Louisiana's Playground

Louisiana's Playground

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

85: 2026 is Lake Charles' Year

December 17, 2025 • 50 mins
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 events, plenty is going on in the Chuck! 

Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend ...
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84: Holiday Shopping in Southwest Louisiana

December 3, 2025 • 38 mins
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 information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. 

Stop by Bu...
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83: Shop the Cottage Co-Op in Sulphur

November 19, 2025 • 30 mins
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 here to capture your interest. 

Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at Visit...
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82: Building Downtown, One (Bux Kajun) Korner at a Time

November 5, 2025 • 36 mins
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 more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. 

Stop b...
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81: Accessible Outdoor Adventures

October 22, 2025 • 39 mins
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 eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. 

Stop by Rabideaux’s Sausage Kitche...
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80: Crying Eagle is an anchor on the lakefront

October 8, 2025 • 40 mins
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 and is a must-try recommendation in Lake Charles. 

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79: The Lost Hollows Haunted Trail

September 24, 2025 • 43 mins
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 events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org.

Stop by Nogal Mexican Cuisine Bar for a taste of authenic Mexi...
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78: Family Fun in Lake Charles

September 10, 2025 • 32 mins
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 is always something to do for the whole family. 

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77: Louisiana Tourism’s Big Week in Lake Charles

August 27, 2025 • 37 mins
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 more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org.

Stop b...
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76: Imperial Calcasieu Museum: Where art and history collide

August 13, 2025 • 32 mins
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 something to see at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum. 

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SPECIAL EPISODE: 2025 Fall Festivals and Events

August 6, 2025 • 22 mins
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 all the 2025 fall events on this special episode of the podcast.   

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75: Find your outdoor adventure at Grosse Savanne Lodge

July 30, 2025 • 35 mins
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 accommodations, you’ll be in for a memorable experience at Grosse Savanne.
 
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74: Westlake is Winning

July 16, 2025 • 39 mins
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 amenities for the whole family.
 
Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at Vis...
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73: There's a beach for that

July 2, 2025 • 35 mins
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 properties, we can guarantee that in SWLA, there is a beach for you.
 
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72: The Story Behind the Viral Win: L'Auberge, Josh & Jase

June 18, 2025 • 33 mins
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 important during a casino stay to spend time out in the city as well, to get a taste of the culture and hospitality of Southwest Louisian...
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71: Make a splash at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

June 4, 2025 • 28 mins
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 family. 

Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org.
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70: The Voice of the Gumbeaux Gators

May 21, 2025 • 39 mins
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 to catch a game.
 
Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharle...
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69: Mt. Rushmore of Lake Charles Must Dos

May 7, 2025 • 39 mins
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 where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org.

Stop by FatBoyz Kitc...
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68: Biking Through the Lake

April 23, 2025 • 37 mins
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 and history through a fun and engaging excursion.   
 
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67: Connect with Nature & Science at Port Wonder

April 9, 2025 • 34 mins
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 and how it will lead to a new generation of children interested in science!
 
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