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The Neuro Collective Podcast

The Neuro Collective Podcast

By: Dr. Michael Bagnell & May Bagnell
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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.

© 2026 The Neuro Collective Podcast Alternative & Complementary Medicine Biological Sciences Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease Science
Episodes
  • {2} The Hidden Conversation Between Your Gut and Your Brain: How Your Gut Shapes Mood, Memory, and Mind 185

    {2} The Hidden Conversation Between Your Gut and Your Brain: How Your Gut Shapes Mood, Memory, and Mind 185
    Jul 10 2026
    Send us Fan MailThis episode dives into the intricate communication between your gut and brain — a relationship that influences your mood, memory, and overall mental health. With insights from experts, we explore how gut health impacts neurological function and how understanding this connection can empower you to take control of your mood and health.In this episode:The gut as a second brain: its nervous system and immune function How gut barrier integrity affects the blood-brain barrier and mood regulation The role of neuroimmune chemicals and neuroinflammation in mental health The importance of comprehensive gut testing beyond standard stool analysis The impact of bacterial byproducts and probiotics on mood and neurotransmitter production How lifestyle, nutrition, and mindfulness can optimize gut-brain communication The embryological link: gut and brain development from the same fetal tissue Practical strategies for improving gut health to support mental well-being The significance of gut microbiota diversity and dysbiosis in neurological disorders The benefits of slowing down, mindful eating, and colorful nutrition Timestamps: (00:01) Introduction to the gut-brain dialogue and why it matters (00:23) The gut's nervous system: "like a nasty teenager" always talking back (0:33) The influence of gut disruption on mood and personality (01:26) The connection between gut treatment and a well-behaved brain (01:38) Enteric nervous system's role in immune regulation and mood (02:07) Gut lining's impact on the blood-brain barrier via cortisol and stress (03:17) Neuroinflammation caused by GI infections affecting mood and behavior (04:12) The hidden conversation: immune system, gut, and brain interactions (05:04) Embryonic development: gut and brain as twin tissues (05:58) "Gut feelings" and the power of the brain-gut connection (06:27) Lifestyle interventions and genetic influence via epigenetics (07:35) The importance of comprehensive stool tests and microbiota analysis (08:55) Beyond simple parasite checks: looking at flora, bacteria, and metabolites (09:51) How gut health influences neurotransmitter production: serotonin, GABA, and more (13:21) The impact of diet, sugar, alcohol, and processed foods on gut and brain health (14:25) Change your food, change your mood—impact of nutrition on mental health (15:49) Combining protocols: gut support and nervous system regulation (17:50) The microbiota-gut-brain axis and its link to autism, anxiety, and depression (19:20) Microorganisms within your ecosystem: communication and healing potential (20:19) Food as a message: improving nerve signaling through mindful nutrition (22:21) The art of slowing down, colorful plates, and intentional eating (23:18) Visualize your gut-brain harmony to guide healthier choices (24:25) Empowering yourself with the vision of an interconnected gut and brain Resources & Links: Neuroinflammation and Mood Disorders Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis The Gut Microbiota and Brain Axis - Review Emory University Gut-Brain Connection Research Connect with the Hosts: www.BagnellBrainCenter.com Additional Notes: Understanding that your gut and brain share origin and communication pathways transforms how you approach mental and physical health. Small, mindful changes in diet, stress management, and gut support can have profound effects on mood, cognition, and resilience. Remember, health is less about calories and more about communication—strive for a gut that's singing, not talking back.For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com. You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!
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    23 mins
  • {1} The Hidden Conversations Series: The Brain-Gut Conversation That's Controlling Your Digestion and Stress 184

