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
The Hidden Brain Patterns Behind Migraines (And How to Change Them) with Dr. Harcourt-Epsiode 163
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In this powerful episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell, IHP sit down with Dr. Adam Harcourt to challenge the way we think about migraines. Instead of viewing migraines as “just headaches,” this conversation reframes them as a brain-based neurological condition rooted in genetics, brain function, and nervous system regulation. Dr. Harcourt introduces a compelling concept—the “bucket theory”—explaining how stressors like hormones, environment, and lifestyle can “fill the bucket,” triggering symptoms when the brain can no longer compensate. But here’s the breakthrough: the size of that bucket can change, and with the right approach, it can be expanded.
Diving deeper into functional neurology, this episode highlights how identifying the specific areas of dysfunction in the brain and brainstem is key to effective treatment. From eye movement testing and vergence issues to midbrain involvement, the discussion reveals how subtle neurological imbalances can drive chronic migraines. Even more eye-opening is the distinction between migraine and other conditions like post-traumatic headaches or concussions, emphasizing why proper diagnosis is critical. As Dr. Harcourt explains, treating symptoms alone isn’t enough—you must understand the “why behind the what” to truly help patients heal.
What makes this episode transformational is its focus on customized, brain-based care. Whether it’s vagal nerve stimulation, targeted chiropractic adjustments, neuromodulation techniques like insufflation, or lifestyle and hormonal optimization, the key is combining the right strategies for the right person. This isn’t about a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s about building a collaborative, multi-modal approach that strengthens the brain and restores function. If you or someone you love struggles with migraines, this episode offers hope, clarity, and actionable insight—because when you understand the brain, you don’t just feel better… you can truly be better.