Vigorously with Val Kleinhans
Welcome to Vigorously with Val Kleinhans—where music meets perspective, personality, and honest conversation with vigor.
Through interviews, solo reflections, and commentary on artist news, Val Kleinhans explores the psychology of creativity, the pressure of visibility, and what modern music culture is doing to artists and fans behind the scenes.
New episodes drop weekly with effort, energy, and enthusiasm—let’s chat vigorously.
Inquiries: val.kleinhans@gmail.com
Episodes
191 episodes
Why Canceling a Show Isn’t Simple (Severe Weather, Ego, and Logistics)
We’re officially in festival season right now, and every year, somebody somewhere is disappointed when severe weather happens and a show has to either be cut short or is canceled altogether. But what exactly happens when this process unfolds? W...
DØUBLE IDENTITY Discuss Love, Pain, and Delulu Solutions
Is delulu the solulu? If you ask Døuble Identity, the answer just might be yes! In life, and creativity! Val chats with twins Arden and Courtney about their new single "Kiss Me Again" and how it came to be, why boys make for ...
Inside the Jelly Roll & Bunnie Xo Divorce Announcement
In today's edition of the divorce no one saw coming, Val dissects the divorce announcement coming from Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo. Does divorce impact public figures differently? Why do fans receive this news the way the...
Exhausted: It’s in the Name
Trash metal is kept alive in South Dakota by Exhausted.What is the scene in Sioux Falls like? Best moments from Milwaukee Metal Fest? In a world where it seems core is taking over, is trash still viable? How are band members balan...
Caleb Shomo's Pride Month Is Starting a Bigger Conversation
If anyone is having an interesting Pride Month, it's certainly Caleb Shomo of Beartooth.Val dissects the recent interview Caleb gave on...
Milk St. on Finding Humor in Absurdity
Depression and anxiety are not things to play with, but sometimes, finding humor in the absurd just might be the cure.This episode with Jonah from
Blood Of Angels on Grief, World History, and Florida Death Metal
It's Florida, but this episode doesn't get weird. It gets historical... with a side of pirates, and a little bit of Hollywood. Welcome to the world of Bl...
Are We Too Quick to Call Someone an Industry Plant?
What actually is an industry plant? Why are Castle Rat and Angine de Poitrine facing accusations of being ones? Are we throwing around these labels too quickly?Val gets into he industry plant of it all this episode...
Who They Fear on Doing the Work That Actually Scares Us
If you're a band trying to blow up, this is the episode you need to listen to. Is there a reason that there's such a focus on lead singers? Or, is that strategic branding? What is the best way to market and book your band?<...
The Bigger Issue Behind the Butcher Babies AI Controversy
Who knew AI was so controversial? Kidding... we all did... except for Butcher Babies.Heidi Shepherd's AI video post had fans seriously disappointed last week, and Val does a deep dive into the backlash and weighs whether we're mis...
Gouged Break Down the Secret to Breakdowns
There's a few secrets to a successful breakdown in deathcore, and if anyone has figured them out, it just might be Gouged. Take a listen to their journey, find out why breakdowns are hitting right now, and learn how The Bee M...
Bands Can’t Just Be Bands Anymore
We’re going to talk about another layer that I think is missed by fans sometimes, and that’s the layer that involves promotion and social media: content creation. It’s a whole other animal we’re diving into today. You've heard "band...
Seaside Massacre on Building Real Community in Music
In a very instant, digital heavy world, it can be difficult to build true bonds and community. It's not so difficult for Seaside Massacre than...
Women Are Still Shaping Their Place in Heavy Music
Somewhere between post-Mother's Day weekend and the next star frontwoman, we're celebrating women while watching an evolution when it comes to what the roles of women in music look like - and that's a good thing.Val shares her thoughts o...
A Moments Notice on Side Hustles & Staying Afloat
It's not unheard of for band members and artists to have side hustles. We talk to the king of side hustles this week: Greg Molina of A Moments Notice...
The Search for Whimsy in a Serious World
In this solo episode, Val shares her gripes with the word "whimsy" and how she resolved them. What does Noah Kahan have to do with whimsy? Everything...
Self Deception Created The Soundtrack For Your Dystopian Rebellion
Andreas and Hagge from Self Deception chat with Val about their upcoming album ONE OF US (out May 15th), and dive into the connections it ha...
Getting Lost in the Sauce
Over analyzing. Over thinking. Doing the absolute most when you really don't have to. It's an epidemic! We all do it, and Val is going to break all the noise down to one takeaway nugget that will get you through it all. Val shares h...
Resider Bring Self-Shade to Nu-Metalcore
What does shading yourself look like? Is it more important to roast yourself, or others? Resider chose to take a balanced approach on the subject while they gear up for tour and mo...
Ashley Oken is Living ‘Almost Famous’
Does being a music journalist today look anything like it did in Almost Famous? Is it still just as fun? Are there still opportunities to build relationships in the industry we love? In short, yes.Writer
Izzy T Wants Women To Own Their Violence
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode mentions suicidal ideation and oppression against women. If you or anyone you know is struggling, contact
Robyn Ward Says It’s Metal To Talk About Your Mental Health
The Metal Therapist clocks in from the UK! On this "Work On You Wednesday", Robyn Ward explains her mental health journey, what it takes to be a therapist, and why heavy music is just so therapeutic. Get more Robyn...
Sean Martin Is Turning PTSD Into Songs That Cut Deep
Sean Martin of The Quarantined stops by to share his love of heavy music, his time in the military as infantry, and all the mental health related lessons learned along the way. We also dive into Aversion To Normalcy.Be prepared ...