The Real Hernando

Host Derrick welcomes Garvin Keen, a LegalShield associate (DreamScape Consulting), to spotlight how LegalShield provides affordable legal support and IDShield identity protection through a monthly membership that connects members to a dedicated law firm (William Anderson & Farrah for Mississippi and Alabama) with attorney callbacks typically within four hours. Garvin shares his personal motivation for helping people understand...

The Real Hernando podcast invited Brandon Gustafson and Gustafson Properties, a North Mississippi custom home builder with over 20 years of experience, Certified Graduate Builder designations, 100% Hardy Homes, and a 10-year structural warranty. Co-owner Brandon Gustafson discusses the company’s family roots, their Hernando, Monteith Ave office, and their expanding “one-stop” approach through relationships with architects, lenders,...

Derrick Michaud relaunches The Real Hernando 2.0 from a new downtown studio and welcomes back Denise McElhaney of Denise’s Happy Hounds for her third appearance. Denise recaps her luxury dog grooming and pet concierge services, her retail area “The Pampered Pik,” and highlights long-term trust-building success stories with difficult rescue dogs. She discusses winning DeSoto’s Best again, the need to expand into a larger space with ...

The Real Hernando podcast returns after a long pause caused by personal challenges in 2025, including a leg injury from a cannonball at Coach Camp’s pool, the end of Wesley Meadows’ three-year presenting sponsorship, and a studio transition from Big Note Music Lessons to a new location at 2375 Memphis Street behind Fratello’s near the square. The host, Derrick, explains the show’s origins with Robert Carter and how the podcast, lau...

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 st...

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 (O...

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 an...

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 loc...

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 fo...

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 ...

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 E...

“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 throughou...

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 Studio...

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 Counselin...

Today, we are spotlighting The Baker’s Corner: Gluten-free Café & Coffeehouse.

They are a dedicated gluten-free and celiac-safe Bakery and Coffee Shop near the Historic Hernando Square, MS, at 39 W Commerce Street.

Joining me is Owner, Leslie King

https://bio.site/thebakerscorner

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

Also Sponsored In-Part:

Brandon Vanderburg ...

Techtrain365 is all about bringing live, instructor-led training to teams and individuals, whether online or onsite. From mastering Excel shortcuts to navigating cybersecurity, they aim to make tech approachable and useful for everyone.

http://techtrain365.com

901-240-1912

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

Also Sponsored In-Part:

Brandon Vanderburg with Shelt...

Nestled among rolling hills and majestic trees, Blue Haze Farms is a charming, family-owned retreat. Located just 20 minutes from Memphis International Airport and the vibrant nightlife of Tunica, MS, their farm offers the perfect balance of accessibility and peaceful seclusion. Enjoy breathtaking starlit skies and the serene beauty of Blue Haze Lake, fully stocked for fishing enthusiasts.

Blue Haze Farms provides a picturesque esca...

Southern Community Foundation is a non-profit organization located in Hernando, Mississippi that provides assistance, community contributions, and events to benefit the children of Hernando.

Visit SouthernCommunityFoundation.org to get involved, stay updated on upcoming events, and explore scholarship opportunities for children with disabilities. To support their mission, click the Donate tab in the top right corner. Your generosity...

The Happy Hounds Pet Pantry supports local families with pets facing financial hardship or living on a fixed income.

They host fundraising events throughout the year, including a calendar contest that engages and involves the community.

Their first event is the Pet Pantry Palooza, April 5th, 2025 from 9-2. Located at 2008 Oak Tree Cove, Unit C, Hernando. It includes Vendors, Food Trucks, Live bands, Easter Egg Hunt, Horn Lake Animal ...