Send us a text

In this episode, Dr. Michael dives into three thought-provoking listener questions—each one touching on the brain’s remarkable capacity to adapt, heal, and thrive.

First, we explore meditation for the restless mind. If sitting still isn’t your strong suit, you’ll discover practical ways to ease into mindfulness—whether through nature walks, guided apps, or innovative tools like Brain Tap. Learn how meditation changes your brain’s rhythm, creating calm and focus without relying on dopamine rushes.

Next, Dr. Michael tackles a heartfelt question about a loved one’s memory loss. Is it Alzheimer’s? How can families help? From the importance of reaction time and balance tests, to the MOCA cognitive assessment, to nutrition and social engagement—this segment offers both compassion and actionable steps for families facing cognitive decline.

Finally, we hit the pavement with a discussion on long-distance running and brain health. Does pushing your limits help or harm in the long run? Dr. Michael weighs the joy of endurance sports against oxidative stress, offering a balanced perspective (and a cheer) for runners of all ages.

Whether you’re curious about rewiring your mind, protecting a loved one’s memory, or fine-tuning your fitness for longevity, this episode delivers insights you can put into action.

📩 Got questions? Send them via social media, email, or our website—your curiosity fuels our conversations.

Send us a text

What if the biggest shift you could make in life was moving from “I don’t know” to “I’ve got this”? In this episode, Dr. Michael and Mae Bagnell unpack the concept of agency—the ability to actively influence your outcomes instead of passively reacting to them. It’s not just about control; it’s about clarity, preparation, and making decisions that move you toward the results you want.

Through real stories of clients overcoming chronic health challenges, you’ll see how agency can turn fear into action. From creating a simple “fear bag” to being able to travel without anxiety, the conversation shows how preparation and understanding lead to confidence. Agency isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about knowing enough to take the next right step.

You’ll also learn why staying in “I don’t know land” keeps you stuck and how shifting to “Here’s what I do know” can be a game changer. Dr. Michael shares how he works with patients to focus on what’s certain, while Mae offers coaching insights to help people move forward even when the future is unclear.

This isn’t just for those with health conditions. Whether you’re working toward career goals, building relationships, or navigating life changes, the principles of agency apply. It’s about recognizing where you have influence, setting goals, and taking small actions that add up over time.

By the end of the episode, you’ll have a fresh perspective on how to approach challenges with more confidence, less fear, and a greater sense of control. Agency is more than a mindset—it’s a practice that can transform your life.

Send us a text

Welcome to a powerful new Back to School series on The Neuro Collective Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell dive into a deeply important and timely conversation: how to support the autistic child's brain using the tools of functional neurology.

Whether you're a parent just beginning to notice differences in your child’s development or someone who’s already walked a long road of research and therapies, this episode offers insights for you. Learn how brain connectivity, primitive reflexes, eye movement therapies, and sensory integration all play a part in helping children not just cope—but thrive—this school year.

You'll discover:

• Why early signs like delayed speech, sensory sensitivities, or motor clumsiness may matter
• How functional neurology provides non-invasive, holistic support
• The role of primitive reflex integration in learning and behavior
• Real strategies for calming the nervous system
• Why it’s not about “fixing” your child, but understanding and supporting their unique wiring

Plus, we touch on the rising awareness around adult diagnoses and how understanding your brain's wiring can lead to healing and clarity at any age.

💡This episode is filled with hope, insight, and practical next steps. Don’t miss it—and be sure to catch the next part of this series where we’ll explore the gut-brain connection, nutrition, and genetics in autism.

🎧 Hit play and let’s talk brighter connections!

Send us a text

In this episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael Bagnell dives deep into three of the most popular brain-boosting trends in wellness today—and separates science from hype.

Question 1: Are Ice Plunges Good for Your Brain?
From biohackers to athletes, cold plunges are all the rage. But do they really improve brain function or reduce inflammation? Dr. Bagnell explains how controlled cold exposure affects the autonomic nervous system and why it's not always anti-inflammatory.

Question 2: Red Light Therapy—Hype or Healing?
A young mom asks about red light panels for herself and her kids. Dr. Bagnell unpacks the science behind photobiomodulation (PBM), how it activates mitochondria, and its use in treating conditions like ADHD, speech delays, and even neurodegeneration.

