PODCAST · society
Louisiana's Playground
by Visit Lake Charles
Louisiana’s Playground is a podcast about all there is to experience in Lake Charles. Join hosts Brady Renard and Jillian Corder as they share fresh perspectives from locals, businesses, and area experts about the best-kept secrets of Southwest Louisiana. This podcast will give you all the tools you need to build your own personal Lake Charles itinerary. Louisiana’s Playground explores what it means to be bold and outspoken, yet laid back and homey. Tune in bi-weekly for a taste of all Southwest Louisiana has to offer; from authentic Louisiana dishes, luxurious resorts and spas, perfect party locations for adult and group trips, and endless ways to play all day. Live it up in Lake Charles and listen at visitlakecharles.org/podcast.
Episodes
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107: Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Guest Destyni Tran, the owner of Azalea Spa and Salon inside L’Auberge Casino Resort, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to make the case that self-care is maintenance, not luxury. She walks through what actually happens at a spa, why a massage does more than feel good, and...
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106: Chuck Fest Is Back to Make Lake Charles Strut Its Stuff
Guest Dave Evans, the chef behind Luna and Augustine and the founder of Chuck Fest, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana's Playground ahead of the free downtown festival returning Oct. 17. He traces Chuck Fest from a Luna block party in 2014 to a downtown-wide celebration that drew 15,000...
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105: The Great Southwest Louisiana Plate Lunch Draft
Guest Marcus Lawson, a home chef and competition cook, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana's Playground for a snake draft of the best plate lunches in Southwest Louisiana. The three of them each pick their spots across specific weekdays, a Louisiana dish, and one free-for-all, landing on…
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104: 100 Years of Live Theater in Lake Charles
Guests Brett Downer and Heather Partin, two longtime Lake Charles Little Theatre board members, join hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana's Playground to mark the theater's 100th anniversary season. They trace the company's origins to founder Rosa Hart, who wrote to Hollywood stars and once…
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103: Robin Barnes and Rusty Metoyer on What Connects Louisianians
Lake Charles native Rusty Metoyer and New Orleans singer Robin Barnes connect Southeast and Southwest Louisiana through music, food and family history in this episode of Louisiana's Playground. Robin Barnes' Louisiana Love album and Discovering Home video series bring the two artists together to...
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102: Inside the Brewhouse at Crying Eagle
Guest Ryan O'Donnell, the brewmaster and executive director of brewery operations at Crying Eagle Brewing, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana's Playground to talk through the science and the art behind more than 600 beers, from a pickle sour to a Munich Dunkel finished with local honey.…
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101: The Today Show Gave Us 30 Seconds. We Are Taking 30 Minutes.
Guest Devan Corbello, the Director of Public Relations at Visit Lake Charles, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana's Playground to break down how Lake Charles landed a Today Show shout-out as an affordable alternative to Las Vegas, and what the "Vegas dupe" label gets right and misses. The...
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100: 100 Reasons to Love Lake Charles
Hosts Brady and Jillian mark 100 episodes of Louisiana's Playground with a countdown of the 100 things they love most about Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana, sorted into everything from the food that started it all to the natural beauty most people drive past. Guest Kyle Edmiston, the...
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99: Made in SWLA, Built for America
Guest Matthew Lundmark, the founder of Lundmark Creative, a Lake Charles-based video production and marketing company, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to go behind the scenes on Visit Lake Charles’ most recent video series, Made in SWLA, Built for America. The series’...
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98: Why Lake Charles Should Be on Every Bride's Radar
Guest Sara Lasher, Owner and Lead Planner at Sara Lasher Weddings and Events, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to make the case for Lake Charles as a premier wedding destination. From live oak canopies and lakefront sunsets to historic venues and Cajun catering that stuns...
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97: Be You, Be Proud, Be Festive in Lake Charles
Guest Dawn Wheat, the organizer for SWLA Pride Fest, joins host Brady and guest co-host Devan on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the upcoming SWLA Pride Fest celebration. The all-day festival is packed with activities celebrating freedom, authenticity, and culture. Find more information on…
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96: Juneteenth is for Everyone in Southwest Louisiana
Guest Dianna Ross, Executive Director of the Voices of Freedom Collective Foundation, join hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the foundation’s upcoming seven-day Juneteenth festival as well as her goal of uniting and uplifting the Lake Charles community. Find more...
