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 upcoming fall events on this special episode of the podcast.    Learn more about upcoming events...

Hosts Brady and Jillian preview the second annual Louisiana Food & Wine Festival on Louisiana's Playground. Together, they reflect on last year and give you tips on how to maximize your time at the festival.  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org . Make a stop at Maplewood Burgers for stuffed burgers, breakfast, chicken s...

Guest Timothy Bush, the Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Lake Charles, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to participate in the show’s first-ever weekend draft. The trio will take turns picking activities and restaurants to enjoy in their ideal Southwest Louisiana fall weekend.  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLake...

Guest Dr. Neil Aspinwall, the Chancellor of SOWELA Technical Community College, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss SOWELA’s impact in the Lake Area and how they contribute to local businesses. Find out why SOWELA is, ‘Not your granddaddy’s old trade school anymore.’   Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLake...

Guest Glenn Daigle, the owner/operator of Rabideaux's Sausage Kitchen, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the delicious world of boudin. Daigle touches on boudin's history, what's in it, the best ways to eat it, and so much more! Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org . Make a stop at In-Law's C...

Guest Bill Bolen, the owner/operator of Almosta Ranch, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the ranch and all that falls under their umbrella. From a petting zoo to carriage rides, Almosta Ranch will likely have something to make you smile!  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org .    Make a stop...

Guest Michael Gardner, the owner/operator of Pasta Lab, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss Pasta Lab, where the art and science of pasta making combine! The trio discusses the lab’s origins, the product offerings and the three types of classes offered!  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org . ...

Guest Beth Dawdy, the Executive Director of Lake Charles Symphony, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the orchestra’s impact on Southwest Louisiana. With monthly events and multiple big concerts per year, like the upcoming Summer Pops, she will prove to you that we all are orchestra people.  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening t...

Guest Sam Moore, the Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators General Manager, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the baseball team’s upcoming inaugural season. The trio discusses the team’s origins, promotional nights and plenty more about the newest team in the Texas Collegiate League.  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at...

Guest Jacob Guidry, a Lake Charles-based comic, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the comedy scene in the Lake Area. Between weekly shows and special events, Lake Charles Comedy always has something to tickle your funny bone.  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org .    Make a stop OB’s Bar &am...

Guest Cameron Fultz, the Executive Director of the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the Arts Council's role in making all of Southwest Louisiana a more enriching place to experience!  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org .    Stop by Rikenj...

Guest Kimberly Dellafosse, the Assistant City Manager for the City of Lake Charles, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss Lake Charles’ inclusion on Southern Living’s 2024 Best Cities On The Rise list. The trio discusses why the distinction should come as no surprise and what makes Southwest Louisiana such a special place to visit, live, work and play!  Find more infor...

Guest Lauren Olsen, the president of the This is Home Fest board, joins host Brady and guest host Kathryn Shea on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss Home Fest’s 4th annual celebration! The trio dives into the inspiration for the festival, what to expect and what could be next for one of Lake Charles’ premier music experiences.  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happeni...

In Southwest Louisiana, we know how to throw a party! The next few months see plenty of FREE music festivals rocking Lake Charles' lakefront and downtown. Join Brady and Jillian on a special edition of Louisiana's Playground for a rundown of must-attend events filled with music, food, and fun for the whole family! For more info on these events and others, as well as information on where to eat, lo...

Guest Tim Robles, the co-owner/general manager for Lake Area Adventures, a locally owned family event center in Lake Charles, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the many offerings LAA has for the family to take part in. From climbing walls and the airpark, to the restaurant, aquatic center and gamers lounge, there is something for everyone at Lake Area Adventures! ...

Guest Garrett Manuel, the co-owner and event coordinator for CYPHACON, Southwest Louisiana’s Premier Pop Culture Convention, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss CYPHACON’s many offerings as the event enters its 14th year. It’s a weekend filled with celebrities, musicians, vendors, video and board gaming, 120 hours of unique programming, fan groups, cosplay contest, c...

Southwest Louisiana’s Mardi Gras celebrations are nearly upon us as Brady and Jillian discuss all the upcoming events tied around Louisiana's most unique holiday on this special episode of Louisiana’s Playground. Events start on Feb. 8 and run through Mardi Gras Day on Feb. 13. Learn more about Mardi Gras and its schedule of events by visiting swlamardigras.com . Find more information on where to...

Guest Leo Colquitt, a member of the Krewe of Omega, a Mardi Gras Krewe in Lake Charles, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the Mardi Gras experience in Lake Charles from his Krewe’s perspective. Krewe of Omega is made up of members from the Rho Chi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and is the only Krewe in SWLA to hold its own parade. Colquitt highlights the parad...

Guest Gena Millslagle, the Captain of Krewe du Sauvage, a Mardi Gras Krewe in Lake Charles, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the Mardi Gras experience in Lake Charles from the Krewe’s perspective. She details Lake Charles traditions, the lavish Mardi Gras balls put on by the Krewes and what’s it like to prepare for a multi-hour parade.  Find more information on wh...

Chuck Eats Restaurant Week is nearly upon us and Brady and Jillian discuss all the deals, prix fixe menus and some of their favorite items you’ll see during the culinary celebration. On this special episode of Louisiana’s Playground, the duo dishes on all the local restaurants that are lending their local flavor to Chuck Eats from January 19-28.  Learn more about Chuck Eats Restaurant Week and the...

Guest Gus Garden, the owner of Area 337, a Latino restaurant in Lake Charles, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss his restaurant's re-opening following a devastating fire. Garden touches on his influences, his story and why he thinks the best is still yet to come for Lake Charles.  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend...

Guest Jordyn Kelley, the reigning Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival Queen, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss her experience as a festival queen in Louisiana as well as what one can experience at the “Oldest and Coldest” festival in the state.  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org .    Make...

Guest Kevin McCarthy, the Executive Chef at L’Auberge Casino Resort, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss L’Auberge’s numerous culinary offerings. The resort boasts eight restaurants ranging from casual fare to fine dining. The trio also touches on Southwest Louisiana’s unique food culture and the different experiences one can have on the casino property.    Find more...

Guest Neida Kaye Loup, the chair of the Holiday House joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss Christmas Under the Oaks, an annual Christmas festival in Sulphur. The celebration has lights, carriage rides, food, a carnival and live music acts. The scene is so picturesque, that you’ll swear you’re in a Hallmark movie.  Find more information on where to eat, things to do, a...

Guest Don Stevens, the Racetrack Announcer at Delta Downs in Vinton, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss Delta Downs’ numerous entertainment offerings from horse racing to the casino, sportsbook and dining options on property. This episode marks a new chapter for Louisiana's Playground as the podcast welcomes KPLC-TV Anchor and Assistant News Director Jillian Corder...