Question 3: What’s the Best Exercise for Brain Health?
From strength training to hot yoga and even running backwards, Dr. Bagnell shares how different types of movement stimulate different brain regions—from the cerebellum to the frontal lobe—and how to build a brain-friendly workout routine.

Whether you're a wellness enthusiast, parent, or just curious about optimizing your brain, this episode is packed with practical tips, research insights, and real-world applications.

🔗 Subscribe & Share if you love learning how to heal and thrive through neuroscience, lifestyle, and movement.

💬 Have questions for future episodes? DM us or send an email—we’d love to feature yours!

Send us a text

In this Thoughtful Thursday episode, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell dive into an often-overlooked link to Alzheimer’s and dementia: stress. Discover why chronic stress is not just an emotional issue—it can rewire your brain, impact your health, and even accelerate cognitive decline.

They’ll break down:
✅ Why responding to stress is different from reacting
✅ How chronic worry fuels cortisol and inflammation
✅ The role of spiritual and mental training in building resilience
✅ Practical steps to train your mind for calm—starting today

If you’ve ever felt like stress is controlling your life, this episode will give you the tools to take back control and protect your brain for the long haul.

Start your day with intention. End it with calm. Your brain will thank you.

📩 Got questions or need guidance? Reach out to us—we’re here to help you on your journey to healing and prevention.

Send us a text

What’s really happening in the brain as we age? Is memory loss inevitable—or can we take control before symptoms begin?

In this episode, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell explore the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s, uncover the warning signs of cognitive decline, and share a science-backed plan to protect your brain for the long term.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s
• How genetics and lifestyle interact—and why you’re not a prisoner to your DNA
• The key brain regions affected by cognitive decline
• The role of sleep, blood sugar, and movement in brain health
• What red flags to watch for—and how to respond early

You’ll also hear personal stories and practical strategies that make prevention possible at any age. Whether you're in your 30s or 60s, this episode equips you with tools to stay sharp, focused, and mentally strong.

You can heal—and we can help. Tune in now.

Send us a text

Welcome back to The Neuro Collective Podcast with May Bagnell in our Mindset Reset mini-series. In this empowering episode of The Coach is In, we’re tackling one of the most common, energy-draining patterns people face daily—comparison.

If you've ever felt stuck because you're measuring your life against others’, you're not alone—and you're not failing. Your brain is just caught in a loop it was wired to follow. But you can break it.

May explores:

• Why our brains are addicted to "where I should be"
• How social media intensifies the comparison trap
• Why curiosity is a powerful antidote
• How to shift comparison into inspiration through simple but powerful mindset questions

You’ll also walk away with a practical 3-step journaling exercise that can help you rediscover your strengths and take inspired action toward your own goals.

This episode isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about reclaiming your energy, your clarity, and your confidence. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, parent, coach, or simply someone feeling weighed down by invisible expectations, this episode will speak directly to you.

Tune in now to transform comparison into fuel for your next breakthrough—and remember, you’re not behind, you’re just on a different path.

Send us a text

In this episode, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell dive into real-life questions from listeners about three major brain-health concerns: migraines, gut-brain connection, and autism spectrum challenges.

A woman suffering from migraines since her teens wants to know what else she can do—beyond meds and diet—to find relief. Dr. Bagnell explains how analyzing brainstem function, eye movement tracking, and vestibular input can offer powerful insights and real change. Hear the story of a physician who finally found migraine relief after addressing overlooked neurological factors.

Next, they unravel the gut-brain axis—what it is, why it matters, and how a brain injury or imbalance could be silently affecting your digestion. Dr. Bagnell also shares practical, natural tools like enzymes, probiotics, and even beet juice to improve gut function through both brain training and nutritional support.

Finally, they answer a parent’s question about a son with Asperger’s. What role do primitive reflexes, brain mapping, and neurofeedback play in supporting kids with ASD? Learn how functional neurology offers hope through individualized, non-cookie-cutter solutions that go beyond the label.

Whether you or someone you love is dealing with chronic migraines, gut imbalances, or neurodevelopmental challenges, this episode is packed with science-backed insights and holistic tools to help the brain and life function better.

🔗 Tune in now and share with someone who needs answers beyond prescriptions.