In this inspiring episode of The Real Hernando Podcast, hosts Derrick Michaud and Lauren McLendon shine the spotlight on HYPE – Hernando Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs. Founded in 2023, HYPE’s mission is to empower and connect young professionals throughout the Hernando area, building a strong support network for growth and success. Guests Jonathan Hooker and Dr. Danton Dye join the show to share the organization’s origin story, the vision of the new board of directors, and how HYPE continues to provide meaningful value to its members. They discuss the power of in-person networking, leadership development, and what the future looks like for this dynamic organization shaping Hernando’s next generation of leaders.

The Real Hernando Podcast is presented to you by Wesley Meadows Retirement Community and SRP Studios Podcasting.

Also Sponsored In-Part:

Brandon Vanderburg with Shelter Insurance

Desoto Local

95.3 The Rebel

Angela Kidd Insurance

City Hall Cheesecake

Desoto Arts Council

Pok Cha’s Egg Rolls

Motivate with Coach Camp

Denise’s Happy Hounds

Tadpool Swim School

Big Note Music Lessons

For all channels and socials, go to http://TheRealHernando.com

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

In this heartwarming episode of The Real Hernando, hosts Derrick Michaud and Lauren McLendon dive into what it truly means to be a good villager — showing up, getting involved, and supporting the people and places that make Hernando special. They share stories, laughs, and inspiration while running through a lineup of exciting community events you won’t want to miss!

Upcoming Hernando Events:
🎬 Saturday, 10/25/2025 – 6:00 PM (Open for Seating) – Movie Night at Lee’s Summit Park
💡 Tuesday, 10/28/2025 – 5:30 PM–6:30 PM – Panola Street Lights Unveiling (Chamber)
🍸 Thursday, 10/30/2025 – HYPE Social at Fratello’s (Hernando’s Young Professional Entrepreneurs)
🇺🇸 Tuesday, 11/11/2025 – 10:00 AM – Hernando Veterans Parade
🏆 Tuesday, 11/18/2025 – 11:30 AM – Celebrate Hernando: Annual Awards Gala (Chip speaks at The Gin, 931 Nesbit Rd.)
🦃 Thursday, 11/20/2025 – 10:30 AM – Young at Heart Thanksgiving Luncheon (Gale Center)
🎄 Dickens of a Christmas Weekend (11/21–11/23/2025):
✨ Friday, 11/21 – 6:00–8:30 PM – Christmas Tree Lighting, Ice Skating & Movie (Chamber Event)
🎁 Saturday, 11/22 – 9:00 AM–5:00 PM – Dickens of a Christmas Festival
🏠 Sunday, 11/23 – 1:00–5:00 PM – Hernando Christmas Open House
🎅 Monday, 12/1/2025 – 6:30 PM – Hernando Christmas Parade

Derrick and Lauren remind listeners that being part of a community is more than just living in it—it’s about showing up, lending a hand, and celebrating together. Tune in to get inspired and mark your calendars for all the local fun ahead!

The Real Hernando Podcast is presented to you by Wesley Meadows Retirement Community and SRP Studios Podcasting.

Also Sponsored In-Part:

Brandon Vanderburg with Shelter Insurance

Desoto Local

95.3 The Rebel

Angela Kidd Insurance

City Hall Cheesecake

Desoto Arts Council

Pok Cha’s Egg Rolls

Motivate with Coach Camp

Denise’s Happy Hounds

Tadpool Swim School

Big Note Music Lessons

For all channels and socials, go to http://TheRealHernando.com

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

Today, we are spotlighting Cotillion Social. Their mission is to empower local youth through a transformative cotillion experience that fosters emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and respectful social interaction.

By blending traditional etiquette with modern social-emotional learning, they aim to cultivate confident, compassionate, and socially responsible young individuals who are prepared to thrive in diverse environments and form meaningful relationships.

www.cotillionsocial.com

The Real Hernando Podcast is presented to you by Wesley Meadows Retirement Community and SRP Studios Podcasting.

Also Sponsored In-Part:

Brandon Vanderburg with Shelter Insurance

Desoto Local

95.3 The Rebel

Angela Kidd Insurance

City Hall Cheesecake

Desoto Arts Council

Pok Cha’s Egg Rolls

Motivate with Coach Camp

Denise’s Happy Hounds

Tadpool Swim School

Big Note Music Lessons

For all channels and socials, go to http://TheRealHernando.com

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

On this special episode of The Real Hernando, hosts Derrick Michaud and Lauren McLendon flip the script and let listeners get to know them better. From their biggest historical influences to their favorite movies, pet peeves, and the most positive memories of 2025, Derrick and Lauren share personal insights and plenty of laughs. They also imagine the perfect day of showing off Hernando to a first-time visitor — highlighting the local spots they’d never skip.

The Real Hernando Podcast is presented to you by Wesley Meadows Retirement Community and SRP Studios Podcasting.

Also Sponsored In-Part:

Brandon Vanderburg with Shelter Insurance

Desoto Local

95.3 The Rebel

Angela Kidd Insurance

City Hall Cheesecake

Desoto Arts Council

Pok Cha’s Egg Rolls

Motivate with Coach Camp

Denise’s Happy Hounds

Tadpool Swim School

Big Note Music Lessons

For all channels and socials, go to http://TheRealHernando.com

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

On this episode of The Real Hernando, host Derrick Michaud opens up about why the podcast has been on pause, sharing his personal story of a pool accident that rendered a broken ankle and leg and the impact it’s had on his business and studio. He also makes a special announcement: Lauren McLendon will officially join as the new co-host moving forward. Together, Derrick and Lauren talk about what’s next for the show, their vision for future interviews, and how they’ll continue spotlighting the people and stories that make Hernando thrive.

