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In this episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell take you back to “Brain School” to explore a topic every parent should understand how blood sugar impacts focus, mood, and learning.

Ever wonder why your child starts the day happy and focused, only to hit a mid-morning slump or have an afternoon meltdown? The answer might not be “just a bad day” it could be blood sugar fluctuations at work.

You’ll learn:

• Why glucose is the brain’s premium fuel and how to keep it steady
• The science behind sugar spikes, crashes, and “hangry” moments
• Smart, practical swaps for breakfast, lunch, and after-school snacks
• How to create “brain fuel” habits that stick for both kids and parents

With actionable tips like building savory breakfasts, packing upgraded lunchboxes, and running your own “Focus Fuel Challenge” at home, you’ll be ready to help your child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Fuel the brain. Boost the focus. Transform the day.

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Why does your child have meltdowns after school or struggle to focus before lunch? In this episode of our Back to School series, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell dive into the glucose–brain connection every parent should know.

You’ll discover:

• Why glucose is the fuel your child’s brain needs for focus, memory, and emotional regulation
• How blood sugar imbalances trigger meltdowns, “hangry” moments, and attention problems
• The brain structures that manage energy needs — and what happens when they’re thrown off
• Long-term effects of poor blood sugar regulation, from learning struggles to potential cognitive decline
• Practical mindset shifts for parents to “fight for” their child’s brain health without making food battles stressful

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, or just curious about brain health, this episode blends science and real-life application to help you make smarter choices for sustained focus and emotional balance — for kids and adults.

🎧 Listen now and start fueling your brain for success.

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In this rapid-fire coaching session, Dr. Michael sits down with Coach May Bagnell to tackle real questions from listeners—without giving her a sneak peek. From navigating a child’s ADHD and video game obsession, to supporting a spouse with dementia, to managing life after a partner’s stroke while raising teens, Coach May shares practical, compassionate strategies for some of life’s most demanding seasons.

Discover why understanding the brain’s patterns can transform parenting, how “training for calm” can be a game-changer for caregivers, and why creating margin in your day isn’t a luxury it’s a necessity. Whether you’re juggling family responsibilities, caring for a loved one, or simply feeling the weight of daily stress, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and tools you can use right now.

You’ll Learn:

• How to shift your perspective when your child gravitates toward screen time
• Practical ways to set healthy boundaries and create a calmer home
• Why caregivers must prioritize their own health and mindset
• Simple “training for calm” practices that fit into even the busiest schedules

Your challenges don’t have to define you—let’s navigate them together.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.