Totten Talks Podcast
Welcome to "Totten Talks," where hosts Leo Totten and Cait Finn share their wealth of experience in weightlifting, strength and conditioning, and athletics. With over 70 years of combined expertise, Leo and Cait delve into the legacies and life lessons that have shaped their careers and the world of weightlifting. Join Leo and Cait as they provide an engaging, fun, and informative platform for athletes, coaches, and anyone passionate about lifting and sports excellence. Tune in for invaluable lessons, corny dad jokes, and a genuine passion for building a lasting legacy in weightlifting and beyond.
Totten Talks Podcast
Building the Foundation of USA Weightlifting with Dr. Kyle Pierce
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
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.