, sustainable choices that support long-term health and healing.Remember: You can heal. We can help. For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com.  You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!

  8. Jul 10

    {2} The Hidden Conversation Between Your Gut and Your Brain: How Your Gut Shapes Mood, Memory, and Mind 185

    Send us Fan Mail This episode dives into the intricate communication between your gut and brain — a relationship that influences your mood, memory, and overall mental health. With insights from experts, we explore how gut health impacts neurological function and how understanding this connection can empower you to take control of your mood and health. In this episode: The gut as a second brain: its nervous system and immune function  How gut barrier integrity affects the blood-brain barrier and mood regulation  The role of neuroimmune chemicals and neuroinflammation in mental health  The importance of comprehensive gut testing beyond standard stool analysis  The impact of bacterial byproducts and probiotics on mood and neurotransmitter production  How lifestyle, nutrition, and mindfulness can optimize gut-brain communication  The embryological link: gut and brain development from the same fetal tissue  Practical strategies for improving gut health to support mental well-being  The significance of gut microbiota diversity and dysbiosis in neurological disorders  The benefits of slowing down, mindful eating, and colorful nutrition  Timestamps:   (00:01) Introduction to the gut-brain dialogue and why it matters  (00:23) The gut's nervous system: "like a nasty teenager" always talking back  (0:33) The influence of gut disruption on mood and personality  (01:26) The connection between gut treatment and a well-behaved brain  (01:38) Enteric nervous system's role in immune regulation and mood  (02:07) Gut lining's impact on the blood-brain barrier via cortisol and stress  (03:17) Neuroinflammation caused by GI infections affecting mood and behavior  (04:12) The hidden conversation: immune system, gut, and brain interactions  (05:04) Embryonic development: gut and brain as twin tissues  (05:58) "Gut feelings" and the power of the brain-gut connection  (06:27) Lifestyle interventions and genetic influence via epigenetics  (07:35) The importance of comprehensive stool tests and microbiota analysis  (08:55) Beyond simple parasite checks: looking at flora, bacteria, and metabolites  (09:51) How gut health influences neurotransmitter production: serotonin, GABA, and more  (13:21) The impact of diet, sugar, alcohol, and processed foods on gut and brain health  (14:25) Change your food, change your mood—impact of nutrition on mental health  (15:49) Combining protocols: gut support and nervous system regulation  (17:50) The microbiota-gut-brain axis and its link to autism, anxiety, and depression  (19:20) Microorganisms within your ecosystem: communication and healing potential  (20:19) Food as a message: improving nerve signaling through mindful nutrition  (22:21) The art of slowing down, colorful plates, and intentional eating  (23:18) Visualize your gut-brain harmony to guide healthier choices  (24:25) Empowering yourself with the vision of an interconnected gut and brain  Resources & Links:   Neuroinflammation and Mood Disorders  Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis  The Gut Microbiota and Brain Axis - Review  Emory University Gut-Brain Connection Research  Connect with the Hosts: www.BagnellBrainCenter.com   Additional Notes: Understanding that your gut and brain share origin and communication pathways transforms how you approach mental and physical health. Small, mindful changes in diet, stress management, and gut support can have profound effects on mood, cognition, and resilience. Remember, health is less about calories and more about communication—strive for a gut that's singing, not talking back. For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com.  You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!

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5
out of 5
12 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Michael Bagnell & May Bagnell
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    193
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Neuro Collective Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Neuro Collective Podcast

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