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95: You’re Missing This Side of Lake Charles
Guest Madison Yates, the Destination Services Specialist at Visit Lake Charles, joins host Brady and guest host Candy on Louisiana’s Playground to dive into the side of Lake Charles most people don’t talk about. From small shops and dive bars to gas station eats and roadside crabbing, they’re...
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94: Enjoy an Accessible Adventure with Self Fish Dreams
Guest Paula Michalko, the owner/president of Self Fish Dreams, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to share the story behind her organization and the impact it’s making in Southwest Louisiana. Focused on creating meaningful, accessible moments on the water, Self Fish Dreams...
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93: Free, Cheap, and Worth It in Louisiana’s Playground
Guest Toni Chapman, the Digital Content Manager at Visit Lake Charles, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to find out how to do Lake Charles on a Budget! The trio discusses practical ways to mix free stops, affordable eats, and a few worthwhile splurges into your Southwest...
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92: Glamping on the Bayou
Guests Jerry “Sarge” Antoine and Ebony Broussard, the co-owners of Bayou Glamping, join hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss how Bayou Glamping helps bridge the gap for those who want to connect with nature without leaving behind household comforts. Find more information…
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91: Southwest Louisiana is a birding haven
Guest James Smithers, a local birding guide with American Birding Guides, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss Southwest Louisiana’s impressive birding scene that boasts over 400 different species due to unique migration paths. The trio talks about the birding…
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90: Meet Your Wine Tour Guide
Guest Ryan Kennedy, Wine Director and Sommelier at Bodega Wine Dive, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the upcoming Louisiana Food and Wine Festival. The date has changed, but the vibes will remain the same! The trio also talks plenty of wine and how to demystify…
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89: Where Champions are Crowned
Guest Eric Zartler, the Executive Director of Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the impact of sports on the Southwest Louisiana economy and tourism. Over the next seven weeks, 10 championship events (ranging from Gymnastics...
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88: Celebrate Mardi Gras at the Iowa Chicken Run
Guest Rodney Victorian, the captain of the Iowa Chicken Run, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the town’s old-school Mardi Gras tradition. From chasing down chickens and dancing in Iowa yards, to winding down and eating gumbo at the after-party, it’s a Mardi Gras...
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SPECIAL EPISODE: Conferences, Planning and Partnerships
Guest Tammy Grant, the President of the Louisiana chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, joins host Brady and guest host Emily on a special episode Louisiana’s Playground to discuss why Lake Charles is the perfect place for your group to host its next conference, meeting or...
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87: Pujo St. Cafe and Chuck Eats Restaurant Week
Guest Zachary Aymond, the head chef at Pujo Street Cafe, joins host Brady and guest host Candy on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the culinary scene in Southwest Louisiana. The conversation begins with influences and the experience at Pujo Street Cafe and wraps up with Chuck Eats Resturant Week...
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86: Louisiana Playground's Best of 2025 Awards
Hosts Brady and Jillian wrap up the year with a special Best of 2025 episode of Louisiana’s Playground. They look back on the people, places, experiences, and stories that defined 2025 through the lens of the podcast. From standout moments and new experiences to hidden gems and family-friendly...
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85: 2026 is Lake Charles' Year
Guest Kyle Edmiston, the President/CEO of Visit Lake Charles, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss what is upcoming in 2026 for Lake Charles and all of Southwest Louisiana. From exciting new projects like the Mardi Gras Museum to thrilling championship sporting…
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84: Holiday Shopping in Southwest Louisiana
Guest Brandi Smith, joins host Brady and guest host Candy Rodriguez on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the many local shopping options during Christmas time here in Southwest Louisiana. The trio discusses options ranging from downtown Lake Charles to Sulphur and the surrounding areas. Find more...
