The Boardroom Podcast

The boardroom podcast is a comprehensive review of local government in Hernando, MS and the surrounding areas. The show will feature a discussion by two sitting Hernando Alderman regarding issues in front of the board, interviews with local government leaders, and a questions and answer segment. The goal of this podcast is to provide information and perspective on the issues facing Hernando.

Point of Order, a Recap of the 9/16 Meeting

On this episode of the boardroom podcast, Ben and Chad discuss the alderman meeting from 9/16/2025. Featured agenda items include the public meeting on renaming a street in honor of Charlie Kirk, the approval of paving and street improvements for the next year, a new agreement between Desoto County and Hernando for the hosing of inmates, and a little more. Thanks for listening.

09-21
28:38

Hernando Budget

In this episode of The Boardroom Podcast, Ben and Chad break down the latest from Hernando’s Board of Alderman meetings held on August 17th and September 2nd. A big focus of the discussion is the newly approved Hernando city budget, passed at the September 2nd meeting. From key priorities and funding decisions to the challenges of balancing community needs with fiscal responsibility, Ben and Chad dive into what the budget means for Hernando residents and the city’s future.

09-05
47:05

Tax Levy and Leadership

On this episode of the boardroom podcast, Ben and Chad discuss the recent board of alderman meeting from August 5, 2025. The meeting includes a lengthy discussion on the tax levy for the City of Hernando and other highlights of the meeting.

08-09
38:21

Tax Assessor discusses property value reassessment and what it means for your property taxes

In this episode of The Boardroom Podcast, Ben and Chad sit down with DeSoto County Tax Assessor Jeff Fitch to unpack the state’s updated reassessment formula and what it means for your property taxes next year. Jeff explains the changes, why they matter, and how they could impact homeowners across the county. After the interview, Ben and Chad break down the July 15th Hernando Board of Aldermen meeting. Key topics include: Approval of the city’s paving list  New zoning ordinance changes aimed at restricting storage units and vape shops Drafting an ordinance to regulate the sale of Kratom within city limits   These discussions and more highlight important decisions shaping Hernando’s future. Tune in for insights, analysis, and straight talk on local government issues that affect you.

07-17
48:47

The Boardroom Podcast “Lawyers Up”

In this episode of The Boardroom Podcast, we dive into the first regular meeting of the new Hernando Board of Aldermen, held on July 1, 2025. Ben and Chad discuss the failed motions to add some items to agenda at the beginning of the meeting. The episode focuses on the crucial role of the City Attorney in municipal government, what the position entails, why it matters, and how legal counsel shapes city policy and protects the public interest. We explore how Hernando’s Department Heads came together, with appointments of key figures including the City Attorney, Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Municipal Court officials. You’ll also hear highlights of major actions taken: adopting updated policies like the purchasing procedures and why Ben and Chad voted no. Whether you’re a resident, a policy junkie, or just curious about how city government works behind the scenes, this episode offers an unfiltered look at municipal governance in action. Listen now as The Boardroom Podcast lawyers up and Hernando’s new board gets going. 

07-03
53:23

“A visit in Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood: A Podcast from the Pool House

In the laid back yet insightful episode of the The Boardroom Podcast, hosts Ben and Chad cool off in the pool house and break down everything you need to know from the June 17th, 2025, Hernando Board of Alderman meeting. From infrastructure updated to community development, they take a closer look at the big news, Tractor Supply Company is officially coming to the southeast corner of McIngvale and I-269 and share some thoughts on how it fits into Hernando’s broader growth strategy. Then, things get even more interesting as they welcome a special guest: Ward 3 Alderman Bruce Robinson. In a candid and reflective conversation, Alderman Robinson shares his experiences from the past four years on the board, what’s worked and what he believes still needs to be done. As he looks ahead to the next term, Bruce offers a grounded perspective on neighborhood issues, city growth, and his vision for keeping Hernando a great place to live, work, and raise a family.  Pull up a chair (of float) and join us for this episode packed with local politics, progress, and personality straight from Mr. Robinson’s neighborhood to yours.   

06-20
52:11

It’s Miller Time

In this special episode of The Boardroom, it’s Miller Time—and we mean that literally. Host Chad Wicker sits down with longtime public servant and current Hernando Alderman Andrew Miller for a candid conversation about the city’s past, present, and future. Alderman Miller, who has served Hernando in various roles since 1989, shares stories from his decades in local government, providing historical context for the city’s growth and development. From annexation to infrastructure, he offers a veteran’s perspective on what’s changed and what’s stayed the same. We also dive into what Alderman Miller believes are the biggest accomplishments of the past four years and what he hopes the next term will bring for Hernando—from improving services to planning for smart, responsible growth. If you’re interested in Hernando’s history or its direction moving forward, you won’t want to miss this one.

