Quillo Pod

Building Meaningful Connections with Your DSPs

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia discuss creative ways to show DSP appreciation year-round, exploring the five languages of appreciation and offering budget-friendly ideas such as custom playlists, personalized video messages, and meaningful conversations about talents and interests.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Patti Scott Video Your Gifts Are Important Too 
Episode Transcript
Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

The Power of 5 Minutes: Small Pauses, Big Impact

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia explore the power of taking just five minutes a day to reset, recharge, and invest in your own well-being. They discuss simple practices—like breathwork, journaling, stretching, or stepping outside—that can lower stress, build healthy habits, and create more space for patience and presence in everyday life.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Doctor Rangan Chatterjee’s podcast episode on five-minute resets
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Quillo Connect videos on breathwork and positivity
Episode Transcript
Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com
To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

I Am More Than What You See: Listening to What People Really Need

In this episode of Quillo Pod, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson explore the importance of listening deeply and seeing people beyond their labels or diagnoses. They discuss the practice of sharing “birth stories” as a powerful way to understand identity, build connection, and uncover common ground. Through personal reflections and real-life examples, the conversation highlights how asking meaningful questions—and truly listening—helps us discover what people really need and value in their lives.
Episode Transcript
Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com
To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

replay: Being Positive - A conversation with Neil Rogers

In this week's episode, John sits down with Neal, a successful business leader as well as a parent of a son with autism who is a non-speaker.  Neil shares how his approach to being positive in building business relationships translated to success for his son in school and now on his journey into adulthood.  His lessons translate so well. 
Check out his book - Bar Tips: Everything I Needed to Know in Sales I Learned Behind the Bar 
Neil Rogers email neil@rogmark.net
Episode Transcript
Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com
To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

The Gentle Giant of Inclusion: A Tribute to John O’Brien

In this week’s episode, John and Cynthia reflect on the life and legacy of John O’Brien — a beloved leader, visionary, and gentle giant in the disability community. They share personal stories and powerful lessons from his decades of work in inclusion, person-centered planning, and community building. John O’Brien inspired generations to listen deeply and lead with heart.
Resources mentioned in the episode:To learn more about John O’Brien and his work, visit Inclusion Press
Episode Transcript
Want to share stories with us? Email us at QuilloPod@myQuillo.comTo learn more about Quillo Connect, visit MyQuillo.com (https://myquillo.com/)

Replay: Does Joy Have a Price Tag?

In this episode of Quillo Pod, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson explore whether joy has a price tag, particularly for individuals in the IDD. They discuss how budgets should serve as pathways to joy rather than constraints, sharing examples of finding happiness through community connections and natural supports. The conversation highlights how meaningful activities don't always require significant funding, emphasizing the importance of understanding what truly brings joy to individuals with disabilities beyond just service units and budget allocations.
 
Episode Transcript 
Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com
To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

Replay: Information Does Not Change Habits - A Conversation On Wellness With Janet Capetty

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia are joined by Janet Capetty to discuss the impact of wellness in the IDD community.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
To learn more about Club Wellness Training, visit clubwellnesstraining.com
Episode Transcript
Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com
To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com
 

A Conversation About Dads & the IDD Community

In this week's podcasts, Cynthia and John have a Father's Day conversation about the evolving role of dads in the IDD community.
Resources mentioned 
DADS, Dr. Nassif's podcast,
Ohio's father support program.
Episode Transcript
Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com
To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

Listening Beyond the Question: What Do You Really Want to Do?

In this week's episode, Cynthia and John talk about the question we've all been asked - "What do you want to be when you grow up?" and why it's okay not to have a clear answer.
The conversation explores the importance of discovering your interests, staying open to change, and having real conversations that lead to new opportunities. From personal stories to lessons from LifeCourseConnect, this episode is all about giving yourself and others the space to grow, shift, and try again.
Want to share stories with us? Email us at QuilloPod@myquillo.com
Want to learn more about Quillo? Visit Myquillo.com

Beyond the Open Door: Listening to Our Direct Support Professionals

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia explore the incredible insights and untapped potential of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).
Our conversation will cover:
Why DSPs often feel unheard within their organizations and how to change that
Practical strategies for breaking down "invisible barriers" between leadership and frontline staff
The importance of cultural awareness and diversity in our caregiving workforce
Creative ways to show appreciation that truly resonate with different people
We'll share actionable tips for creating genuine listening opportunities, whether you're a family member working with DSPs, an organizational leader, or a DSP yourself looking to make your voice heard.
Got a story about feeling truly heard and valued in your work supporting people with I/DD? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com.
Episode Transcript