The Neuro Collective Podcast

Dr. Michael Bagnell & May Bagnell
  • 5.0 (11)
  • 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

    Part 1-The Why You Feel This Way Series: Why You Feel Exhausted All The Time (Even When You Sleep)- Episode 166

    Send us Fan Mail What if your constant exhaustion isn’t just about needing more sleep? In this powerful kickoff to our new series, “Why You Feel This Way,” Dr. Michael and May Bagnell,IHP unpack one of the most common and frustrating experiences people face today: feeling tired all the time—even when everything looks “normal.” If you’ve ever woken up exhausted, relied on caffeine just to function, or felt drained despite a full night’s rest, this episode is for you. The truth is, fatigue is not just a lack of energy—it’s often a signal from your brain and body that something deeper is going on. In this episode, we explore the real drivers behind fatigue, including:  Sleep quality vs. sleep quantity and why your sleep architecture matters more than you think Stress and emotional fatigue that silently drain your energy and motivation Decision fatigue and overwhelm that leave your brain stuck in survival mode Screen exposure and “flicker fatigue” that impacts your brain more than you realize Metabolic factors like blood sugar and hormones that directly influence your energy Mitochondrial health and how your cells produce (or fail to produce) energy You’ll also discover why simply masking fatigue with quick fixes isn’t the answer—and how understanding your body gives you the power to change it. This episode is your reminder that you’re not imagining your fatigue—and you’re not alone. There are real, measurable reasons behind how you feel, and more importantly, there are real solutions. If this resonates with you, it may be time to stop guessing and start understanding your body on a deeper level. You can heal. And we can help.

    27 min

  2. 6D AGO

    The Why Behind the What: Nervous System Regulation: The Hidden Root Cause Behind Everything- Episode 165

    Send us Fan Mail In this final episode of the series, we bring everything together by focusing on the true foundation of brain health — the nervous system. Throughout this journey, we explored therapies like vestibular work, visual therapy, neuromodulation, movement, and sensorimotor integration. But underneath all of these is one powerful driver: whether your nervous system is regulated or dysregulated. Your nervous system is constantly asking one critical question — “Am I safe?” When the answer is yes, your brain can rest, think clearly, repair, and connect. But when it senses danger, even subconsciously, the body shifts into survival mode, leading to symptoms like tension, fatigue, brain fog, and anxiety. What many people don’t realize is that these symptoms are not random — they are messages, not malfunctions. When the nervous system becomes stuck in survival mode, it creates a state of dysregulation, often described as feeling “wired but tired.” This impacts everything from focus and memory to digestion, sleep, and emotional balance. Instead of chasing symptoms like a “whack-a-mole” game, this episode emphasizes the importance of addressing the root cause. When the brain prioritizes survival, it cannot prioritize performance — and that’s why so many different conditions share a common thread: a dysregulated nervous system. The therapies discussed throughout this series all serve one purpose — to send the brain signals of safety. Whether it’s through movement, breathwork, sensory input, or structured routines, these inputs help the brain shift out of survival mode and into a state of regulation and resilience. This is why willpower alone is not enough. True healing begins when we support the body’s physiology first. The empowering truth is this: the nervous system is adaptable. With small, consistent inputs, it can relearn safety, build resilience, and transform how the brain and body function over time. As we close this series, remember this: you don’t have to wait for symptoms to take action. Brain changes can begin years—even decades—before symptoms appear. By focusing on optimization, not just recovery, you give your brain the best chance to thrive. Your symptoms are not the enemy — they are guides pointing you toward what needs support. And when you learn to listen and respond, everything begins to change. You can heal, and we can help.

    19 min

  3. MAR 31

    The Why Behind the What: Sensorimotor Therapy-Why Movement Heals the Brain- Episode 164

