Leo Totten and Meg Stone cover:

• Meg Stone's early athletic background in Scotland, how she was talent-identified, and her path from sprinting to discus throwing and strength training
• Legendary influences, including coach Frank Dick and training alongside renowned lifters
• Transition to the U.S., Olympic competition experiences, and her groundbreaking role as the first female head strength and conditioning coach working with Division I football
• Stories of breaking barriers, earning respect in male-dominated environments, and advice for women entering the field
• The importance of focus, resilience, and professionalism for athletes and coaches—plus lessons learned about balancing personal athletic goals with career ambitions
• Reflections on building a career by reputation, not by chasing money, and the value of mentorship and lifelong learning
• The growth of women’s representation in strength and conditioning, challenges faced, and strategies for progressing in the industry
• Insights on bridging gaps between academics and coaching, passing the torch to future generations, and fostering diversity and inclusion

It’s an inspiring, fun, and down-to-earth discussion loaded with wisdom for athletes and coaches at every stage.

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and visit the Totten Training website. 

Craig Stevens shares his progression from lifting in a garage as a young athlete to becoming an exercise physiology expert, research-oriented educator, and department chair. Having been involved in football, wrestling, and strength coaching, he discusses his passion for blending sports performance with science and health.

Throughout their conversation, Leo and Craig highlight the importance of relationship-building, effective communication, and bridging the gap between academia and practical coaching.

In this episode, they cover:

• Craig Stevens’s background, from early lifting to academic leadership
• The connection between Leo Totten and Craig Stevens through West Chester University and USA Weightlifting
• How teaching, coaching, and communication skills are crucial in exercise science and coaching
• The evolution of strength and conditioning at West Chester, including contributions from Craig Stevens’s family
• Bridging the gap between research and practical coaching, and the value of lifelong learning
• The story of starting USA Weightlifting courses at West Chester, with a bit of good-natured teasing about those early tests

It’s a fun, thoughtful journey through lifting legacies and building better athletes—one relationship at a time!

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and visit the Totten Training website. 

With over 70 years of combined experience, the discussion explored how coaching relationships can evolve over time, and why involvement in your sport and continued learning are essential for growth as both an athlete and a coach.

A key theme that emerged was the value of networking—building relationships, connecting at conferences, and seeking out both formal learning and informal conversations to keep progressing in the field.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• The importance of professional development for coaches at every stage
• Major coaching associations and organizations worth joining
• Stories from national conferences (NHS SCA, NSCA, USA Weightlifting) and what attendees gain from them
• Real-life examples of mentorship and finding guidance in the sport
• The significance of volunteering at meets (coaching, officiating, announcing, and more)
• Fostering strong networks and relationships in the weightlifting and strength coaching world
• Supporting and learning from women and new coaches in the industry
• Why giving back to your sport builds the entire community
• Advice for young and seasoned coaches alike: show up, stay humble, be authentic, and keep good company

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Totten Talks, Episode 17, Women in Weightlifting Breaking Barriers and Building Legacies - Apple Podcasts | Spotify

The discussion wrapped up with encouragement to stay involved, seek lifelong learning, and continue paying it forward in the weightlifting community.

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and visit the Totten Training website. 

Listeners will enjoy hearing about:

• Kyle's upbringing in Hollywood, Florida, and how he got the nickname "Hollywood"
• His athletic journey from Little League to football at Western Kentucky, and how weightlifting helped him earn a college scholarship
• Early competitions, memorable experiences (including getting red-lighted for “violent thigh contact”), and learning from strong mentors
• His coaching beginnings—starting with Little League baseball and moving into high school football, track, and eventually full-time weightlifting coaching
• The development of the LSUS weightlifting training facility, turning a multipurpose room into a community hub for lifters
• Training and mentoring Olympians, and building a thriving, team-oriented lifting environment
• Insights into coaching philosophy, building trust with athletes, periodization, and the importance of athlete-coach relationships
• Kyle’s international work with the Pan Am Federation and coaching education efforts in Africa and beyond
• Reflections on life-long learning, the value of community in weightlifting, and what keeps coaches passionate year after year

A great listen for anyone interested in the heart and history behind American weightlifting!

