Podcast
The Neuro Collective Podcast
Hosted by Dr. Michael Bagnell & May Bagnell · EN
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.
45episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Hidden Link Between Vestibular Health and Alzheimer’s Disease in Women 183
6d ago00:23:48Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThe Hidden Link Between Vestibular Health and Alzheimer’s Disease in WomenIn this episode, May Bagnell, IHP and Dr. Michael Bagnell explore the surprising connection between the vestibular system in the inner ear and cognitive decline, particularly Alzheimer's disease in women. They discuss how the vestibular system influences memory, spatial navigation, and overall brain health, and why maintaining its function might be key to preventing dementia.Main topics include:The heightened risk of Alzheimer's in women and the lesser-known role of the vestibular systemHow the inner ear communicates directly with the brain’s memory centersThe vestibular system’s function as the brain’s GPS for spatial orientation and navigationEmerging technology for assessing and improving vestibular healthThe impact of aging on vestibular function and ways to strengthen itThe connection between sleep, vestibular health, and cognitive performancePersonal stories illustrating vestibular episodes and their effects on cognition and balancePractical steps for assessing and training vestibular function to support brain health Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Linking vestibular health to women’s risk of Alzheimer's 01:01 - Why women are nearly twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's and the vestibular system's role 02:26 - Understanding the vestibular system as the brain’s guidance system 03:01 - The connection between vestibular function, memory, and cognition 03:56 - Dementia types, prevalence in women, and early signs like balance issues 04:25 - The potential link between early vestibular decline and future cognitive issues 05:21 - Advances in technology for deep investigation into vestibular function 05:47 - The importance of strengthening the vestibular system and its impact on neuroprotection 06:46 - Preventive health strategies: biohacking and neurological optimization 07:16 - Real-world example of vestibular dysfunction linked to cognitive symptoms 07:47 - Personal story of a vestibular episode and its cognitive and physical aftermath 08:56 - Woman's perspective on the fear and acceptance of aging and cognitive risk 11:08 - Sleep’s role in brain health and its correlation with vestibular and cognitive functions 13:28 - How sleep disruptions can worsen vestibular problems and cognitive decline 15:26 - Vestibular testing in darkness and light and its implications for sleep quality 16:44 - The importance of symmetry in vestibular function for overall brain health 17:22 - Integrating sleep, diet, and vestibular training for optimal neuroprotection 20:30 - Personal experience with vertigo and its impact on cognition and stability 21:42 - Recognizing subtle vestibular issues as a factor in cognitive decline 22:15 - Taking proactive steps: brain health audits and vestibular training opportunities 23:09 - Closing thoughts: The brain’s adaptability and the power of training the vestibular systemResources & Links:www.Bagnell Brain Center.comAura Ring (Sleep tracker) Connect with May & Dr. Michael Bagnell:https://www.instagram.com/bagnell_brain_center/https://www.tiktok.com/@bagnellbraincenter305 Take Action: Schedule a brain health audit to assess your vestibular and cognitive function and start personalized training to support your brain health!For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com. You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!
Transcribe →The Hidden Connection Between The Vestibular System & Dysautonomia 182
1w ago00:31:39Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailMost cases of dizziness, anxiety, and exhaustion are dismissed as separate issues—what if they're all signs of a deeper, interconnected problem? What if your body's signals of imbalance are really a breakdown in communication between your vestibular system and autonomic nervous system? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Michael Bagnell & May Bagnell, IHP reveal how conditions like POTS, long COVID, concussion, and chronic dizziness may all stem from a hidden connection — and that understanding could transform the way you approach treatment and healing.You’ll discover how the vestibular system, housed in the inner ear, plays a crucial role beyond balance — influencing blood pressure, heart rate, and even mood through its connection to the brainstem and autonomic nervous system. Dr. Bagnell breaks down how dysfunction in this system can amplify anxiety, cause sensory overload, and lead to symptoms like blackouts, tachycardia, and depersonalization.We break down:The anatomy of the vestibular system and its surprising links to neurochemistryHow aging, injury, or inflammation weaken this system, creating a cascade of dysautonomia symptomsThe powerful concept of system integration — when sensory signals are out of sync, it worsens dizziness, anxiety, and brain fog Why diagnosing dysautonomia involves looking at the bigger picture, rather than just treating symptoms with pillsPractical strategies for neural rehabilitation, emphasizing neuroplasticity and system retraining instead of medication fixesImagine addressing the root cause instead of just managing symptoms — offering hope to those stuck in a cycle of uncertainty. This episode is essential listening for anyone experiencing unexplained dizziness, chronic stress, or anxiety that resists conventional treatments. Discover how the brain’s adaptability and functional neurology can help restore balance, health, and quality of life. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare provider, understanding this interconnected system unlocks new pathways to healing. It's not about treating in isolation — it’s about training, retraining, and upgrading the body's communication networks to function harmoniously again.For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com. You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!
