Oklahoma to help my aging mother. At that time I joined our Chickasaw nation as a full-time leadership and team development coach. Our Chickasaw nation is the gold standard in Native American gaming and businesses. It has long been my joy to help move teams from the position of ME, to the position of WE and on to the feeling of One. The opportunity to be on a high functioning team allows each team player to EXCEL!  I've also written a few books in the last few years. I've got two more books currently being edited. I've continued to travel, hike, kayak and ride my horses. I daily enjoy my amazing cats and dogs. I'm a huge animal advocate.

 

It sounds as though that you are constantly on the look out for a new adventure, is that what attracted you to the game of survivor?

 

Yes . I started the corporate ropes course program in America. It was called The Challenge of EXCELLENCE.  When the first survivor aired corporate leaders from around the country called me and told me to watch the show. They said it was a lot like what we did on my ranch. I tuned in, watched the show, studied the show, applied for the show, and got picked to go to Vanuatu.  Both my time in Hawaii and Australia helped me in survivor. I knew how to eat off the land as a result of my time in both places.

 

Not a lot of people may be aware of the preparation that you put in prior to appearing on the show, can you talk us through how you ensured that both your mind and body were ready for the Survivor experience?

 

In preparation, I immediately dropped all caffeine, most carbohydrates and drank only water. I ate a lot of protein. Without the carbohydrates which convert to sugar a person ceases to feel hungry. Nothing could have prepared us for the level of dehydration we all experienced, I also walked barefooted on my ranch for a couple months to toughen up my feet. I had long been wearing buffs and continued to do so. As soon as we knew where we would be going I read about the flora and fauna of Vanuatu.  Also, because I had one artificial knee, I practiced walking on balance beams at my ranch.  I knew a lot about indigenous cultures, so I felt prepared to meet the people of Vanuatu

 

Having recently travelled there myself, I feel that Survivor: Vanuatu did a wonderful job of integrating the fascinating cultural aspects of Vanuatu into the season, can you recall any particular highlights?

 

The division of labor so closely aligned with our Native American traditions. The men circled up to smoke, drink, think great thoughts, and the women did most of the work.  Cows are often slaughtered in Ceremony with Native Americans, so seeing the pig slaughtered was familiar (tho’ sickening).  The women won Da, a rock star of eating from the land.  This way of eating in balance from the land was also familiar and very valued.  Twila and I stayed very close to Da during his visit and learned to survive off the land.  Unlike any other season thus far, we got no food given to us (rice, beans, etc.)  We foraged for all our food.  On one of my long walks to gather iron wood for our fire, I met a local man.  I sneaked him my address, scribbled on a coconut.  We stayed in touch.  Their villages and homes were very similar to the Seminole Villages of my youth.  

 

What was your initial reaction when you discovered that the tribes would be divided by gender?

 

I was thrilled.  I actually wanted that after watching the Survivor: Amazon women try to build camps.  I have a long history building traditional lodges of our Native American tribes.  I am a carpenter who has built two of my own homes.  My skills in finding food and building helped me win the allegiance of my fellow cast mates. Also, being older boded well with the women who valued my skill and wisdom.

 

You entered the game with two obvious limitations, entered the game with two obvious limitations:  One artificial knee replacement and an age span of 20-40 years older than the other castaways. You proved that it takes more than physical strength to go far in the game of Survivor, did you have a specific strategy going into the game? 

 

I wanted to play the game with total integrity.  I have a very strong work ethic and lots of natural talent on the land.  I knew I would use that to add value to our tribe.  I also knew the importance of building and keeping an alliance right up front.  When one exits this experience, a “reputation” follows them.  I wanted my reputation to be one that brought pride to my family, friends, community, state, and myself.

 

I've heard a number of former contestants say that despite the gruelling, cold and wet conditions that they may face on Survivor, it's the social game that can be a real challenge. How does one cope with spending 24 hours a day for up to 39 long days in the constant presence of people that you may not necessarily like?

 

People are often surprised to discover that the hardest part of this game is NOT the physical challenges.  It is having to live in such close proximity of people…..most of whom are very egocentric.  I abhor whining, griping, and complaining.  It makes me want to order people OFF MY PLANET!! The young people talked non-stop about food, sex, and rock n’roll.  They were mostly sloppy and lazy, two other traits that drive me crazy.  There were numerous times that I wanted to slam their face in the dirt!  While that may have made for great television, it would not serve me well in the game. I spent lots of time “biting my tongue”.

 

With the upcoming season of Survivor: Cambodia - Second Chance, are there any of the castaways on this season that you are glad to see are returning and receiving  a "second chance"?

 

Spencer (Cagayan), Kelly (Borneo), Andrew (Pearl Islands), Peih-Gee (China), and Vytas (Blood vs Water).

 

Now to our "Quick Six":

 

What is your favorite season of Survivor?

 

My own!

 

What is your least favourite season of Survivor?

 

Pearl Island with Jonny Fairplay and his dead grandmother.

 

Who was the most deserving Survivor winner ever?

 

Bob Crowley, the oldest winner ever.

 

Who was the least deserving Survivor winner?

 

Tina Wesson.  I love her, but Colby should have won.

 

What is the worst twist in Survivor History?

 

All the three person tribal votes.

 

Finish this sentence: Going forward Survivor needs to...

 

Return to casting new people from all over the country.  We want to see more older players.  They have a great thing going, so ride it as long as possible.

 

Scout it has been an absolute pleasure, and I appreciate you sharing your time with me today. Can you finish up by letting us know what is next for Scout Cloud Lee?

 

I’m beginning to move into retirement in a funky little beach community, with a nice cottage, surrounded by trees, and close to the beach.  If anyone knows such a place, please let me know.  I will continue to write, hike, kayak, and watch sunrises and sunsets with my precious animals.