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and visit the Totten Training website. 

Cait and Leo bring over 70 years of experience to a heartfelt conversation about women’s influence in weightlifting and sports performance. They celebrate resilience, reflect on progress, and discuss the continuing need for representation in coaching.

In this episode, Leo and Cait discuss:

• The lasting influence of strong women in Leo’s life, starting with his mother’s example of self-reliance and empathy
• Personal stories from both hosts about navigating gender perceptions in coaching and competition
• The evolution of women’s weightlifting, from its early days to the present—with more women on the platform and as coaches than ever before
• Milestones such as the first women’s World Championships and Olympics, highlighting US contributions like Tara Knott’s historic gold
• The rise of women coaches and shifting attitudes within the coaching profession
• The importance of mentorship and creating space for future generations of strong women in sport
• Why every athlete deserves to be coached as an individual, regardless of gender

It’s an inspiring look at breaking barriers, honoring legacy, and the work still to come for equality in strength sports.

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and visit the Totten Training website. 

Together, Leo Totten and James Schmitz take us on a journey through the history and evolution of Olympic weightlifting in the U.S.—with plenty of stories, laughs, and a few friendly jabs about wine and old rivalries.

In this episode, Leo and Jim cover:

• How Leo and Jim met—throwback to the 1978 Junior Nationals!
• Jim’s beginnings in strength sports and what drew him to weightlifting
• The challenges of early training environments and finding quality equipment
• Starting Sports Palace and building a powerhouse team on the West Coast
• Coaching philosophies: Developing lifters from scratch to Olympians
• Pioneering women’s weightlifting in the U.S. and Title IX’s impact
• Historic rivalries with York Barbell and growing the sport
• The importance of administrative roles, growing participation, and tough decisions as USAW President
• Reflections on international weightlifting, Olympic politics, and doping
• The value of history, legacy, and learning from the past

This episode is packed with rich history, practical wisdom for lifters and coaches, and a genuine love for the sport!

Follow Totten Training on social media: @tottentraining
and visit the Totten Training website. 

In this episode, Leo and Cait discuss:

• Their shared philosophy of putting family first and the reasons behind their career decisions
• Their experiences with generational and gender differences in family roles within sports professions
• How having children changed their approach to training, coaching, and career ambitions
• The challenges and rewards of balancing professional and family life, especially for women and blended families
• The importance of strong partnerships and supportive spouses when working in demanding fields
• Managing expectations and recognizing the need to adapt career paths as family circumstances change
• Strategies like compartmentalizing tasks and setting healthy boundaries (like no weekend emails!) to prioritize well-being
• Encouragement and advice for other coaches or athletes navigating similar life seasons

Tune in to hear both hosts share personal stories, valuable coaching insights, and what legacy means when family and career intertwine. Plus, they tease upcoming episodes with more guest perspectives on balancing family and coaching!

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and visit the Totten Training website. 

Both Leo Totten and Cait Finn reflect on their combined 70+ years of experience in weightlifting, sharing entertaining anecdotes about family traditions and the evolution of coaching tools—from VHS tape video analysis and handwritten newsletters to modern digital platforms.

In this episode, Leo and Cait cover:

• The evolution of remote coaching and technology in weightlifting, including early video analysis methods and newsletter distribution
• Building individualized training programs versus using generic templates
• The balance between art and science in coaching, and the importance of adapting research to practical coaching
• The value of having good mentors, colleagues, and a positive support network in both coaching and athletic careers
• Stories highlighting how pivotal moments and supportive communities shaped their coaching philosophies
• The importance of giving every athlete a fair shot and the unexpected ways people can succeed
• Upcoming opportunities in 2026, such as camps, USAW courses, and the coaching mentorship program. 

Tune in for legendary stories, practical wisdom, and tips on how to create a supportive environment in weightlifting—whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just love the culture of lifting.

