Episode Details

Scottie Schneider is the founder of OPAI, an indigenous-guided mentorship community based in Colombia focused on making healing sustainable — not just something experienced in a moment. A West Point graduate, former entrepreneur, and veteran advocate, his work sits at the intersection of nervous system regulation, community building, ancestral wisdom, and life transition.

In this raw and insightful conversation, Scottie shares:

• Growing up in a strict religious household and finding unexpected freedom in the military

• The life-changing injury that forced him out of the Army with no identity or community

• Why conventional success (career, money, entrepreneurship) still left him unhappy

• How salsa dancing and travel led him to Colombia — and a sense of home

• The difference between chasing peak experiences and building real, lasting transformation

• Why community and ancestral wisdom matter more than quick-fix healing

• A message for young people still searching for who they really are

If you’re in your 20s feeling stuck in transitions, questioning the “success” path you’ve been sold, or searching for deeper belonging and sustainable healing, this episode offers honest perspective and hope.

Timestamps below ⬇️

#ScottieSchneider #OPAI #Healing #Colombia #ConversationsWithSekani

Connect with Scottie Schneider

Website:https://www.ocoyai.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottieschneider/

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Chapters

0:00 - Intro & Welcome Scottie Schneider

1:40 - Growing Up Restricted & Finding Freedom in the Military

8:15 - The Injury That Forced a Complete Life Reset

15:30 - Losing Identity, Community & Direction at 23

23:10 - Why Career, Money & Entrepreneurship Still Felt Empty

31:45 - Salsa, Travel & Discovering Home in Colombia

40:20 - Community, Family & a Different Way of Being

48:50 - Chasing Experiences vs Building Real Transformation

57:15 - Message for Young People Still Searching