Louisiana's Playground

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 S...

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.   Find more information on w...

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 happenin...

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,...

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 hos...

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 VisitLa...

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 weeke...

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 F...

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 t...

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!   Find more information on wh...

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...

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 Ren...

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...

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 hap...

Guest Todd Fontenot, a crawfish extension agent with the LSU AgCenter, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss crawfish in all its glory! The trio discusses the Louisiana delicacy from how it’s farmed to some of the best ways to consume them while in the boot!   Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org...

Guest Jason Breaux of Run 337, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the running group's mission and perks of running with friends! Whether you live in SWLA or are just visiting, the walk/run group is always looking for new running partners to explore Lake Charles with.   Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLak...

Guest Candy Rodriguez, the Director of Communications at Visit Lake Charles, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss Chuck Eats Restaurant Week. The 10-day foodie event is coming up soon and the trio dive into its purpose, who is involved and some pro tips on how best to maximize your culinary adventure!   Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events h...

Guest Emily Gordanier, the Sales & Marketing Manager at the Lake Charles Event Center joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the jammed-packed 2025 events calendar at the Event Center! The podcast also touches on the upcoming changes to the property that will expand Lake Charles’ entertainment options in the future.  Find more information on where to eat, things to...

Guest Mike Buckley, the VP & AGM at Golden Nugget Lake Charles joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the Nugget’s 10th anniversary in Lake Charles. The trio discuss the casino resort’s beginnings and upcoming promotions and fun to be had!    Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org .    Stop by D...

Guests Grant and Eloise Kelly, the stars of Say Yes to the Venue, join host Brady Renard on Louisiana’s Playground to revisit the YouTube show and discuss how their Lake Charles wedding exceeded their expectations.  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org .    Stop by Dairy Barn in Sulphur for a classic diner burger or poboy. J...

Guest Mathu Premaruban, a London-based communications consultant for Ruban Communication, joins hosts Brady and Jillian at Louisiana’s Playground to discuss Lake Charles’ appeal as an international destination. The trio discusses Lake Charles’ many offerings from the food to the culture and people.  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLake...

Guest Will Wade, the men’s basketball coach at McNeese State University joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the red-hot Cowboys as they enter a brand-new season. Coming off an NCAA Tournament appearance, McNeese looks poised to return to the big dance. The trio discusses nicknames, the upcoming schedule and how McNeese aims to build upon their 30-win season.  Find mo...

Guests Marcus Bebee and Amanda Yellot of Spirit Guides LC, join hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss paranormal investigations in Lake Charles just in time for Halloween! The conversation has many twists and turns from paranormal experiences to philosophical and theoretical discussions!  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend...

Guest Justin Browning, the McNeese State rodeo coach, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the wonderful world of rodeo! Southwest Louisiana’s ties to rodeo run deep and Browning guides us through the Pokes’ successful runs and goals as a program.  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org .    Stop...

Guest Payton Dodds, the Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Lake Charles, joins host Brady Renard on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss Historic City Hall’s impact on the art scene in Southwest Louisiana! Historic City Hall is a gem for art enthusiasts in downtown Lake Charles, from the architecture to the rotating exhibits.  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events...