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In this weekend episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael sits down with May Bagnell to answer real questions from real listeners—and today, the coach is in.

They unpack three powerful and practical questions:

• What’s the real difference between coaching and therapy?
• Can coaching help with brain fog and burnout?
• How can coaching support parents, especially those raising kids with ADHD?

Whether you're an entrepreneur navigating overwhelm, a parent looking for clarity, or someone ready to shift from stuck to supported—this conversation offers insight, strategy, and encouragement.

May shares her personal and professional perspective on creating change through intentional action, designing 12-week wins, and learning to regulate your nervous system for deeper transformation.

You don’t have to wait to feel better, think clearer, or move forward.
You can heal—and we can help.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.
→ theneurocollectivepodcast.buzzsprout.com

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Welcome to a special weekend edition of the Neuro Collective Podcast—The Doctor is In! Think of this as your personal house call with Dr. Michael & May Bagnell, where we tackle the most common brain health questions from patients and listeners like you.

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most asked questions:
"How can I improve my memory—for myself and my kids?"

➡️ Learn how your brain's memory centers really work, why emotions play a huge role in memory retention, and why our modern tech habits may be quietly weakening our brains.
➡️ Get practical memory-boosting tips you can start today—from recalling phone numbers to retelling stories and treating every book like a course you’ll teach.
➡️ Discover how exercise—yes, even a brisk walk—can improve your brain’s memory functions and boost neurogenesis.

PLUS, we answer two more questions you won’t want to miss:

1. What are the best brain-boosting exercises for busy professionals (aka weekend warriors)?
2. Do video games actually benefit kids’ brains—or are they harming their mental health?

This candid episode covers everything from aerobic workouts and strength training to dopamine, video games, and screen time boundaries. We even share surprising research about how some "gamified" tools can actually train your brain in healthy ways.

Key Takeaways:
✔ How emotions help lock in memories
✔ Easy daily practices to sharpen recall
✔ The hidden danger of relying too much on your phone
✔ Simple exercises for brain performance and longevity
✔ How to create healthy screen habits for your kids
✔ Balancing fun with brain-friendly parenting

🎧 Whether you're a parent, professional, or simply someone who wants to think clearer, remember more, and age better—this episode is packed with science-backed strategies and real-life wisdom.

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Why do we make the choices we make? What if the answer lies deep in how our brains are wired for human needs?

In this Thoughtful Thursday episode of Neuro Collective, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell unpack how your six human needs—certainty, variety, significance, love & connection, growth, and contribution—shape not just your mindset, but your health, relationships, and healing potential.

From battling internal tug-of-wars between certainty and adventure, to understanding why we sabotage ourselves or stay "stuck," this conversation explores how unmet needs often drive stress, decision-making, and even recovery from chronic health challenges.

👉 Learn:
✔ How needs like certainty & variety can clash and create self-sabotage
✔ How childhood experiences wire your needs (and how to break free)
✔ Why being a "control freak" might just be a need for certainty in disguise
✔ How understanding your needs can unlock faster healing and emotional freedom
✔ Practical stories of clients who transformed their lives after realizing their needs

💡 Key Insight:
Transformation is always just a decision away—but first, you have to recognize what’s truly driving you.

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Have you ever driven somewhere and arrived without remembering the trip? That’s your default mode network (DMN) at work—your brain’s autopilot. But here’s the thing: that same brain network plays a HUGE role in your emotions, focus, trauma response, and even your sense of identity.

In this episode, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell take you deep into this fascinating part of the brain that works silently behind the scenes, shaping your thoughts, habits, and feelings—often without you even knowing it.

You’ll discover:

• Why you keep repeating the same thought loops
• How the default mode network relates to trauma, ADHD, and mood issues
• Ways to re-train your brain for calm, focus, and resilience
• Simple tools (from neurofeedback to meditation) to start shifting your brain TODAY
• How your brain’s autopilot shapes your sense of self and future goals

Whether you’re stuck in old patterns, parenting a teen with focus issues, or simply curious about boosting your brainpower—this episode gives you practical tools to change your brain for the better.

✅ It’s time to take charge of your brain’s behind-the-scenes programming.

👉 Listen now and discover how to train your brain’s default mode network—your personal gateway to transformation.

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Happy Independence Day to all our U.S. listeners—and a warm welcome to everyone tuning in around the world! In this special episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell dive into the powerful connection between freedom and health.