06-18
30:06

Board Meeting Breakdown & Looking Ahead with Natalie Lynch

In this episode of The Boardroom Podcast, hosts Ben and Chad are joined by fellow Hernando Alderman Natalie Lynch for a full breakdown of the June 3rd Board of Aldermen meeting. The trio covers several major developments, including the board’s approval of Kimley-Horn as the engineer for the highly anticipated $2 million splash pad project at Renasant Park. They also dive into an important conversation on the future of on-street parking in Hernando and touch on this summer’s street paving schedule. After the meeting recap, Natalie reflects on her first four years on the board—highlighting the progress made and lessons learned along the way. She also shares her goals and priorities heading into her next four-year term, offering insight into the city’s path forward. Whether you’re a Hernando resident or just interested in small-town governance done right, this episode offers a candid and informative look at local leadership in action.

06-12
41:54

New Voices in the boardroom

In this episode of The Boardroom Podcast, we sit down with newly elected Ward 5 Alderman Kit Kitchens and Alderman-at-Large Lauren McLendon. Join us as they share their perspectives on public service, priorities for their first term, and the future of city leadership. From infrastructure to community engagement, this conversation offers a candid look at the goals, challenges, and values driving the next generation of decision-makers at City Hall.

05-13
46:13

This week in Hernando: Run-off elections, apartments, warehouses, and more

On this addition of the Boardroom podcast Ben and chad discuss the most recent board of alderman meeting which includes discussion on the recent zoning approval of new PUD and the run off elections. 

04-22
32:08

90% Stay Silent, 10% Decide City Election

On this episode of The Boardroom, we’re breaking down the April 1st Board of Aldermen meeting and what it means for Hernando — but first, let’s talk numbers. Only 10% of eligible voters showed up to the polls in the recent city elections. That means 1 in 10 people decided the direction of our city while the rest stayed silent. We’ll dive into what happened at City Hall, what’s coming up this month in Hernando, and why staying on the sidelines has real consequences. If you care about where this city is headed, this is an episode you can’t afford to skip.

04-04
28:34

“Roundabouts, Road Rules, and Reckoning with HB 1”

In this episode of The Boardroom Podcast, the guys break down everything you need to know from the March 18th Hernando Board of Aldermen meeting. They dive into the plans for a new roundabout at the intersection of McIngvale and Green T Road, discuss the decision to lower the speed limit on McIngvale, and review the approved budget timeline for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-2026. Plus, they tackle the implications of House Bill 1 and what it could mean for the state moving forward. Tune in for insights, opinions, and plenty of local government talk!

03-26
49:04

Marching into Spring

In Episode 51 of "The Boardroom Podcast," we delve into the key discussions from the Hernando Board of Aldermen's meeting held on March 4, 2025. The agenda included the appointment of a new planning commissioner, a presentation by Gia Matheny on the Department of Community & Economic Operations, final approval for the overlay planned for McIngvale Road in front of the new high school, insights into the new State Senate redistricting plan, and updates on the roundabout planned for Green T and McIngvale. Join us as we unpack these developments and explore their implications for our community. 

03-11
35:26

Audits and Traffic court, the wonderful world of Municipal Government

The Boardroom Podcast – Breaking Down the 2/18/25 Hernando Board of Aldermen Meeting In this episode of The Boardroom, hosts Ben and Chad recap the February 18, 2025, Hernando Board of Aldermen meeting. They dive into key discussions, including the results of the 2022-2023 financial audit, updates from the Hernando Police Department, the latest on the city’s animal shelter, and changes coming to city court. Ben and Chad also break down major infrastructure projects, including the paving of McIngvale Road in front of the new Hernando High School and plans for a new roundabout at Green T and McIngvale. What do these projects mean for the city’s growth and traffic flow? Tune in for all the details and insights from your local leaders.

02-21
39:47

Let’s talk about education

In this episode, hosts Ben Piper and Chad Wicker break down the most recent Hernando Board of Aldermen meeting held on February 3, 2025. They discuss key decisions made by the board and how those decisions will impact residents and businesses in Hernando. The conversation then shifts to a potential Senate District redistricting plan, analyzing how it could reshape representation for Hernando and the broader DeSoto County area. The hosts discuss the political and logistical implications of redistricting and how it might affect local governance. For the bulk of the episode, Ben and Chad dive into a major topic of potential school choice legislation. They explore how this legislation could impact DeSoto County Schools, with a particular focus on the new Hernando High School. They examine potential funding shifts, enrollment changes, and how school choice policies could shape the future of public education in one of Mississippi’s fastest-growing counties. Tune in for an insightful discussion on local government, education policy, and what these changes could mean for Hernando residents.

02-07
38:42

Let’s talk about taxes

On the latest episode, Ben and Chad discuss the last couple of board of Alderman meetings, the tax cut by the state legislature, and other topics facing the city. Please check out this in depth discussion and give us your feedback.

01-23
51:05

The last episode of 2024

On the latest episode of The boardroom podcast, Ben and Chad discuss the 12-17-24 board of alderman meeting. Happy new year

12-31
28:43

Renasant Park Upgrades

Chad and Ben Dias’s the most recent hernando board of alderman meeting and spend most of the episode talking about the renasant park project.

12-07
30:02

“With Growth Comes Pain”

On the 45th episode of the boardroom podcast, Ben and Chad discuss the most recent Hernando Board of Alderman meeting and dig into the details of rezoning application for commercial development next to the New High School. 

11-21
40:16

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