Part 1: The Functional Neurology Files: Memory, Trauma & Healing with Shawn Ryan- Episode 144

Send us Fan MailIn 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.For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com. You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!