To Check out our Coaching Accelerator: https://www.tottentraining.com/coaching-mentor-program

2026 Events: https://www.tottentraining.com/events

Follow Totten Training on social media: @tottentraining
and visit the Totten Training website. 

Shana has spent her career coaching at a high school and now leads a barbell club in Pittsburgh. Tim’s experience includes coaching across multiple universities, academic research, and hands-on sports science work. Their story started at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), and both share insights on how this program shaped their philosophies.

In this episode, Leo and the guests cover:

• Shana’s path from California to Pittsburgh, coaching youth, and building a community in weightlifting
• Tim’s experiences in Wisconsin, research focus, and transition to academic and sports science roles
• Their “debacle” first meeting and how they’ve integrated their careers—and nerdy discussions—at home
• The importance of bridging research and practice in strength training, and translating “Coach Speak” for real-world results
• How individualized training applies to both male and female athletes, with a look at current research and myths around female athletic training
• Their roles and contributions within the NSCA and advice for coaches to get involved
• Upcoming presentations at East Tennessee’s Coaches College, including topics on female athletes and task-specific strength

It’s a fun, insightful talk blending science, coaching, and real-life teamwork!

About Tim & Shana: 

Dr. Tim Suchomel is an Associate Professor and Director of the Sports Science Master's Program at the University of Pittsburgh. He has published 2 books, 12 book chapters and over 125 peer-reviewed journal articles on topics that include weightlifting movements and their derivatives, strength and power development, and athlete monitoring and was named the 2025 Educator of the Year through the NSCA. Dr. Suchomel is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® with Distinction (CSCS,*D) and Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach with Distinction (RSCC*D) through the NSCA and has been recognized as a Master International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner through the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Assocation (mISCP).

Shana McKeever, MA, ATC, CSCS*D, RSCC, USAW-1, is a strength and conditioning coach at Pittsburgh Fitness Project after serving over 10 years in the high school setting. She holds a Master of Art degree in Kinesiology and Sport Studies with a concentration in Exercise Physiology and Performance from East Tennessee State University; additionally, she has contributed to research investigating weightlifting and its application to enhance sport performance and was an author in the NSCA's Guide to High School Strength and Conditioning text. She originally served the high school population as a Certified Athletic Trainer while incorporating strength and conditioning values and education before transitioning to focus on performance enhancement.

Follow Totten Training on social media: @tottentraining
and visit the Totten Training website. 

Leo shares invaluable insight into the importance of identifying and addressing your training’s limiting factors—and how discipline plays a key role in turning weaknesses into strengths. With personal stories and plenty of practical advice, Leo breaks down what it takes to build a solid foundation in the sport.

In this episode, Leo covers:

• The three pillars of weightlifting success: technique, flexibility, and strength
• How to discover and work on your “weak areas” (aka limiting factors) for well-rounded progress
• Ratio guidelines for key lifts (snatch, clean & jerk, squats) and what imbalances may indicate
• The importance of consistent technique—especially in movements like power snatches and cleans
• Stories from Leo’s training days, including lessons learned from his own weaknesses and overcoming them
• How bar path and foot pressure play a crucial role in lifting efficiency
• The value of strength-building exercises, including clean deadlifts, Romanian deadlifts (RDLs), isometrics, eccentrics, and deficit pulls
• Encouragement to prioritize the “boring” but necessary work, regardless of talent level

This episode is all about getting real with yourself as an athlete or coach, embracing honest self-assessment, and having the discipline to do what it takes to reach your potential.

Follow Totten Training on social media: @tottentraining
and visit the Totten Training website. 

Carissa dives into her early days, her time at the Olympic Training Center, and her transitions into leadership and coaching roles. The group also talks openly about mental struggles, such as imposter syndrome and performance anxiety, highlighting how even elite athletes face real challenges.

In this episode, Leo, Cait, and Carissa chat about:

• Carissa’s introduction to weightlifting and her journey from Vermont to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs
• The history and growth of women’s weightlifting in the U.S., including the first women’s Olympic events and contributions from trailblazers
• The importance of community, mentorship, and representation in sports
• Mental battles like imposter syndrome and performance anxiety, and how Carissa learned to cope
• Her Olympic experience, the emotions of making the team, and what comes after that high
• Ongoing roles in the National Strength and Conditioning Association, her passion for giving back, and plans for the future
• The value of physical health, movement, and staying active for lifelong well-being

It’s an inspiring, honest conversation with valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and anyone passionate about sport!