    {1} The Hidden Conversations Series: The Brain-Gut Conversation That's Controlling Your Digestion and Stress 184
    Jul 8 2026
    Send us Fan MailLength: 26 minutesUnlocking the Hidden Conversation Between Your Brain and GutExplore how stress, nervous system regulation, and neural pathways influence digestive health and overall well-being. This episode unpacks the bi-directional communication between the brain and gut, highlighting practical steps to improve your health through understanding this vital connection.Main Topics:The dynamic dialogue between the brain and gut and its impact on digestionHow stress and neurochemistry modulate gut function and immune responseThe significance of the vagus nerve in neuro-gastrointestinal regulationThe effects of chronic stress on gut integrity and systemic healthPractical strategies to support nervous system balance, including mindful eating and breathingIn this episode:The story of stress affecting digestion in seconds and the importance of body awarenessThe role of the vagus nerve as a communication highway between brain and gutHow cortisol and stress influence gut barrier integrity, leading to potential health issuesThe impact of sympathetic versus parasympathetic nervous system dominance on digestionThe importance of stress management and nervous system regulation for gut healthA case example of vagal nerve stimulation improving both migraines and digestionPractical tips: eating without distractions, mindful breathing, and recognizing symptom patternsThe need for a holistic approach, considering brain health in digestive disordersTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the series "The Hidden Conversations" on brain-gut communication 00:12 - How stress influences digestion in real-time 00:30 - The story illustrating the brain's quick response affecting the gut 01:21 - The significance of bi-directional communication between brain and gut 01:50 - Gut acting as an orchestra, with the vagus nerve as the conductor 02:22 - The vagus nerve as the highway of neural communication 02:54 - The role of interoception in gut-brain signaling 03:11 - The brain’s primary question: "Am I safe?" and its influence on bodily functions 03:41 - Impact of safety perception on reproduction and infertility 04:31 - Neurochemistry pathways: neural, chemical, and immune signals 04:55 - How stress hormones like cortisol affect gut permeability 05:25 - The consequences of a compromised gut barrier, including food allergies 06:28 - The importance of neuro-awareness in symptom diagnosis 06:55 - The influence of the nervous system in end-organ health, beyond specific specialties 07:22 - Recognizing lost signals in the nervous system contributing to health issues 08:08 - The analogy of butterflies and neural responses under stress 08:44 - The connection between subconscious perceptions and physical sensations 09:32 - Modern stress: a new epidemic and its effect on gut health 10:06 - Differentiating modern chronic stress from historical physical stress 11:02 - The sympathetic spiral of doom and its impact on digestion 11:40 - How overactivation of sympathetic responses hamper effective digestion 12:23 - The importance of parasympathetic activation for gut health 13:14 - Cultural shifts in stress levels over the last century 14:01 - How signal loss from the brain to the gut exacerbates digestive conditions like IBS 14:57 - The significance of nervous system regulation in managing digestive issues 15:25 - Practical ways to support nervous system safety through mindful habits 16:43 - The role of brain health, particularly frontal lobe function, in gut regulation 17:07 - Using brain mapping and neurotherapy to enhance gut-brain communication 18:45 - The relationship between brain stem health, dizziness, and nausea 20:07 - Case study: vagal nerve stimulation improving migraines and digestion 21:30 - Supporting gut motility through brainstem regulation and brain health 22:45 - Identifying hidden signals affecting chronic gut dysfunction 23:25 - Practical tips for nervous system regulation: mindful eating, slow breathing, pattern recognition 25:24 - The importance of neurogastroenterology: synchronizing brain and gut signals 26:19 - Outro: The next episode on how gut bacteria influence mood and cognitionResources & Links:The Vagus Nerve and Its Role in HealthUnderstanding the Gut-Brain AxisConnect with the Hosts:May Bagnell - https://www.instagram.com/bwell_femme/Dr. Bagnell - WebsiteNext time: We dive into how gut bacteria influence mental health and cognition, uncovering the reverse conversation in the gut-brain connection.For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com. You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!
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    24 mins
  • The Hidden Link Between Vestibular Health and Alzheimer’s Disease in Women 183

    The Hidden Link Between Vestibular Health and Alzheimer’s Disease in Women 183
    Jul 3 2026

    Send us Fan Mail

    The Hidden Link Between Vestibular Health and Alzheimer’s Disease in Women

    In 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 system
    • How the inner ear communicates directly with the brain’s memory centers
    • The vestibular system’s function as the brain’s GPS for spatial orientation and navigation
    • Emerging technology for assessing and improving vestibular health
    • The impact of aging on vestibular function and ways to strengthen it
    • The connection between sleep, vestibular health, and cognitive performance
    • Personal stories illustrating vestibular episodes and their effects on cognition and balance
    • Practical 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 system

    Resources & Links:

    • www.Bagnell Brain Center.com
    • Aura 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!!
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
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