Transcribe →Why Dizziness Is Not Only An Inner Ear Problem 181
2w ago00:33:57Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailMost cases of dizziness are mistaken for inner ear problems, but the reality is far more complex—and most doctors are missing crucial clues that could resolve decades of suffering. In this episode, Dr. Bagnell and May Bagnell, IHP expose the unseen factors behind chronic dizziness that traditional tests overlook—like sensory imbalances, brain compensation, and neural performance. Discover how advanced functional neurology tools are opening a new window into the true root causes, beyond what MRI scans or ENT visits can reveal. You'll learn:Why longstanding dizziness often stems from systemic sensory mismatches—not just inner ear disruptionsHow asymmetries in the vestibular and visual systems can go unnoticed with standard testing but are key to resolutionThe role of stress, emotional regulation, and neurological networks in balance and anxiety, and why they shouldn't be ignoredConcrete protocols for retraining the brain’s response to motion—restoring stability by using precise, personalized rehab strategiesReal stories of patients who recovered from decades of imbalance through targeted, cutting-edge assessments and therapies This episode is perfect for anyone tired of managing symptoms and ready for actual healing. If you've experienced chronic dizziness, unexplained balance issues, or emotional distress linked to imbalance, this is your critical next step. Understanding the true causes of dizziness can unlock the potential for complete recovery—don’t settle for just managing your symptoms when science now offers a pathway to true balance. Join us to see how shifting the focus from structural guesses to performance-based assessments illuminates the root and rapidly accelerates healing. Your journey to a life without limits starts here.#dizziness #vestibularmigraines #anxiety #functionalneurologyFor more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com. You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!
Transcribe →Part 8: Inside The Brain Series- The Occipital Lobes: Vision, Perception & Why Your Brain Gets Overloaded- Episode 180
Jun 300:28:27Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailMost people think vision happens in the eyes, but the truth is that vision is a brain function.In this episode of the Inside the Brain Series, Mae Bagnell,IHP explores the fascinating role of the occipital lobes, the brain's primary visual processing center. Learn how your brain transforms visual information into the experience of sight and why healthy visual processing is essential for focus, attention, balance, cognition, and emotional well being.Discover how excessive screen time and constant visual stimulation can contribute to brain fog, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, sensory overload, and poor concentration. Mae also explains the important connection between the visual system and conditions such as concussions, vestibular disorders, ADHD related attention challenges, migraines, and reading difficulties.This episode also provides practical strategies to help support the visual brain, reduce visual stress, and improve overall brain function through the power of neuroplasticity. From changing visual distance throughout the day to spending more time outdoors and reducing visual clutter, you'll gain actionable tools you can begin using immediately.If you've ever experienced overwhelm, difficulty focusing, dizziness, or mental exhaustion, this conversation will help you better understand the role your visual system may be playing.Your eyes collect information, but your brain creates the experience of sight. When you intentionally support your visual brain, you can improve the way you think, feel, move, and experience the world around you.Remember, you can heal and we can help.For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com. You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!
