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 4-Rewiring the Holidays: How Neuroplasticity Works & Why Your Brain is Never Stuck-Episode 138
How Neuroplasticity Works & Why Your Brain Is Never Stuck
In this powerful December episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell continue the Lighting the Way series with one of the most hope-filled discoveries in modern neuroscience: your brain is never stuck.
This conversation explores how neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire, reorganize, and strengthen new connections—can transform the way you experience the holidays, your health, and the year ahead.
✨ What you’ll discover in this episode:
- Why neuroplasticity is the foundation for healing from stress, trauma, ADHD, anxiety, concussion, and emotional patterns
- How the brain continues to change at any age—30, 60, even 80+
- The powerful role of movement, sensory input, and timing systems in supporting brain health
- Why frustration + novelty are actually signs your brain is growing
- How gratitude, rest, and intentional pauses can rewire the brain for calm, clarity, and resilience
- The difference between what’s considered “normal” aging and what’s truly natural
- How stress, cortisol, and blood sugar imbalance can limit neuroplastic potential
- Why the holidays are a critical window for shaping what your brain wires itself for next
🧠 Dr. Michael breaks down the science with vivid metaphors—neurons like branching trees, pruning what no longer serves so stronger connections can grow—while May highlights the emotional side of neuroplasticity, including belief systems, mindset, and “truth implants” that reshape how we live.
You’ll also hear real-life examples of neuroplasticity in action—from learning a new language to returning to piano decades later—and why pairing light movement before learning can dramatically improve results.
💡 Key takeaway:
Your brain is always rewiring.
The question is—what is it being rewired for?
As you move through a season of both overstimulation and reflection, this episode invites you to pause, choose intention, and step into the new year with agency, hope, and clarity.
👉 You don’t have to wait until January.
👉 You don’t have to stay stuck.
👉 You can heal. And we can help.
🎧 Tune in and let this episode help you rewire the holidays—and your future.