Find at www.TheRealHernando.com

The Real Hernando Podcast is presented to you by Wesley Meadows Retirement Community and SRP Studios Podcasting.

Also Sponsored In-Part:

Brandon Vanderburg with Shelter Insurance

Desoto Local

95.3 The Rebel

Angela Kidd Insurance

City Hall Cheesecake

Desoto Arts Council

Pok Cha’s Egg Rolls

Motivate with Coach Camp

Denise’s Happy Hounds

Tadpool Swim School

Big Note Music Lessons

For all channels and socials, go to http://TheRealHernando.com

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

On this episode of The Real Hernando, host Derrick Michaud sits down with Lauren McLendon, Alderman At Large for Hernando, MS. Lauren shares her story of moving to Hernando, why she fell in love with the community, and how her career as Director of Operations for a large chemical company prepared her for public service. She opens up about her decision to run for office, her campaign journey, and the historic moment of becoming the first female Alderman At Large in the city’s history. Lauren also discusses her vision for Hernando, the statewide property reassessment, and why she believes lowering the millage rate is crucial for residents.

The Real Hernando Podcast is presented to you by Wesley Meadows Retirement Community and SRP Studios Podcasting.

Also Sponsored In-Part:

Brandon Vanderburg with Shelter Insurance

Desoto Local

95.3 The Rebel

Angela Kidd Insurance

City Hall Cheesecake

Desoto Arts Council

Pok Cha’s Egg Rolls

Motivate with Coach Camp

Denise’s Happy Hounds

Tadpool Swim School

Big Note Music Lessons

For all channels and socials, go to http://TheRealHernando.com

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

Today, we are spotlighting Emily Ridge and Elite Eye Care

DeSoto County’s best optometry clinic! Elite Eye Care sees patients of all ages! Annual comprehensive eye exams, medical exams including diabetic exams, glaucoma treatment, red eyes, emergencies, cataract evals, dry eye, the list goes on!

Some of Emily’s favorite exams are helping people into specialty contacts! Multifocal, sclerals, and ortho-myopia management lenses! Elite Eye Care is committed to providing excellent customer service and is available to meet all your eye care needs.

www.elite-eyecare.com

The Real Hernando Podcast is presented to you by Wesley Meadows Retirement Community and SRP Studios Podcasting.

Also Sponsored In-Part:

Brandon Vanderburg with Shelter Insurance

Desoto Local

95.3 The Rebel

Angela Kidd Insurance

City Hall Cheesecake

Desoto Arts Council

Pok Cha’s Egg Rolls

Motivate with Coach Camp

Denise’s Happy Hounds

Tadpool Swim School

Big Note Music Lessons

For all channels and socials, go to http://TheRealHernando.com

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

“Service is Our Mission; Community is Our Passion”

Today, we are spotlighting Jewels & Garret McDonald of Principle Toyota of Hernando

At Principle Toyota of Hernando, they have a family approach to business that's based on five fundamental guiding principles. They are proud to represent the Toyota brand, as it has a long-standing reputation for reliability and integrity. They work hard to reflect these same values throughout every aspect of their dealership.

Principle Toyota of Hernando’s mission statement is "we live to provide exceptional care". There purpose is to be a trusted, caring friend helping people move through life in a sustainable way.

http://principletoyotaofhernando.com

The Real Hernando Podcast is presented to you by Wesley Meadows Retirement Community and SRP Studios Podcasting.

Also Sponsored In-Part:

Brandon Vanderburg with Shelter Insurance

Desoto Local

95.3 The Rebel

Angela Kidd Insurance

City Hall Cheesecake

Desoto Arts Council

Pok Cha’s Egg Rolls

Motivate with Coach Camp

Denise’s Happy Hounds

Tadpool Swim School

Big Note Music Lessons

For all channels and socials, go to http://TheRealHernando.com

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

Today, we are spotlighting Vibe Nutrition & Side Street Nutrition

A hi-energy studios with that serves hi-protein, lo-carb, lo-cal meal replacement shakes. They also offer vitamin rich, less than 1g of sugar energizing loaded teas, & more!

https://www.facebook.com/vibenutritionhernando

https://www.facebook.com/sidestreetnutrition

The Real Hernando Podcast is presented to you by Wesley Meadows Retirement Community and SRP Studios Podcasting.

Also Sponsored In-Part:

Brandon Vanderburg with Shelter Insurance

Desoto Local

95.3 The Rebel

Angela Kidd Insurance

City Hall Cheesecake

Desoto Arts Council

Pok Cha’s Egg Rolls

Motivate with Coach Camp

Denise’s Happy Hounds

Tadpool Swim School

Big Note Music Lessons

For all channels and socials, go to http://TheRealHernando.com

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

Today, we are spotlighting Acceptance Counseling.

The weight of life’s struggles can make you feel stuck and overwhelmed, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Acceptance Counseling Services in Hernando and Oxford, MS, they understand how these issues can impact your well-being.

With over 20 years of experience, they are committed to offering you the support you need to navigate your mental health challenges. Acceptance Counseling believes everyone can heal and grow, and they’re here to empower you to do just that. Their services are designed to help you take control of your mental health and start making lasting changes today.

http://acsheals.com

140 E. Commerce Street

(662) 533-0220

The Real Hernando Podcast is presented to you by Wesley Meadows Retirement Community and SRP Studios Podcasting.

Also Sponsored In-Part:

Brandon Vanderburg with Shelter Insurance

Desoto Local

95.3 The Rebel

Angela Kidd Insurance

City Hall Cheesecake

Desoto Arts Council

Pok Cha’s Egg Rolls

Motivate with Coach Camp

Denise’s Happy Hounds

Tadpool Swim School

Big Note Music Lessons

For all channels and socials, go to http://TheRealHernando.com

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com