Podcast
Louisiana's Playground
Hosted by Visit Lake Charles · EN
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.
Live it up in Lake Charles and listen at visitlakecharles.org/podcast.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
96: Juneteenth is for Everyone in Southwest Louisiana
3w ago00:39:34Tap to summarizeGuest 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 information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. Stop by Honey B Ham & Deli for deli favorites, specialty ham offerings, and seasonal boiled crawfish that bring a Southwest Louisiana staple to the menu. Keep up with hosts Brady Renard on Twitter, @RenardSports and Jillian Corder on Facebook, @JillianCorderKPLC.
Transcribe →95: You’re Missing This Side of Lake Charles
May 600:43:26Tap to summarizeGuest 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 highlighting the experiences and habits that define how locals actually live, eat, and explore Southwest Louisiana. This off-the-beaten-path episode focuses on the spots, traditions, and insider moves that have yet to have be mentioned on the podcast. Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. Stop by Lula’s Tamales for authentic tamales and traditional Mexican comfort dishes! Keep up with hosts Brady Renard on Twitter, @RenardSports and Jillian Corder on Facebook, @JillianCorderKPLC.
Transcribe →94: Enjoy an Accessible Adventure with Self Fish Dreams
Apr 2200:25:43Tap to summarizeGuest 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 provides unforgettable fishing experiences for those who need it most. Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. Stop by Citizen’s Choice for plate lunches and Southern comfort food known for hearty portions, quick service and rice & gravy! Keep up with hosts Brady Renard on Twitter, @RenardSports and Jillian Corder on Facebook, @JillianCorderKPLC.
Transcribe →93: Free, Cheap, and Worth It in Louisiana’s Playground
Apr 800:46:31Tap to summarizeGuest 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 Louisiana itinerary. Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. Stop by Habibis for a flavorful taste of Mediterranean cuisine like shawarma, gyros, hummus in a laid-back convenient location. Keep up with hosts Brady Renard on Twitter, @RenardSports and Jillian Corder on Facebook, @JillianCorderKPLC.
Transcribe →92: Glamping on the Bayou
Mar 2500:34:13Tap to summarizeGuests 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 on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. Stop by King’s Burgers & More for a nostalgic burger-diner vibe and soft serve classics like shakes and malts. Keep up with hosts Brady Renard on Twitter, @RenardSports and Jillian Corder on Facebook, @JillianCorderKPLC.
Transcribe →91: Southwest Louisiana is a birding haven
Mar 1100:39:55Tap to summarizeGuest 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 process, some of the birds to look out for and the best times and locations to do so. Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. Stop by Mazen’s for a fine dining experience that blends Mediterranean flavors with French and Louisiana influences. Keep up with hosts Brady Renard on Twitter, @RenardSports and Jillian Corder on Facebook, @JillianCorderKPLC.
Transcribe →90: Meet Your Wine Tour Guide
Feb 2500:30:04Tap to summarizeGuest 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 it so you can truly start enjoying wine! Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. Stop by Creole Bar & Grill at DoubleTree in Sulphur for a laid-back meal with Cajun and Creole flavor, plus a full bar and live music most weekends. Keep up with hosts Brady Renard on Twitter, @RenardSports and Jillian Corder on Facebook, @JillianCorderKPLC.
Transcribe →89: Where Champions are Crowned
Feb 1100:41:31Tap to summarizeGuest 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 and wrestling to baseball and basketball) will prove that Lake Charles is where champions are crowned. Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. Stop by t'Pot Noir Cajun Kitchen for a taste of Southwest Louisiana food just like grandma makes. Keep up with hosts Brady Renard on Twitter, @RenardSports and Jillian Corder on Facebook, @JillianCorderKPLC.
Transcribe →88: Celebrate Mardi Gras at the Iowa Chicken Run
Jan 2800:26:24Tap to summarizeGuest 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 celebration you won’t forget. Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. Stop by Augustine for an elevated French-inspired take on Southern cuisine, where you’ll find beautifully crafted cocktails and sophisticated flavors tucked away in a stunningly restored historic setting. Keep up with hosts Brady Renard on Twitter, @RenardSports and Jillian Corder on Facebook, @JillianCorderKPLC.
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SPECIAL EPISODE: Conferences, Planning and Partnerships
Jan 2100:19:41Tap to summarizeGuest 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 convention. Learn more about Visit Lake Charles’ Meeting Incentive Program at https://www.visitlakecharles.org/meetings/incentive-program and pick up our meeting planners guide at https://www.visitlakecharles.org/meetings/meeting-planners-guide. Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org.
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