In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo and Cait sit down with special guest Carissa Gordon Gump. Carissa is an Olympian, longtime friend, and a major presence in the world of weightlifting and strength and conditioning. Carissa shares her journey from starting weightlifting at age 12 to representing Team USA at the 2008 Olympic Games, and her ongoing impact within the sport.

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.

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In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo and Cait take a deep dive into the storied history and ongoing evolution of weightlifting camps—a topic close to their hearts!

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!

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In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo and Cait are joined by Dr. Chris Taber—longtime friend, teammate, and the Graduate Program Director of Exercise and Sports Science at Sacred Heart University.

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/

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In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo and Cait dive into the third and final part of their "Keep It Simple Seriously" series on teaching and performing the Olympic lifts. The focus is all about the jerk technique, strength, and flexibility needed to bring your lifts to the next level.

In this episode, Leo and Cait cover:

Spring weather and gardening updates—because athletes and coaches have lives outside the gym!

A step-by-step breakdown of the split jerk, including setup, dip, drive, and split positions, with practical cues and coaching tips

Common technical mistakes in the jerk and how small adjustments can make a big difference

How to identify the real cause of missed jerks (hint: it’s not always strength!)

The importance of appropriate dip speed, proper bar path, and safe weight distribution in the split

Strength requirements for the Olympic lifts—understanding how absolute strength and positional strength work together, with real-life stories and ratios as guides

The often-overlooked role of flexibility and mobility, and how both stiffness and hypermobility can limit performance

Coach-athlete communication: keeping cues simple and avoiding information overload

Promoting the importance of force absorption, not just force production, for safe and effective lifting

Leo and Cait announce an upcoming weightlifting camp where lifters of all levels can join, train, and learn in a supportive environment. Don’t miss details at tottentraining.com.

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In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo and Cait dive into the intricacies of teaching Olympic lifts, focusing on simplifying technique for coaches and their athletes. With a light-hearted tone, they share insights and strategies drawn from years of experience in coaching and competing.

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.

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and visit Totten Training. 

In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo and Cait dive headfirst into episode six & introduce us to KISS. 

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. 

In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo and Cait welcome their first-ever guest to the show - Phil Sabatini! 

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. 

Welcome to Episode 4 of the Totten Talks podcast, where hosts, Leo Totten and Cait Finn as they dive into a rich tapestry of weightlifting stories, Olympic highlights, and personal experiences in this engaging episode of Totten Talks.

• 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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Welcome to Episode 3 of the Totten Talks podcast, where hosts Leo Totten and Cait Finn delve into the profound impact of mental training on athletic performance. With a combined experience of over 70 years in weightlifting, strength, and conditioning, Leo and Cait discuss the often-overlooked but crucial aspect of mental training in sports.

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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Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Totten Talks podcast! In this episode, your hosts, Leo Totten and Cait Finn, take you on an inspiring journey through the lifting legacies and life lessons that have shaped Leo’s remarkable career. Today, we’ll dive into some of the most memorable firsts in Leo's weightlifting journey, from his earliest jobs to the heights of the Olympics. Whether you're an aspiring lifter, a seasoned athlete, or simply someone who loves a good story, this episode has something for everyone!

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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and visit Totten Training. 

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