Vigorously with Val Kleinhans
Welcome to Vigorously with Val Kleinhans—a podcast that shares thoughtful conversations with guests and solo reflections centered around navigating life with effort, energy, and enthusiasm.
Hosted by media personality and style maven Val Kleinhans, this show celebrates those who live life out loud. Whether it's fashion, mental health, music, pop culture, or personal growth, Val brings her curious energy and signature positive outlook and honesty to every episode. If you're into real talk with real people who aren’t afraid to be themselves, this one’s for you.
New episodes drop weekly—let’s live vigorously.
Follow @vigorouslypod on Instagram
Inquiries: val.kleinhans@gmail.com
Episodes
157 episodes
Framing Hanley: A Middle Finger to Apathy
Two decades of rock, reinvention, and raw honesty—Nixon of Framing Hanley joins Val to reflect on the band’s 20-year journey from breakout hits to enduring resilience. They dig into the highs, the hard lessons, and what keeps the fire bu...
•
20:54
Kelsey Kempainen: Strings Attached, Bass Lines & Family Life
In this episode of Vigorously with Val Kleinhans, Val sits down with bassist Kelsey Kempainen to dive deep into the rhythm behind the music and the mindset of a true groove master. They talk about what drew Kelsey to the bass, t...
•
40:24
Why Being ‘Her’ Changes Everything
On this episode of Vigorously with Val Kleinhans, we’re diving deep into the power of feminine energy—what it really is, why it matters, and how to unapologetically tap into it in your daily life. Val breaks down practical ways to embr...
•
29:30
What Are You Going to Do?
We needed our Britney hoodie this week to channel survivor vibes.This week, Val takes you inside her unforgettable night seeing heavy metal icons Pantera live in Minneapolis — the energy, the chaos, the debate over whether the whol...
•
37:05
So, You Wanna Buy Your First Home?
Thinking about buying your first home? Overwhelmed by the paperwork, down payments, and decisions? You’re not alone—and this week, Val is here to break it all down. This is literally the reason she's been absent lately. In this cand...
•
36:35
Tasha Allen: Amplifying the Alternative Black Experience
Val begins this episode by sharing what's going on in her life. Hint: it's somewhere between three worlds - being a laborer, office worker, and content creator/podcaster. She's been living in all of them since she got the keys to her new home a...
•
39:06
Björn Strid: Dual Realms of Rock, Soilwork & The Night Flight Orchestra
Val chats with Björn Strid of Soilwork and The Night Flight Orchestra and his corgi Ana about everything pets, mental health, and metal. When Björn's musical partner in The Night Flight Orchestra, David A...
•
33:38
Nathan James: A Nu Way of Doing Nu Metal
Assuming you're keeping up with the latest buzzmakers in rock, there is a good chance this isn't your first time hearing about Nathan James. He's on a mission to keep everyone accountable, and he's doing that in his own nu nu metal way.<...
•
42:28
Love, Jade: Little Love Notes to Music and Its Power
Love, Jade is the band you need to know! Jeanine, project leader, chats with Val about the power of music, why music resonates with us, and how to promote your upcoming single like a pro, authentically.____________________________...
•
35:12
Lizzie In Lace: Frills, Feels, and Finding Myself
In this episode, Val and content creator Lizzie In Lace dive into an invigorating conversation about style, confidence, and the power of embracing individuality. Val shares her personal struggles with confidence, while Lizzie brings her ...
•
27:36
The Midsize Optimize: Finding Style & Identity in the Middle
Liz of The Midsize Optimize is your hype girl you've been looking for - especially if you fall in the midsize size range. Val and Liz discuss whether there is a world for midsize baddies, and if so, how can we take it over? Or, at least ...
•
34:15
Nine Layers Deep: Doom Metal with Intention
Powerful, heavy and undeniably potent Nine Layers Deep are bringing thoughtful and simply crushing doom metal to the masses and forcing you to choke on their wonderfully bitter sonic pill.Val and Alaysa chat about alt girlie thing...
•
28:00
Narcissa (AfterTime): Metal Motherhood & Mental Health
Metal vocalist Narcissa shares what really happened behind the scenes while joining AfterTime as their new vocalist. She also discusses Powerglove, metal culture, mom life, nurturing your mental health, and wedding fa...
•
38:23
Vigil: Thrash in RVA
Thrash kings out of Richmond, Virginia, Vigil are giving metal icon neighbors Lamb of God a run for their money. Val chats with singer Jess about everything from clothes to finding your voice.______________________________________...
•
22:18
Barbara Blackthorne: Red Flags, Realizations, and Rising Up
TW: This episode will discuss domestic violence.Barbara Blackthorne is making a name in metal by taking on some seriously cool projects! You know her as the front woman for Empress, and now Glyph.In this episo...
•
24:52
Jasper De Man (Belgian Jasper): The Right and Wrong Ways to Interview
15 years of experience in the technology industry and a passion for metal turned Jasper De Man into a YouTube content creator ("Belgian Jasper") well known in metal four years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic expedited that mission. Now...
•
35:30
Brent Hinds Leaves Mastodon
One of Val's favorite bands, Mastodon, made a big announcement this week. After 25 years, and being with the band since its inception, guitarist and vocalist Brent Hinds has left the band. What's next? Val has some i...
•
13:54
Girl Power (Protect Lzzy Hale At All Costs)
In 1997, the world came to know the concept of "girl power" thanks to the Spice Girls. Now, we celebrate the movement every March. It's so important for women to band together, stick together, and help each other in a world that constant...
•
28:57
Stefs Rock Show: Vag Tats and MySpace
Interviewer extraordinaire, fellow MySpace millennial and live music enthusiast Stef from Stefs Rock Show has created a platform for everything music and pop culture since those nostalgic moments in the early 00s - controversial moments ...
•
29:53
Gina Bilardi: Women In Music
There's no better way to kick off March, a month dedicated to women, than by chatting women in music with vocalist Gina Bilardi. In this episode, Val and Gina share their experience as females in the music industry and chat motorcycles a...
•
30:12
Why I Left My Hometown, Pittsburgh
Val gets personal in this week's solo episode, sharing why she left her hometown of Pittsburgh back in January of 2013. It ain't easy growing up in the rust belt. Pittsburgh has changed a lot since it became famous for steel during ...
•
25:26
Angela Gentile: An Epic Childfree Millennial Life
Angela Gentile is a podcaster, content creator, educator and motivational speaker who explains she's, "your elder millennial here to guide you through life's challenging crossroads with resources, support and a whole lotta hype woman ene...
•
38:08
Guilherme Costa: Metal Passion, The Brazilian Way
Guilherme Costa is a Brazilian guitarist, music teacher, host and longtime metalhead. Val and Guilherme dive into their favorite things about metal, their favorite guitarists, and how they're keeping the scene alive for the younger gener...
•
19:39