Weightlifting Legends: Jim Schmitz and Leo Totten Reflect on Lifting History and Coaching Success

Building the Foundation of USA Weightlifting with Dr. Kyle Pierce

In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo and Cait welcome legendary weightlifting coach Dr. Kyle Pierce to the show! Known for his long-standing influence on USA Weightlifting and international coaching, Kyle shares stories from his early days as an athlete and the transition into a coaching career that has impacted athletes across the globe. 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! Follow Totten Training on social media: @tottentraining [https://www.instagram.com/tottentraining/]and visit the Totten Training [https://www.tottentraining.com/] website.

Women in Weightlifting Breaking Barriers and Building Legacies

In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo and Cait dig deep into the impact of strong women in sport and coaching, sharing personal stories, history, and insights from decades in the industry. 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. Follow Totten Training on social media: @tottentraining [https://www.instagram.com/tottentraining/]and visit the Totten Training [https://www.tottentraining.com/] website.

Weightlifting Legends: Jim Schmitz and Leo Totten Reflect on Lifting History and Coaching Success

In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo is joined by his longtime friend and legendary coach Jim Schmitz for a lively and insightful conversation! Jim is a renowned figure in American weightlifting, having developed multiple Olympians and national champions, and played a pivotal role both on and off the platform. 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 [https://www.instagram.com/tottentraining/]and visit the Totten Training [https://www.tottentraining.com/] website.

Balancing Family, Training, Coaching, and Career

In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo is joined by his cohost Cait for an open and heartfelt conversation about the balance between family, coaching, and athletics. Both Leo Totten and Cait Finn have decades of experience in weightlifting and strength & conditioning, and today, they dive deep into the realities of life outside the gym. 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! Follow Totten Training on social media: @tottentraining [https://www.instagram.com/tottentraining/]and visit the Totten Training [https://www.tottentraining.com/] website.

Building Coaching Legacies: The Art and Science of Athlete Support

In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo Totten and Cait Finn reunite after a holiday break to dive into the world of weightlifting, coaching, and building strong communities both on and off the platform. 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 [https://www.tottentraining.com/coaching-mentor-program] 2026 Events: https://www.tottentraining.com/events [https://www.tottentraining.com/events] Follow Totten Training on social media: @tottentraining [https://www.instagram.com/tottentraining/]and visit the Totten Training [https://www.tottentraining.com/] website.