About Carissa Gordon Gump: 

Carissa Gordon Gump has previously worked for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and USA Weightlifting serving as their Associate Executive Director for Business & Development as well as the USA Weightlifting Foundation Executive Director. Gump is a 2008 Olympian in the sport of weightlifting, an American Record holder, National Champion, Pan American Champion, All-American, World Team member and USA Weightlifting & New England Weightlifting Hall of Fame member. Carissa holds an B.S. in Business with an Emphasis in Sport Management from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, an M.P.A. in Non-Profit Management from Keller Graduate School of Management, and is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Non-Profit Management and Leadership from Liberty University.

Follow Totten Training on social media: @tottentraining
and visit the Totten Training website. 

Leo shares how he got started with weightlifting camps all the way back in 1984, highlighting the role York Barbell played as a foundational location (aka "Muscle Town USA"). Cait reminisces about her own experiences at these camps, both as an athlete and coach, underscoring how impactful they have been for hundreds of lifters and coaches over the decades.

In this episode, Leo and Cait cover:

• The origins of weightlifting camps and their connection to weightlifting legends and icons
• The significance of locations like York Barbell, Millersville, and Lake Placid Olympic Training Center
• How the camp model has evolved over the years—from week-long immersive events to more flexible 2- and 3-day formats
• The dual focus on athlete AND coach development, including hands-on learning, certifications, and real-world experience
• The importance of weightlifting history and community—sharing stories, connections, and even a little camp romance!
• Why immersive, in-person experiences offer unique value compared to online learning
• Tips on how to get involved in future camps and how to host one at your own facility

Friendly reminder: If you're interested in joining a camp or want to bring one to your gym, check out tottentraining.com or get on their newsletter for the latest updates!

Follow Totten Training on social media: @tottentraining
and visit the Totten Training website. 

Chris brings a unique perspective, blending cutting-edge research with years of practical, hands-on coaching experience. The conversation is all about the intersection of sports science, coaching, and building stronger athletes—and coaches!

In this episode, Leo, Cait, and Chris cover:

• Chris’s path into sports science, from Penn State to working with Leo, to earning his doctorate at East Tennessee State University
• What “sports science” really means, how it’s different from (but connected to) exercise science and strength & conditioning
• The importance of applied sports science—bridging the gap between lab research and the real day-to-day work with athletes and coaches
• Why good mentorship matters, how to find the right mentor, and how early experiences shape coaches
• The Totten Training Mentorship Program: how it started, what it offers, and why it’s making a difference for young coaches
• The role of Olympic lifts in strength & conditioning: the pros, the challenges, and busting the myth that they’re “too hard to teach”
• How to use weightlifting movements for athletic development (vs. competing as a weightlifter)
• Advice for coaches: periodization, programming for strength and power, balancing “sport-specific” and foundational training

A fantastic listen for coaches, athletes, and anyone interested in the science (and art!) of making better athletes and building legacies.

Where to find Dr. Chris Taber:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drchristaber/

Follow Totten Training on social media: @tottentraining
and visit the Totten Training website. 

Follow Totten Training on social media: @tottentraining
and visit Totten Training. 

In this episode, Leo and Cait cover:

• Personal updates: Leo's family celebrations and gratitude
• Teaching Olympic lifts: Simplifying techniques and progressions
• The importance of understanding biomechanics in lifting
• Choosing between teaching the clean or snatch first
• Key positions and transitions in lifting
• Strategies for overcoming common coaching challenges
• The significance of cues and positive reinforcement in coaching

Leo and Cait emphasize making complex movements less daunting for coaches, focusing on setting a solid foundation before building up athletes' strength and flexibility. They also highlight ways to continue education through courses and upcoming events, such as weightlifting camps. This episode is a must-listen for both new and seasoned coaches aiming to refine their teaching approach in Olympic weightlifting.