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful continuation of the Why Behind the What series, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell,IHP bring everything together by exploring one of the most foundational truths in neuroscience: the brain develops, adapts, and heals through movement. This episode dives deep into sensory motor therapy, revealing how movement is not just physical activity—but a critical driver of brain organization, neural pathway development, and overall function. From infancy through adulthood, every movement provides essential sensory input that shapes how the brain understands the body and interacts with the world. Listeners will gain insight into how neuromotor development forms the base of a “brain pyramid,” where sensory systems fuel higher-level functions like learning, emotional regulation, and communication. Dr. Bagnell explains how disruptions in early movement patterns can lead to challenges such as poor coordination, difficulty focusing, emotional dysregulation, and even delayed speech. The episode highlights how the brain constantly asks, “Where am I in space?”—and relies on systems like the vestibular system, vision, and proprioception to answer that question and guide efficient movement. The conversation also uncovers the real-life impact of modern sedentary lifestyles, showing how limited movement can actually shrink brain maps, reduce coordination, and impair focus. Through engaging clinical examples and stories, the Bagnells demonstrate how targeted sensory motor therapy—using intentional, structured exercises—can retrain the brain, strengthen weak areas, and improve both cognitive and emotional function. This is neuroplasticity in action, where even small, consistent changes in movement can create meaningful transformation. As a practical takeaway, this episode encourages listeners to embrace movement as a daily brain-boosting tool. Whether it’s walking with intention, incorporating balance challenges, or engaging in coordinated exercises, movement becomes a gateway to better brain health for both children and adults. Because when you move with purpose, you're not just exercising your body—you’re training your brain to function at its best.

    33 min

  4. MAR 24

    The Hidden Brain Patterns Behind Migraines (And How to Change Them) with Dr. Harcourt-Epsiode 163

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell, IHP sit down with Dr. Adam Harcourt to challenge the way we think about migraines. Instead of viewing migraines as “just headaches,” this conversation reframes them as a brain-based neurological condition rooted in genetics, brain function, and nervous system regulation. Dr. Harcourt introduces a compelling concept—the “bucket theory”—explaining how stressors like hormones, environment, and lifestyle can “fill the bucket,” triggering symptoms when the brain can no longer compensate. But here’s the breakthrough: the size of that bucket can change, and with the right approach, it can be expanded. Diving deeper into functional neurology, this episode highlights how identifying the specific areas of dysfunction in the brain and brainstem is key to effective treatment. From eye movement testing and vergence issues to midbrain involvement, the discussion reveals how subtle neurological imbalances can drive chronic migraines. Even more eye-opening is the distinction between migraine and other conditions like post-traumatic headaches or concussions, emphasizing why proper diagnosis is critical. As Dr. Harcourt explains, treating symptoms alone isn’t enough—you must understand the “why behind the what” to truly help patients heal. What makes this episode transformational is its focus on customized, brain-based care. Whether it’s vagal nerve stimulation, targeted chiropractic adjustments, neuromodulation techniques like insufflation, or lifestyle and hormonal optimization, the key is combining the right strategies for the right person. This isn’t about a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s about building a collaborative, multi-modal approach that strengthens the brain and restores function. If you or someone you love struggles with migraines, this episode offers hope, clarity, and actionable insight—because when you understand the brain, you don’t just feel better… you can truly be better.

    41 min

  5. MAR 19

    The Why Behind the What: Neuromodulation Therapies-How Stimulating the Brain Helps It Heal- Episode 162

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful continuation of our Why Behind the What series, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell explore the fascinating world of neuromodulation therapies, a rapidly advancing approach that is transforming how we support brain health, cognition, and recovery. At its core, the brain is driven by electrical and chemical communication. When these signals become inefficient, whether due to injury, stress, or neurological challenges, symptoms like brain fog, poor focus, or cognitive decline can begin to surface. In this episode, we break down how neuromodulation works to restore balance within brain circuits by delivering targeted stimulation that helps the brain function more efficiently. You will gain insight into different forms of stimulation including light therapy, vibration, and electrical inputs, and how the brain converts these external signals into meaningful change. Most importantly, we highlight the role of neuroplasticity, showing how the brain can adapt, reorganize, and strengthen when given the right kind of input at the right time. This episode is a must listen if you have ever wondered, can the brain really be retrained? The answer is yes, and neuromodulation is one of the tools helping make that possible.

