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In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Dr. Michael & May Bagnell welcome Jimmy Hill, former Royal Marine Commando and UK Special Forces operator, filmmaker, and advocate for healing after military service.

Jimmy shares his extraordinary journey—from high-tempo special operations to surviving multiple gunshot wounds, years of rehabilitation, and redefining purpose beyond the battlefield. This episode sheds light on the realities of military life, the often invisible wounds of trauma, and the strength found in vulnerability.

Together, the conversation explores Jimmy’s upcoming documentary In the Shadows, a film dedicated to amplifying the voices of operators, spouses, and specialists working behind the scenes to support those who serve.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Military trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• The difference between visible and invisible injuries
• Why community, connection, and honesty are essential to healing
• How identity shifts after service—and how to rebuild purpose and meaning
• The importance of having something to train for, not just something to live for

A standout moment of the episode includes a live review of Jimmy’s brain map, offering rare insight into brain connectivity, power levels, alpha and gamma brain waves, and how targeted brain training can support resilience, focus, emotional regulation, and long-term brain health.

This episode is a message of hope for:

• Veterans and active-duty service members
• Families and spouses walking the journey alongside them
• Anyone navigating trauma, identity shifts, or feelings of hopelessness

Key takeaway:

This conversation reminds us that healing is possible, support is available, and resilience can be trained—both in the body and the brain.

🎧 Tune in, share with someone who needs encouragement, and be reminded:
You can heal. We can help.

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In this compelling episode, Dr. Michael Bagnell take a deep dive into dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, breaking down long-standing myths and revealing what modern neuroscience is teaching us about prevention, progression, and brain resilience. The discussion begins by clarifying that Alzheimer’s is NOT caused by aluminum, dispelling outdated fears, while emphasizing that toxins, inflammation, and lifestyle choices still matter when it comes to long-term brain health.

A major focus of this conversation is the powerful link between blood sugar dysregulation and Alzheimer’s, often referred to in research as “Type 3 Diabetes.” Dr. Bagnell explains how chronic blood sugar imbalance creates inflammation in the brain, dramatically increasing the risk of cognitive decline—especially in women, who are statistically more vulnerable. The takeaway is clear and urgent: controlling blood sugar may be one of the most effective ways to reduce Alzheimer’s risk.

The episode also explores the often-overlooked role of brain injuries and concussions, even a single impact, in increasing the likelihood of Parkinson’s, dementia, and Alzheimer’s later in life. Dr. Bagnell shares a deeply personal story about his father, illustrating how unrecognized traumatic brain injury can shape emotional health, behavior, memory loss, and early dementia. This segment powerfully humanizes the science and highlights why brain inflammation and injury must be taken seriously.

Listeners will gain clarity around memory concerns as well. Forgetting words or losing your train of thought is NOT automatically Alzheimer’s—it is often a sign of working memory stress, not neurodegeneration. While many people turn to crossword puzzles and Sudoku, Dr. Bagnell explains that these offer limited benefit compared to one proven intervention: movement. Research shows that physical movement activates more of the brain than passive cognitive tasks, making exercise one of the strongest protectors of brain health.

The conversation expands into neuroplasticity, emphasizing that movement is the doorway to brain change. Activities that are new, challenging, engaging, and even frustrating stimulate dopamine, the chemical that fuels learning and adaptation. Whether it’s learning a new skill, coordinated movement, or combining physical activity with cognitive tasks, these experiences retrain and strengthen the brain far more effectively than passive mental exercises.

Dr. Bagnell also addresses the growing neurological impact of long COVID, explaining how neuroinflammation and brainstem dysfunction can lead to brain fog, heart rate instability, balance issues, and dysautonomia. He stresses that, just like a physical injury, the brain may require rehabilitation, not just medication. This insight offers hope for those struggling with persistent post-COVID symptoms.

The episode then unpacks addiction and dopamine, revealing how social media, gambling, substances, and high-stimulation environments hijack the brain’s reward system. Addiction, Dr. Bagnell explains, is less about the substance itself and more about dopamine-driven desire and pursuit. Understanding this mechanism opens the door to more effective healing and recovery strategies.

In a holistic close, the conversation moves beyond biology into the deeper dimensions of healing—the body, the soul, and the spirit. Dr. Bagnell explains why treating only the physical body leaves healing incomplete and why emotional and spiritual health play a critical role in true recovery. The episode concludes with a fascinating discussion on dolphin-assisted therapy, wher

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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.