Follow Totten Training on social media: @tottentraining
and visit Totten Training. 

In this episode, Leo and Cait cover:

• The introduction of the KISS (Keep It Simple, Seriously/Silly) method for coaching.
• Why Olympic lifts provide value in sports performance and how to break lifts into teachable segments.
• The misconceptions and challenges coaches face with Olympic lifts, such as time, space, and skill level.
• The benefits of Olympic lifts, including power, flexibility, and aerobic improvements.
• Key areas to foster successful Olympic lift training: technique, strength, and flexibility.

Next month, Leo and Cait will delve deeper into tactical strategies for coaching Olympic lifts, emphasizing simplification and practicality.

Follow Totten Training on social media: @tottentraining
and visit Totten Training. 

Phil is an experienced coach, successful athlete, and father. He has made remarkable contributions to the sport of weightlifting and left a lasting impact on those around him.

In this episode, Leo and Phil discuss:

• Phil's extensive background in sports and athletics, including his achievements in high school and college football, wrestling, and baseball.
• His transition from being an athlete to becoming a dedicated coach, and his journey through different levels of coaching, from collegiate strength and conditioning to working with professional baseball teams.
• The importance of long-term athletic development and how Phil's multi-sport upbringing contributed to his success and longevity in weightlifting.
• The crucial role of mentors and coaches in Phil's career, and the influential figures who shaped his path.
• Phil's coaching philosophy, including his emphasis on culture, well-rounded training, and individualized programing for athletes.
• Insights into managing balance between training, coaching, and family life.
• Funny and motivating stories about training sessions, competitions, and handling both success and failure.

Phil's insights and experiences offer valuable lessons in dedication, passion, and the importance of having good people in your corner. Whether you're an athlete or a coach, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways!

Follow East Coast Weightlifting on social media: @eastcoastgoldwl and visit East Coast Gold. 

Follow Phil: @phillysab

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and visit Totten Training. 

• 2024 Olympics Recap - U.S. team's success and the role of social media in increasing exposure.
• Weightlifting Evolution - Differences between weightlifting and powerlifting, and the sport's growth.
• 1984 Olympics - Leo's role as a researcher for ABC.
• 1996 & 2004 Olympic Experiences- Memorable moments as the team leader, including narrow escapes and interactions with past legends.
• Women's Inclusion in the Olympics - Milestones and impacts on team sizes.
• An Argument for Bringing Back Olympic Trials - Role in providing exposure and opportunities for athletes.
• Mentorship and Historical Knowledge - Learning from past experiences to guide new athletes and coaches.

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and visit Totten Training. 

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In this episode, Leo recounts his personal journey into mental training, from his early days as a competitive weightlifter to discovering the transformative power of visualization and positive affirmations. His story, influenced by a serendipitous meeting with a sports psychologist, underscores the importance of integrating mental practices with physical training.

• Introduction to the Totten Talks podcast and hosts
• Discussion on the importance of mental training in sports
• Benefits of positive affirmations and mindset for athletes
• Leo Totten's personal experience with mental training and visualization
• Adaptation and practice of mental training techniques for weightlifting
• The interplay of mental training across different sports
• Development and customization of mental training tools by Totten Training
• Upcoming availability of the "Mental Training for Olympic Lifting" audio download on the Totten Training website.

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and visit Totten Training. 

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In this episode Leo and Cait talk about:

• Leo’s First Job
• First Weightlifting Set Purchase
• First Weightlifting Competition
• First USA Shirt and Gear
• Olympic Trials As An Athlete & Coach
• First World Championships
• First Olympics
• Advice for Aspiring Lifters

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• Introduction to Totten Talks
• Leo & Cait discuss vision and excitement for starting podcast.
• “Keep Good Company” Motto
• The Story of Cait and Leo’s Professional Relationship:
• Legacy and Staying True to Values:
• Clarification of East Coast Gold vs. Totten Training Systems:
• What we can expect from Season 1. 

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and visit Totten Training. 

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