Transcribe →Part 7: The Temporal Lobes: Memory, Mood & The Meaning Your Brain Gives Life- Episode 179
May 2100:29:02Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat if one part of your brain quietly shaped your memories, emotions, identity, and even the meaning behind your life experiences? In this episode of our Inside the Brain series, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell,IHP take a fascinating journey into the temporal lobes — the brain’s powerful “meaning makers.” Discover how this incredible region helps you decode the past, understand the present, and connect to the future, while influencing everything from memory and language to music, mood, and emotional regulation.Have you ever heard a song that instantly transported you back to a specific moment in your life? Or wondered why certain memories carry such deep emotional weight? Dr. Michael and May unpack the science behind how the temporal lobes shape your personal story and why memory isn’t simply stored — it’s continuously rewritten and reshaped. They also discuss signs that your temporal lobes may need support, including brain fog, anxiety, sound sensitivity, sleep struggles, emotional overwhelm, and memory changes.Episode Highlights: • Why the temporal lobes are called the brain’s “meaning makers” • The powerful connection between memory, identity, and emotion • How music can unlock forgotten memories • Signs of temporal lobe dysfunction to watch for • The impact of chronic stress and inflammation on brain health • Strategies for healthy aging: movement, sleep, nutrition, and nervous system regulation • Functional neurology approaches that help optimize brain performanceYour brain carries your story — your memories, your experiences, and the connections that make you who you are. Join us as we explore how caring for your brain today can help preserve meaning, memory, and human connection for years to come.For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com. You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!
Transcribe →Part 6: The Parietal Lobes: Sensory Processing, Overwhelm & Your Brain’s Internal Map- Episode 178
May 1900:32:38Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell,IHP continue their Inside the Brain series with a fascinating deep dive into the parietal lobes — the brain regions responsible for sensory processing, body awareness, spatial orientation, attention, and sensory integration. Discover why some people feel easily overstimulated, overwhelmed in busy environments, disconnected from their body, or mentally exhausted after sensory-heavy experiences like crowded stores, concerts, airports, or loud restaurants.Learn how the parietal lobes act as your brain’s internal mapping system, helping you understand where your body is in space through proprioception, movement, touch, and coordination. Dr. Bagnell explains how these brain regions influence everything from clumsiness and coordination to focus, filtering information, visual processing, and emotional overwhelm. The episode also explores how conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, concussion, stroke, apraxia, and sensory processing challenges may involve parietal lobe dysfunction — and how functional neurology can help retrain and strengthen these systems.You’ll also discover practical ways to support your brain naturally, including reducing sensory overload, improving nervous system regulation, using intentional movement and cross-body exercises, creating visual calm, and strengthening body awareness through activities like yoga, stretching, grounding, and water therapy. Whether you’re a neuroscience enthusiast, a parent navigating sensory challenges, or someone trying to understand why your brain feels overloaded, this episode offers powerful insight into how the brain processes the world around you — and how healing and regulation are possible.Highlights from this episode:What the parietal lobes actually doWhy busy environments can feel exhaustingThe connection between sensory overload and anxietyHow the brain maps the body through proprioceptionClumsiness, coordination, and brain functionParietal lobes and ADHD, dyslexia, concussion, and sensory issuesFunctional neurology approaches for brain retrainingSimple ways to support sensory regulation and brain healthBecause when the brain processes the world differently, life can feel overwhelming — but understanding the brain is the first step toward healing. For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com. You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!
Transcribe →Part 5: Inside the Brain Series: The Brainstem:Your Survival Center- Episode 177
May 1400:33:19Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWelcome back to The Neuro Collective Podcast as Dr. Michael and May Bagnell,IHP continue their Inside the Brain series with a deep dive into the brainstem — the powerful control center responsible for breathing, heart rate, balance, stress regulation, sleep, swallowing, and autonomic function. Although small in size, the brainstem plays a massive role in your daily health and survival.In this episode, they explore how stress, concussion, aging, nervous system overload, and lifestyle habits can impact brainstem function and contribute to symptoms like dizziness, anxiety, migraines, chronic fatigue, POTS, sleep disturbances, and sensory overload. They also discuss the fascinating role of the Reticular Activating System (RAS) and the vagus nerve in focus, attention, emotional regulation, and nervous system balance.You’ll also learn practical ways to support your brainstem through regulated breathing, sleep rhythms, movement, vagal stimulation, and nervous system regulation strategies — helping you better understand your brain and optimize your health from the inside out.For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com. You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!