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In this powerful conversation, Dr. Michael Bagnell explore one of the most commonly asked—and misunderstood—topics in brain health today: marijuana and its effects on the brain.

The discussion begins with a real-world experience: marijuana helping with anxiety, sleep, and overall mood. But the conversation quickly goes deeper, asking the questions most people aren’t asking:

What is marijuana actually doing to the brain?
What happens short-term vs. long-term?
Does tolerance increase? Motivation decrease?
And is it addressing the root cause—or just the symptom?

Dr. Bagnell explains how marijuana can alter brainwave states, sometimes offering relief initially, while potentially creating challenges with chronic or daily use, especially depending on age, history of trauma, and brain injury. The key message is clear: context matters, and so does understanding your brain.

From there, the episode transitions into a fascinating breakdown of brain mapping and brainwaves, including:

• Delta (deep sleep and brain injury patterns)
• Theta (attention, meditation, and sluggish processing)
• Alpha (flexibility, performance, and emotional regulation)
• Beta & High Beta (focus vs. anxiety and stress)
• Gamma (memory, insight, and higher-level processing)

Listeners are taken inside a live brain map review, revealing a classic traumatic brain injury (TBI) signature:
👉 Too much delta (the brake)
👉 Too much high beta (the gas pedal)

This imbalance helps explain symptoms like anxiety, poor sleep, stress sensitivity, and cognitive fatigue—and why a one-size-fits-all solution rarely works.

The episode also explores modern, non-pharmaceutical approaches to healing, including:

• Functional neurology assessments
• Neuroplasticity-based therapies
• Vision and vestibular testing
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• And why stacking therapies in the right order matters

A central theme throughout the episode is hope. As Dr. Bagnell shares:

Rather than chasing trends or quick fixes, this episode emphasizes the importance of precise assessment, targeted care, and understanding what your brain actually needs to heal.

If you’ve ever wondered whether marijuana, hyperbaric oxygen, psychedelics, or brain-based therapies are right for you—or why they help some people and not others—this episode offers clarity, depth, and a refreshing, science-informed perspective.

🎧 Listen in to learn how understanding your brain can change everything.

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In this episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael Bagnell sit down with Shawn Ryan, former Navy SEAL and podcast host, for an in-depth conversation on short-term memory loss and what it reveals about brain health.

Shawn shares his personal experience with forgetting thoughts mid-sentence—whether in conversation, on camera, or in everyday life and how those symptoms briefly improved following psychedelic treatment before returning. This opens the door to a deeper discussion on how the brain manages working memory, speech, and attention, and why these disruptions may occur.

What does it really mean when your mind goes blank in the middle of a sentence?

In this episode, Dr. Michael Bagnell explains short-term and working memory through the lens of functional neurology, focusing on how brain regions and networks must work together in real time. Rather than isolating memory or speech as standalone problems, this conversation explores the brain globally—looking at executive function, the frontal and temporal lobes, and how disconnections between networks can create everyday cognitive symptoms.

The discussion also dives into how trauma, concussions, PTSD, ADHD, inflammation, stress, and lifestyle factors can layer over time, affecting brain performance long after the original event. Dr. Bagnell explains why brain mapping matters, how EEG and QEEG data can guide care, and why identifying the right intervention depends on understanding the individual brain.

Shawn and Dr. Bagnell also explore non-traditional therapies, including psychedelics and marijuana, offering a balanced, data-informed perspective on their potential benefits, limitations, and risks. The episode addresses the default mode network, memory suppression, neuroplasticity, and why some people experience powerful breakthroughs while others may not.

This conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and honest—designed to help listeners better understand their brain, their symptoms, and the importance of personalized brain-based care.

As this conversation comes to a close, we’re reminded that memory lapses and cognitive symptoms are often signals, not failures. They reflect how the brain adapts, protects, and responds to experiences over time.

Our goal with this episode is clarity—helping you understand what may be happening in your brain and why individualized data, thoughtful evaluation, and the right support matter. Healing begins with understanding.

Thank you to Shawn Ryan for his openness and willingness to explore these topics with honesty and depth. And thank you to our listeners for joining us on The Neuro Collective Podcast. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, share it with someone who may benefit, and continue the conversation with us in future episodes.

