Totten Talks Podcast

In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo Totten is joined by the trailblazing Meg Stone, a pioneer in strength and conditioning, coach, mentor, and an advocate for women in sport. The conversation takes place at the NSCA National Conference and is brimming with personal stories, practical advice, and big-picture reflections on the field.

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.

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

In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo welcomes Dr. Craig Stevens, the kinesiology department chair at West Chester University and a longtime friend and mentor. Broadcasting from the NSCA National Conference in New Orleans, Leo Totten and Craig Stevens reflect on decades of lifting, teaching, and coaching together.

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!

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

In this episode of Totten Talks, the conversation focused on the power of professional development, mentorship, and giving back within the weightlifting and strength coaching communities.

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.

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

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
and visit the Totten Training website. 

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
and visit the Totten Training website. 

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
and visit the Totten Training website. 

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
and visit the Totten Training website. 

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

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

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

In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo brings in not one but two guests—Shana McKeever and Tim Suchomel, a husband and wife team with impressive backgrounds in strength and conditioning and sports science. The conversation covers their unique career journeys, experiences in education, and what it’s really like to bridge the gap between research and practical coaching.

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. 

In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo is flying solo while Cait is away, giving listeners a deep dive into training philosophies drawn from decades of experience in weightlifting and coaching.

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.