Series: The Morning Scramble Podcast

Clare shows her true colors

Has it been a while since you’ve been to the salon? You are not alone! We want you to show your true colors..your hair color that is. Clare talks about the struggle of not knowing what to do with our hair during this pandemic.

The CDC and locally, Mercy Medical Center, are recommending the use of cloth masks when you leave your home to protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19. The Morning Scramble gets details on Mercy’s “Step up, Mask Up” initiative from Dr. Timothy Quinn.

Temperatures are in the 70’s and it could be a perfect opportunity to get outside. One of Eric’s favorite outdoor activities is firing up the fire pit. Clare is excited, too, but nervous about upsetting the neighbors. Is there any outdoor fire pit etiquette?

Eric’s anniversary is Easter Sunday, but doesn’t know how to celebrate without having to leave his house.

From B.C. (before covid-19) to A.C. (after covid-19)

Wake up times have changed there’s no gym to hit up and work is being conducted in your home. The Morning Scramble wants to know how your morning has changed from B.C. (before covid-19) to A.C. (after covid-19).

Unemployment is on the rise, but there are industries that are still up and running and looking to hire new employees. We can’t get together physically right now, but we can get together virtually. Quinn Pettifer explains how the Corridor Careers Virtual Job Fair will work.

The Morning Scramble is keeping up with all of the new movies that are becoming available at a home near you. Clare gives us her family’s review of “Sonic.”

Living through a pandemic can certainly be a stressful time. Luckily, music can be a great stress reliever. Neuroscientists have identified some of the most calming songs that will put your mind at ease. Find out what those are!

What’s your unpopular opinion?

Everyone has an opinion and while they may feel that opinion is correct…it may not always be a popular opinion. The Morning Scramble come clean and run down some of their unpopular opinions.

One benefit of staying home is that we’re getting plenty of family time. The Gibson family in Iowa City took advantage of their time together by making some music and now they are going viral! The Gibsons have pledged to play every Hawkeye’s favorite song, The Iowa Fight Song

COVID-19 has created lots of stress in our lives and sometimes stress can keep you from getting the sleep that you need to stay healthy. The Morning Scramble get some expert tips on how to get a better night’s sleep from Lisa Gleason with the Eastern Iowa Sleep Center.

The arts have taken a major hit during the practicing of social distancing. The Morning Scramble catch up with Katie Hallman, Executive Director at Theatre Cedar Rapids. TCR has already made some changes to the schedule for the rest of their season. Katie breaks down all of those schedule changes.

Who puts butter on PBJ!? Apparently Eric does.

Court is back in session! Clare and Eric are divided on how to prepare the culinary classic: the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. They agree the sandwich must contain bread, peanut butter, and jelly; but Eric likes to add in one more condiment. Get ready to deliberate and give us a verdict for ‘Jury in a Hurry.’

The CARES act has been signed into law and that is changing when you can apply for unemployment. The Morning Scramble gets the most up-to-date information for you on filing for unemployment with Ryan West, Deputy Director of Iowa Workforce Development.

Cedar Rapids is home to not 1, but 2 “Survivor” winners and both women are currently featured in this season’s show “Survivors: Winners at War.” Diana Nollen is the Arts and Culture writer for The Gazette and she’s been following along this season. She’ll break down the newest episode.

Times are tough when you are shopping; some things may be in short supply at the grocery store. What are some of the ways you’ve been resourceful? The Morning Scramble shares some of their quarantine lifehacks with you.

Momtroversey topic #1: picky eaters.

Whether you’re with a business that’s big or small, there’s lot of change happening in Corridor businesses. The Morning Scramble checks in with Doug Neuman from the Cedar Rapids Economic Alliance. He’ll have information on what resources businesses can use during this time and some inspiration for the future.

The season finale of “Morning Scramble Cribs” wraps up when Dancin’ Eric Hanson takes us on a tour of his home.

Clare debuts a brand new segment called “Momtroversey” [mash together the words “mom” and “controversy”]. Parents have been doing an awful lot of parenting lately. Yes, it’s been a stressful time, but it takes a village. We can all give advice and encouragement. Momtroversey topic: picky eaters.

Clare welcomes you to her crib

Area theatres are banding together to bring you a night of entertainment and Z102.9 is excited to be apart of it. Katie Colletta from Old Creamery Theatre joins The Morning Scramble to explain what a virtual cabaret is and how you can watch.

Lots of people are working from home and we’ve all had a few Zoom meetings now. It’s been cool to snoop and see what your co-workers’ homes look like! Clare and Eric are going to channel “MTV Cribs” and let you in for a sneak peak of their homes.

Clare introduces a new segment on the show- “momtroversies.”

Parenting through a pandemic

Lots of parents are stressed to the max, while trying to work from home, and also home school their kids. Make your new mantra “Ok is enough right now!” Ashley Bass is a mom, preschool teacher, and contributor to the Cedar Rapids Moms Blog. She’ll shares her ideas for how to parent through these tough times with the Morning Scramble.

While playgrounds in Cedar Rapids are closed, there are a number of trail systems and parks that are still open for recreational use. Scott Hock with the Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department shares some new park ideas for your family, while practicing safe, social distancing.

Eric and Clare are dedicated to their new hobbies: Eric is learning the accordion and dazzles us with the new song he learned. Clare is still trying to crochet and updates us on where she’s at.

What smells could you not live without?

You can only keep two smells for the rest of your life. What are they? Eric & Clare will discuss.

Cedar Ridge Distillery teamed up with local entrepreneur, Steve Shriver and is now cranking out hand sanitizer because the supply is so low. The Morning Scramble get an update on the project and how you can get a bottle for your home or business.

Earlier this week Eric and Clare brought you the story of how one business in NewBo is shifting gears and using 3D printers to make face shields for hospital workers. The project was just getting off the ground and gathering the supplies to make the face shields. Production is up and running and the Morning Scramble will check in with Eric Engelmann.

CommUnity Crisis Servies and Food Bank has is still serving the area supplying meals and counseling services to those in need. Julia Erikson, the Outreach and Events Manager, will explain how they are still providing those services in new ways.

Welcome to the Championship Game of Cereal Madness!

It’s hard to keep up with all of the new and changing information, regarding COVID-19. A great starting point is United Way, and Eric and Clare will get the most up-to-date info from Angelica Vannetta.

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! The Championship game of Cereal Madness wraps up with the Morning Scramble.

Diana Nollen is the Arts and Culture writer for the Cedar Rapids Gazette and our ‘Survivor’ expert. Diana will break down the latest episode of Survivor.

How do you celebrate a birthday during a pandemic?

Eric needs ideas on how to help celebrate his mom’s birthday during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Eric and Clare speak with Jim Dwyer from Run CRANDIC to talk about how the now virtual race will work. Registration for this race will support the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids Area School Districts.

They also bring in Eric Englemann, a local entrepreneur, who is spearheading a 3D printing network to make face shields for doctors and healthcare staff.