Transcribe →Part 4: Inside the Brain Series: The Limbic System - Emotions & Stress- Episode 176
May 1200:32:21Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat happens when your emotions feel bigger than your thoughts? Why does stress affect your body so intensely? And why can a memory, smell, or song instantly transport you back to another moment in time?In this powerful episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell,IHP continue the Inside the Brain Series by exploring one of the most emotionally influential systems in the brain — the Limbic System.Often called the brain’s “emotional center,” the limbic system plays a major role in stress responses, emotional regulation, memory formation, survival instincts, attachment, and nervous system activation. Together, they break down complex neuroscience into practical, relatable insight that helps you better understand why you feel the way you do.In this episode, you’ll learn:How the amygdala acts like the brain’s internal alarm systemWhy stress and trauma can become deeply wired into the nervous systemThe connection between the hippocampus, memory, and emotional experiencesHow chronic stress impacts sleep, digestion, focus, hormones, and immune functionWhy some people feel emotions more deeply as Highly Sensitive People (HSPs)How the frontal lobe and limbic system work together for emotional regulationPractical ways to support your brain through nervous system regulation, sleep, movement, and emotional safetyDr. Michael also shares fascinating insight into how the limbic system influences the endocrine and autonomic nervous systems, while May opens up about her own experience as a highly sensitive person and the importance of learning how to regulate an overwhelmed nervous system.This episode is filled with compassionate education, real-life examples, and empowering reminders that:You are not your anxiety.You are not your overwhelm.You are not your stress response.These are nervous system states — and states can change.If you’ve ever struggled with emotional overwhelm, chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, trauma responses, or feeling “too sensitive,” this conversation will help you understand the deeper neurological “why” behind what you’re experiencing.Tune in as we continue uncovering the incredible connections between the brain, body, emotions, and healing.And remember:You can heal. And we can help.For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com. You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!
Transcribe →Part 3: Inside the Brain Series-The Basal Ganglia: Habits, Movement & Motivation- Episode 175
May 700:33:44Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn 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.For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com. You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!
Transcribe →Part 2: Inside the Brain Series-The Cerebellum: Coordination & Clarity- Episode 174
May 500:30:11Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailMost people think of the cerebellum as the part of the brain responsible for balance and coordination—but what if it’s also deeply connected to your mental clarity, emotional regulation, focus, and cognitive performance?In this episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell,IHP continue the Inside the Brain series by exploring one of the most fascinating and often overlooked regions of the brain: the cerebellum.You’ll discover why this remarkable structure—though it makes up only 10% of the brain’s volume—contains more than 50% of the brain’s neurons, and why modern neuroscience is revealing its powerful role in far more than movement.In This Episode, We Explore:• Why the cerebellum is the brain’s “quality control system” How it fine-tunes movement, thought processing, timing, and precision.• The surprising connection between the cerebellum and mental clarity Learn how this brain region directly influences focus, processing speed, decision-making, and cognitive efficiency.• The link between cerebellar dysfunction and symptoms like: Brain fog Anxiety Low motivation Mental fatigue Poor coordination Emotional flatness• Why movement is essential for brain health Discover how coordinated movement activates the cerebellum and strengthens communication across the brain.• Practical ways to activate your cerebellum daily Simple movement-based strategies including: Balance work Cross-body movement Eye-head coordination exercises Intentional movement for mental resetOne of the most powerful takeaways from this episode:“Movement changes your brain’s state—and when your brain state changes, clarity follows.”This conversation reveals why intentional movement is one of the most overlooked tools for improving brain performance, emotional resilience, and overall neurological health.If you’ve ever struggled with feeling mentally stuck, foggy, uncoordinated, overwhelmed, or disconnected, this episode will help connect the dots.The cerebellum isn’t just helping you move—it’s helping you think, adapt, and function at your best.Tune in now and continue your journey Inside the Brain.Because as always: You can heal. And we can help.For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com. You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!
Transcribe →