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83: Shop the Cottage Co-Op in Sulphur
Guest Paula Taylor, the manager for the Cottage Co-op shop in Sulphur, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the co-op’s many offerings to the Sulphur Cultural District. From health and wellness to a clothing boutique and gift store, chances are there is something…
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82: Building Downtown, One (Bux Kajun) Korner at a Time
Guest Melissa Buxton, the owner of Bux Kajun Korner Market, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the store’s eclectic offerings from artisan goods to lunch plates. The trio also breaks down why having a downtown mindset is crucial for a growing city’s identity. Find...
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81: Accessible Outdoor Adventures
Guest Kailey Newcity, an ambassador for FARA and board member for Families for Inclusion, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss accessible opportunities in Southwest Louisiana and the great outdoor activities that are truly inclusive. Find more information on where to...
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80: Crying Eagle is an anchor on the lakefront
Guest Eric Avery, the President and Founder of Crying Eagle Brewing Company, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the highly anticipated opening of Crying Eagle’s lakefront location. The picturesque restaurant will serve as an anchor for future lakefront developments...
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79: The Lost Hollows Haunted Trail
Guest Cynthia Eagle, the owner of The Lost Hollows Haunted Attraction, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the haunted trail as they prepare for their 12th year bringing the screams during spooky season. Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and…
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78: Family Fun in Lake Charles
Guest Mike Castille, the Director of Community Services for the City of Lake Charles, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss Lake Charles’ family-first focus on developing Lake Charles’ programming. From city-planned events and parks to nature-filled recreation, there…
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77: Louisiana Tourism’s Big Week in Lake Charles
Guest Chris Landry, the president and CEO of the Louisiana Travel Association, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss LTA’s impact on Louisiana’s tourism scene, including their annual event, the Louisiana Travel Summit, which is hosted in Lake Charles this year. Find...
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76: Imperial Calcasieu Museum: Where art and history collide
Guest Ashley Royer, the Creative Director of the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss ICM’s many cultural offerings and scheduled events. From rotating art shows to history exhibits that range from fascinating to spooky, there is always...
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SPECIAL EPISODE: 2025 Fall Festivals and Events
In Southwest Louisiana, we like to celebrate, well, everything! The fall season is packed with festivals and events and the Louisiana’s Playground podcast is here to give you a rundown of what to expect from Lake Charles’ biggest celebrations over the next few months. Brady and Jillian discuss…
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75: Find your outdoor adventure at Grosse Savanne Lodge
Guest Doug Miller, the Director of Operations and Development / Wildlife Biologist at Grosse Savanne Lodge, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the numerous outdoor offerings at Grosse Savanne Lodge. From guided fishing and hunting trips to eco-tours with luxurious...
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74: Westlake is Winning
Guest Hal McMillin, the Mayor of the City of Westlake, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss Westlake’s rise as a hidden gem in Southwest Louisiana. The city’s focus on quality-of-life improvements for residents and visitors has the city bustling with recreational...
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73: There's a beach for that
Guest Kathryn Shea Duncan, the Senior Director of Social Media/Communications at Visit Lake Charles, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to beaches in Southwest Louisiana. From scenic and tranquil natural beaches in Cameron Parish to man-made resort beaches at our casino...
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72: The Story Behind the Viral Win: L'Auberge, Josh & Jase
Guest Bobby Thornton, the VP of Marketing at L’Auberge Lake Charles, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to celebrate L’Auberge’s 20th Anniversary as well as the casino resort’s major PR win in May with UK influencers Jase and Josh. In addition, the trio discusses why its...
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71: Make a splash at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
Guest Sean Vidrine, the CEO at Four Points RV Resorts, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the many ways families can play at the new Yogi Bear Jellystone Park! Offering activities like swimming, arts and crafts, and a variety of games, there's fun for the whole...
