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

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

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