Send us Fan Mail In this fascinating episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell,IHP continue the Inside the Brain series by exploring one of the brain’s most powerful and misunderstood systems — the basal ganglia. Deep within the brain lies this intricate network responsible for movement, motivation, habits, emotional regulation, and automatic behaviors. The conversation unpacks how the basal ganglia acts like the brain’s internal “circuit board,” helping regulate everything from walking, eye movements, posture, and coordination to emotional patterns, thought processes, and even anxiety loops. Dr. Bagnell explains the three major pathways connected to this system — motor, limbic, and cognitive circuits — and why disruptions in these pathways can contribute to conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, OCD, PANS/PANDAS, stiffness, tremors, unwanted movements, and emotional dysregulation. One of the most eye-opening parts of this episode is the discussion around the brain’s “autopilot system.” The basal ganglia helps automate whatever the brain practices most — whether that’s learning a new instrument, developing healthy exercise habits, or reinforcing negative cycles like stress responses, worry loops, procrastination, doom scrolling, and overthinking. May shares how repeated thoughts and behaviors become deeply ingrained neurological patterns, while Dr. Bagnell explains the powerful role of dopamine and GABA in balancing movement, motivation, calmness, and inhibition. The episode also dives into how functional neurology approaches disorders affecting the basal ganglia through brain-based therapies, neurofeedback, movement training, metabolic support, inflammation reduction, rhythmic exercise, and neuro-optimization strategies. Listeners will gain practical insight into how lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, diet, inflammation, concussions, and emotional overwhelm directly impact these deep brain circuits. May also introduces the newly launched Be Well Fem Program at Bagnell Brain Center , designed to support women experiencing neurological, emotional, and metabolic shifts during perimenopause and menopause. This episode is a powerful reminder that the brain is constantly adapting — and with the right support, new neural pathways can be created for healing, resilience, and transformation. Key Highlights From This Episode: How the basal ganglia controls movement, habits, and emotionsWhy the brain automates repeated behaviors — both positive and negativeThe connection between dopamine, motivation, and movementHow stress and inflammation affect deep brain functionMovement disorders linked to the basal gangliaWhy repetition, rhythm, and intentional movement matter for brain healthHow functional neurology supports brain rewiring and recoveryThe neurological impact of chronic stress, anxiety loops, and emotional overwhelmBecause as always: You can heal. And we can help.