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70: The Voice of the Gumbeaux Gators
Guest Bryce Boudreaux, the on-field host for the Gumbeaux Gators, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss all things Gumbeaux Gators baseball! The trio touches on the first season’s success, how Bryce hypes up the crowds and why you need to be in the stands this summer…
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69: Mt. Rushmore of Lake Charles Must Dos
Guest Toni Chapman, the Digital Content Manager at Visit Lake Charles, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to spotlight the must do experiences while in Lake Charles. The trio creates their own Mt. Rushmore of Lake Charles must dos in this fun episode! Find more information on...
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68: Biking Through the Lake
Guest Donnie Glyenn, the owner/operator of Biking Through the Lake, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss seeing Lake Charles from the seat of a bicycle. With Biking Through the Lake, Glyenn takes locals and visitors throughout downtown, showing off our sights, sounds...
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67: Connect with Nature & Science at Port Wonder
Guest Jeff Bayer, the Biologist Supervisor for the LDFW Nature and Science Center at Port Wonder, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to continue discussing what Port Wonder is bringing to the Southwest Louisiana community. The trio talks about the Nature and Science Center…
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66: Be Amazed at Port Wonder
Guest Allyson Montgomery, the Executive Director for The Children’s Museum at Port Wonder, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground for one of the podcast's most anticipated episodes. The trio discusses the completion and soon-to-be grand opening of Port Wonder on the lakefront!…
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65: Satisfying your sweet tooth
Hosts Brady and Jillian fly solo on Louisiana’s Playground this episode as they uncover some of the best places to satisfy sugar cravings, from classic indulgences to hidden gems. Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. Stop…
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64: Feel like a kid again at Game2Life
Guest Judson McCord, the owner/operator of Game2Life joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss how Game2Life aims to make adults feel like kids again. From premier laser tag to axe throwing and pickleball, Game2Life aims to be Lake Charles’ playground. Find more…
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63: The Pageantry of Mardi Gras
Guest Jana Meaux, a Mardi Gras Costume Designer joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the pageantry of the Mardi Gras season! The extravagant and shimmering costumes worn by the Krewe’s royalty are hand-made by local designers like Meaux. Hear her story and how she...
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62: Pinch me, it's finally crawfish season
Guest Todd Fontenot, a crawfish extension agent with the LSU AgCenter, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss crawfish in all its glory! The trio discusses the Louisiana delicacy from how it’s farmed to some of the best ways to consume them while in the boot! Find more...
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61: Find your sole mates with Run 337
Guest Jason Breaux of Run 337, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the running group's mission and perks of running with friends! Whether you live in SWLA or are just visiting, the walk/run group is always looking for new running partners to explore Lake Charles…
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60: Chuck Eats Restaurant Week is upon us
Guest Candy Rodriguez, the Director of Communications at Visit Lake Charles, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss Chuck Eats Restaurant Week. The 10-day foodie event is coming up soon and the trio dive into its purpose, who is involved and some pro tips on how best…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Louisiana’s Playground is a podcast about all there is to experience in Lake Charles. Join hosts Brady Renard and Jillian Corder as they share fresh perspectives from locals, businesses, and area experts about the best-kept secrets of Southwest Louisiana. This podcast will give you all the tools you need to build your own personal Lake Charles itinerary. Louisiana’s Playground explores what it means to be bold and outspoken, yet laid back and homey. Tune in bi-weekly for a taste of all Southwest Louisiana has to offer; from authentic Louisiana dishes, luxurious resorts and spas, perfect party locations for adult and group trips, and endless ways to play all day.
Live it up in Lake Charles and listen at visitlakecharles.org/podcast.
HOSTED BY
Visit Lake Charles
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Louisiana's Playground have?
Louisiana's Playground currently has 117 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Louisiana's Playground about?
Louisiana’s Playground is a podcast about all there is to experience in Lake Charles. Join hosts Brady Renard and Jillian Corder as they share fresh perspectives from locals, businesses, and area experts about the best-kept secrets of Southwest Louisiana. This podcast will give you all the tools...
How often does Louisiana's Playground release new episodes?
Louisiana's Playground publishes regularly with 117 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Louisiana's Playground?
You can listen to Louisiana's Playground on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Louisiana's Playground?
Louisiana's Playground is created and hosted by Visit Lake Charles.
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