They explore what freedom truly means—not just as a national concept, but as a deeply personal journey. Together, they share inspiring patient stories of healing, restored hope, and reclaimed independence—from a bride regaining her health before her wedding, to remarkable recoveries from cognitive decline.

You'll hear:

• How brain health impacts freedom and daily life
• Why "agency"—the power to make your own choices—matters in healing
• How hope acts like a life raft during tough health challenges
• Real-life transformations that prove it’s never too late to regain freedom

Whether you’re seeking healing or simply reflecting on your own health journey, this episode will inspire you to prioritize your well-being and remind you that hope and freedom often go hand in hand.

What We Learned:

• Freedom isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, mental, and deeply personal.
• Hope can be a starting point for healing.
• Our health is the “only house we’ll ever live in”—it deserves attention.

Reflection Question:
What does freedom mean to you when it comes to your health?
Have you thought about what you’d love to regain or experience again?

This is a very heartfelt episode—perfect to remind us that we all deserve the freedom to live fully.

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Welcome back to The NeuroCollective Podcast with Dr. Michael and May Bagnell.
In this episode, we explore a powerful concept: how to stay calm in chaos—and more importantly, how to train your brain to respond, not react.

Have you ever snapped at a loved one and immediately regretted it?
You’re not alone. Today, we’re diving into the science behind those moments—and how your brain’s prefrontal cortex and amygdala work together (or against each other) during stress.

We break down:

• The neuroscience of emotional regulation
• How cortisol affects your thinking brain
• The difference between reaction and response
• Real-life examples of emotional mastery under pressure
• Practical tools like the Stroop Effect app, dual-tasking, and box breathing
• The importance of calm training for relationships, parenting, and mental clarity

You’ll also hear:

• Why chronic stress, poor sleep, and inflammation weaken your ability to think clearly
• How movement and breathwork help strengthen emotional control
• Why this matters deeply for high-performing couples, parents, and professionals

Takeaway:
Emotional control can be trained—just like physical strength. Start with one small practice today, like 5 minutes of box breathing or using the Stroop app during your walk.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with your partner, a friend, or someone navigating stress.
Together, you can build your emotional first-aid kit—and show up better for every relationship.

You can heal. We can help.

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What if the secret to a long, healthy life isn’t just what you do — but what you do together?

In this episode of The Neurocollective Podcast, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell explore the Longevity Love Equation — their personal formula for cultivating connection, boosting brain health, and aging with vitality as a couple. Whether it’s morning walks, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, shared workouts, or meal prep dance breaks, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how they live, love, and optimize — together.

You’ll learn:

• What being a true “power couple” really means
• How to create longevity-focused habits with your partner
• The brain benefits of shared movement, mindfulness, and nutrition
• Why brain-based retreats are changing the game for high-performing couples
• How personalized coaching and diagnostics help prevent decline and strengthen connection

This is more than a podcast — it’s a lifestyle roadmap for couples who want to thrive in mind, body, and relationship.

💡 It’s not just about living longer. It’s about living better — together.

Follow Us:
🌐 Website: bagnellbraincenter.com
📸 Instagram: @bagnell_brain_center
📘 Facebook: Bagnell Brain Center
💼 LinkedIn: Bagnell Brain Center on LinkedIn
🎧 Buzzsprout Podcast Hub: The Neurocollective Podcast

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Welcome back to The Neuro Collective Podcast with your host, May Bagnell.

In today’s heartfelt solo episode, May dives deep into a mindset shift we all need from time to time: What if you're not actually stuck... you're just stuck in your thinking?

Whether you’re navigating a tough career decision, feeling burnt out in a role you love, or facing long-term challenges with your health or relationships—this episode offers a powerful reframe: Stop waiting for things to get better. Start creating something better.

Through real coaching insights, personal stories, and practical strategies, May unpacks how overwhelm and emotional “tug-of-war” moments can cloud our direction. She offers a three-step focus strategy to help you:

• Recenter your thoughts,
• Rekindle appreciation,
• And regain emotional clarity about where you're headed and who you want to be.

You'll also hear a powerful metaphor involving a train, a reminder to course-correct before you go too far down the wrong track—plus a beautiful reflection on hope and why imagining possibilities is essential to healing and forward momentum.

✨ If you're craving clarity, inspiration, or just a small push to reset your week—this episode is your gentle reminder that you have agency, you have options, and you can feel stronger again.