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Welcome to a special bonus episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast as we step into 2026 together.

In this episode, May Bagnell, IHP reflects on the recently completed December series, Lighting the Way, and shares what was still on her heart as the new year began. Rather than focusing on resolutions, rigid plans, or “fixing” ourselves, this conversation invites you into a different way forward—one rooted in intention, nervous system support, and sustainable healing.

You’ll explore the powerful difference between pressure and direction, and why the brain responds more effectively when we choose clarity over force. May walks you through reflective questions designed to help you understand what your brain and body truly need more of in 2026, what quietly drains your nervous system, and what feels nourishing instead of demanding.

This episode introduces the concept of a guiding word for the year—a simple yet powerful filter for decision-making, habits, and boundaries. You’ll also learn how small, consistent daily practices can turn intention into lived experience, without perfection or overwhelm.

If you’re longing to begin 2026 feeling more grounded, calm, confident, and aligned—this episode offers a gentle but meaningful starting point.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why intention is more effective than traditional New Year’s resolutions
• How the brain responds to direction rather than pressure
• Reflective questions to support nervous system regulation
• How to choose a guiding word for 2026
• Simple daily practices that support healing and consistency
• Why compassion, predictability, and patience matter for brain health

As always, our mission is to remind you that healing is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone.

Remember:
You can heal, and we can help.

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As we close out 2025 and step into a new year, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell, IHP welcome you to the final episode of the Lighting the Way series. This conversation marks both an ending and a beginning—a moment to pause, reflect, and intentionally step forward into 2026 with clarity, confidence, and hope.

This episode is not about learning one more thing. It is about integration. Over the past seven episodes, we have explored powerful breakthroughs in neuroscience that are reshaping how we understand healing, recovery, and long-term brain health. From lifestyle medicine and gut-brain science to sleep, neuroplasticity, peptides, inflammation, and sensory integration, this finale brings it all together and focuses on how to apply what you’ve learned in a way that truly fits your life.

We discuss why the greatest challenge in health today is not a lack of information, but overwhelm. Most people know what they should do—eat better, move more, sleep well, manage stress—but knowing is not the same as integrating. Healing happens when systems work together: the brain, body, nervous system, emotional health, habits, purpose, and mindset.

In this episode, we revisit the eight pillars of the Holistic Brain Blueprint, not as a checklist, but as a framework to help you identify what is already working and where you want to focus in the year ahead:

• Lifestyle as medicine
• Gut-brain health
• Sleep and glymphatic detox
• Neuroplasticity
• Regenerative support
• Inflammation and immune balance
• Sensory integration and nervous system safety
• Mindset and personal agency

We also reframe New Year’s resolutions by shifting the focus from vague goals to sustainable habits, explaining how habits shape our current health and how intentional habit changes can create lasting transformation. You’ll hear why healing is rarely linear, why brain-based care requires a different way of thinking than traditional medicine, and how aligning the right supports in the right order can help collapse the timeline of healing.

As we close this season, we leave you with a simple but powerful reminder: your brain and body are capable of change. Healing accelerates when you believe it is possible and when you partner with your body instead of fighting it.

We end this episode with a reflection on Auld Lang Syne, honoring the past while stepping forward with hope, gratitude, and renewed intention.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the Lighting the Way series. If these conversations have resonated with you, we invite you to revisit them, share them with someone you love, and carry this message of hope into the year ahead.

Wishing you a healthy, grounded, and hopeful 2026.
— Dr. Michael & May Bagnell, IHP

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In this enlightening episode of the Neuro Collective Podcast, hosts Dr. Michael and May Bagnell,IHP dive deep into the critical role of sensory integration in understanding ADHD, autism, and anxiety. They highlight how these challenges often stem from the way our brains process sensory information, rather than mere behavioral issues. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how sensory overload can affect emotional regulation and attention, and why recognizing these signals is essential for fostering a supportive environment for both children and adults.

As the holiday season approaches, heightened sensory stimulation can lead to increased anxiety and overwhelm. The Bagnells provide practical strategies for managing sensory challenges at home, such as creating calming routines, using weighted blankets, and incorporating slow movements like Tai Chi. This episode is a must-listen for parents and individuals seeking clarity and hope as they navigate the complexities of sensory processing in daily life. Tune in to discover how understanding the sensory spark can transform your approach to brain health and emotional well-being.