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.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
101: The Today Show Gave Us 30 Seconds. We Are Taking 30 Minutes.
2w ago00:33:48Tap to summarizeGuest 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 trio digs into the earned media strategy behind the segment, the southern hospitality that can't be faked, and everything Lake Charles offers that a quick TV mention never had time to cover.Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. Stop by Saltgrass Steakhouse inside Golden Nugget Lake Charles for an award-winning steakhouse serving Angus beef, seafood, and southern classics right off the casino floor. Keep up with hosts Brady Renard on Twitter, @RenardSports and Jillian Corder on Facebook, @JillianCorderKPLC.
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100: 100 Reasons to Love Lake Charles
4w ago00:45:59Tap to summarizeHosts 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 President/CEO of Visit Lake Charles, opens the episode to mark the show's move into a new multimedia studio and its first full video episode. The final entry on the list is the one that makes every other entry possible.Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. Stop by Tokyo on Nelson Road for an all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant serving sushi, hibachi, and the only hot pot between Houston and Lafayette. Keep up with hosts Brady Renard on Twitter, @RenardSports and Jillian Corder on Facebook, @JillianCorderKPLC.
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99: Made in SWLA, Built for America
Jul 100:39:39Tap to summarizeGuest 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’ creator delves into his most meaningful moments, the hardest shots to capture and the spirit behind the series that kept it moving forward. Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. Stop by Big E’s Kitchen in Sulphur to fill up on Louisiana-style home cooking with daily specials that change throughout the week. Keep up with hosts Brady Renard on Twitter, @RenardSports and Jillian Corder on Facebook, @JillianCorderKPLC.
Transcribe →98: Why Lake Charles Should Be on Every Bride's Radar
Jun 1700:47:36Tap to summarizeGuest 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 out-of-towners, Sara breaks down why couples do not have to leave Southwest Louisiana to have the wedding of their dreams. Whether you are a local bride or planning from out of state, Lake Charles has more to offer than most realize. Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. Stop by The Cajun's Wharf Grill & Bar for a taste of Southwest Louisiana flavors pair with a fun environment. Keep up with hosts Brady Renard on Twitter, @RenardSports and Jillian Corder on Facebook, @JillianCorderKPLC.
Transcribe →97: Be You, Be Proud, Be Festive in Lake Charles
Jun 300:26:34Tap to summarizeGuest 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 where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. Stop by Lazy K Meat Co for a Southwest Louisiana-style plate lunch or one of their many fresh creations like boudin, tasso, or their specialty, deer burritos. Keep up with hosts Brady Renard on Twitter, @RenardSports and Jillian Corder on Facebook, @JillianCorderKPLC.
Transcribe →96: Juneteenth is for Everyone in Southwest Louisiana
May 2000:39:34Tap 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.
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