The Neuro Collective Podcast
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.
The Neuro Collective Podcast
Part 3: The Functional Neurology Files: Memory, Trauma & Healing with Shawn Ryan- Episode 146
In this deep and honest conversation, Dr. Michael Bagnell break down some of the most misunderstood and widely discussed brain health concerns today: anxiety, ADHD, and cognitive decline—and why a one-size-fits-all, medication-only approach often falls short.
The discussion begins with anxiety, exploring what’s actually happening in the brain. Dr. Bagnell explains how overactive brain waves (high beta), disruptions in the default mode network, and imbalances in areas like the frontal lobe, limbic system, and cerebellum can keep the brain stuck in a constant state of alarm. Rather than labeling anxiety as “just chemical,” this episode reframes it as a brain firing and regulation issue.
You’ll learn how natural and non-invasive options—including GABA supplementation, CBD, and innovative sensory tools like TouchPoints—may help calm the nervous system by lowering excessive brainwave activity, especially for children and teens struggling with severe anxiety.
The conversation then moves into ADHD, why it seems more common than ever, and how dopamine-driven lifestyles, overstimulation, concussions, and past brain stressors all layer together. Dr. Bagnell explains why attention problems aren’t simply a lack of focus, but often the result of imbalanced attentional networks in the brain.
This episode also dives into:
- Why brain mapping matters and how yearly brain evaluations could become the new “annual physical”
- How neurofeedback, visual tracking, and sensory-based therapies help train self-regulation
- When medication may support therapy—and when it may hold long-term progress back
- The importance of sleep, nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle as the true foundation of brain health
You’ll also hear a grounded discussion on supplements and emerging natural supports, including omega-3s, Lion’s Mane, Ginkgo, vitamin D, NMN, and multivitamins, and why functional medicine looks at trends before problems appear—not after.
This episode isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about understanding the brain, restoring balance, and creating sustainable healing using science, compassion, and personalized care.
🎧 Listen now and discover why healing the brain starts with understanding how it actually works.