    19 min

  6. MAR 17

    The Why Behind The What Series: Training the Brain Through the Eyes- Episode 161

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael Bagnell and May Bagnell,IHP continue their powerful series, “The Why Behind the What,” diving deeper into the science behind the therapies used in clinic. After exploring the vestibular system in a previous episode, they shift focus to a fascinating and often overlooked connection—the role of the visual system and eye movements in brain function. As they explain, vision is not just about clarity—it’s about how the brain processes, interprets, and responds to the world, making the eyes one of the most powerful gateways to the brain. What makes this conversation especially compelling is the revelation that up to 30–40% of the brain’s cortex is involved in visual processing. That means when eye movements are not functioning optimally, it can impact attention, coordination, balance, emotional regulation, and even cognitive clarity. The episode breaks down key concepts like saccades (fast eye movements), pursuits (smooth tracking), and convergence/divergence, showing how these subtle mechanisms influence everything from reading and focus to dizziness and anxiety. Even everyday habits—like excessive vertical scrolling on phones—are highlighted as potential contributors to dopamine overstimulation, poor sleep, and reduced focus. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Bagnell emphasizes that eye movements are a direct reflection of brain circuitry, offering a window into neurological health. By assessing and training these movements, practitioners can take a “brain-first” approach—addressing the root cause rather than chasing symptoms. This is especially relevant for individuals experiencing brain fog, headaches, motion sensitivity, or difficulty concentrating, as targeted visual therapies can help stabilize, strengthen, and sustain neural pathways over time. The episode also underscores a powerful truth: the brain thrives on sensory input and activation. Just like muscles need exercise, the brain requires intentional stimulation and repetition to grow and adapt. Through personalized protocols and advanced technology that precisely tracks eye movements, the team at Bagnell Brain Center is able to optimize brain function in a meaningful, lasting way. If you’ve ever wondered how something as simple as eye movement could impact your overall health, this episode will open your eyes—literally and neurologically—to what’s possible. And as always, their message remains clear: You can heal, and they can help.

    24 min

  7. MAR 12

    The Why Behind The What Series: Understanding the Brain Science Behind the Therapies We Use- Episode 160

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell,IHP explore the powerful concept of the “why behind the what.” Many patients call asking what therapy can treat their condition, but Dr. Bagnell explains that healing begins by asking a deeper question: why is the brain producing these symptoms in the first place? Rather than focusing only on a diagnosis, the goal is to understand the root cause within the brain and nervous system. The conversation highlights how eye movement testing (oculomotor testing) provides valuable insight into brain function. By measuring fast eye movements called saccades, clinicians can assess areas like the frontal lobe, cerebellum, and brainstem, helping reveal patterns connected to issues such as attention challenges, dizziness, cognitive slowdown, or post-concussion symptoms. These measurements guide targeted therapies designed to improve how the brain functions, not just manage symptoms. They also discuss the importance of brain timing systems, trained through tools like the Interactive Metronome. These systems influence focus, coordination, speech, and overall brain efficiency. By strengthening the brain’s timing networks, patients can experience improvements in learning, performance, and daily function, showing how understanding the root cause of symptoms can lead to meaningful neurological change.

    28 min

  8. MAR 10

    Healing the Brain: The Incredible Science of Neuroplasticity- Episode 159

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael Bagnell and May Bagnell,IHP explore one of the most hopeful discoveries in modern neuroscience—neuroplasticity, the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt, rewire, and heal throughout life. For many years, science believed the brain was largely fixed after childhood and that damage from injury, stress, or aging had limited potential for recovery. Today, we know that the brain is constantly changing and forming new neural connections, giving us incredible potential for healing, learning, and growth. Understanding neuroplasticity changes the way we think about the brain—it shows us that improvement and recovery are possible far beyond what we once believed. But real neuroplastic change doesn’t happen passively. Dr. Bagnell explains that the brain requires certain non-negotiables to create new pathways: intense focused attention, repetition of specific tasks, novelty, and the willingness to push through difficulty. True brain growth often begins when something becomes challenging. Whether it’s learning a new skill, recovering from a concussion, or strengthening cognitive function, the brain needs focused effort and consistent practice to build stronger neural connections. This is why targeted neurological training and repetition are so powerful in helping the brain develop positive neuroplastic responses. The conversation also highlights how lifestyle and mindset influence brain health. Exercise, proper nutrition, stress management, sleep, and learning new skills all support processes like neurogenesis, where the brain can actually generate new neurons in key areas involved in memory and emotional regulation. At the same time, the brain is constantly predicting and reinforcing patterns—meaning our focus matters. Where attention goes, neural growth follows, so practicing gratitude, shifting negative thinking, and protecting our attention from constant digital distractions can all help guide the brain toward healthier patterns. The takeaway is powerful: your brain is adaptable, trainable, and capable of change—and with the right approach, healing and optimization are truly possible.

    42 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Michael Bagnell & May Bagnell
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    167
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Neuro Collective Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Neuro Collective Podcast