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

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. 

Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happenin...
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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. 

Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening t...
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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.   

Learn more about upcoming events in Southwest Louisiana by...
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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.
 
For more information on where to eat, things to do, and ev...
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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.   
 
Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happe...
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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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66: Be Amazed at Port Wonder

March 26, 2025 • 50 mins
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! Port Wonder will house both the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana and a Nature and Science Center run by the Louisiana Departmen...
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65: Satisfying your sweet tooth

March 12, 2025 • 28 mins
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 by The Bekery for an unforgettable French-inspired café experience! 

Keep up with hosts Brady Renard o...
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64: Feel like a kid again at Game2Life

February 26, 2025 • 39 mins
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 information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. 
 
Stop by Victoria's...
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63: The Pageantry of Mardi Gras

February 12, 2025 • 31 mins
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 crafts these wearable works of art!
 
Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend a...
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