Louisiana's Playground

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’ creator delves into his most meaningful moments, the hardest shots to capture and the spirit behind the ser...

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 out-of-towners, Sara breaks down why couples do not have to leave Southwest Louisiana to have the weddin...

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 where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org .  Stop by Lazy K Me...

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 information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org .  Stop...

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 highlighting the experiences and habits that define how locals actually live, eat, and explore Southwest L...

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 provides unforgettable fishing experiences for those who need it most.  Find more information on where to...

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 Louisiana itinerary.   Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this wee...

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 on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org .  Stop by Kin...

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 process, some of the birds to look out for and the best times and locations to do so.  Find more information...

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 it so you can truly start enjoying wine!   Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and eve...

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 and wrestling to baseball and basketball) will prove that Lake Charles is where champions are crowned. ...

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 celebration you won’t forget.  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happenin...

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 convention.  Learn more about Visit Lake Charles’ Meeting Incentive Program at https://www.visitlakech...

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 and other projects VLC has planned in 2026.  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and...

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 favorites, this episode serves as a highlight reel of what made Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana such...

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 ha...

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...

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...

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....

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 S...

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...

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 au...

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.  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, a...

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.o...

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, a...