Vigorously with Val Kleinhans
Vigorously with Val Kleinhans, includes artist interviews, conversations with creatives, and solo reflections from me that go past promo and into the real human side of creativity.
Candid conversations that go beyond the surface — exploring who artists are, how creators think, why music matters, and what inspires the work we connect with.
Through interviews, solo reflections, and commentary on artist news, Val explores the psychology of creativity, the pressure of visibility, and what modern music culture is doing to artists and fans behind the scenes. Vigorously.
New episodes go live on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube weekly.
Inquiries: val.kleinhans@gmail.com
Episodes
200 episodes
cut the cord. on Choosing Yourself, Starting Over and Rebuilding Who You Are [NEW MUSIC FRIDAY]
Severing ties isn't always the worst thing in the world. If anyone knows that, it's alternative rockers cut the cord.Val chats with singer Dylan about navigating mental health...
Why Did We Underestimate Dolly Parton and Travis Barker?
Whenever someone lives their life vigorously in public, they’re not immune to feedback or criticism - and that goes for everybody, even the angel that is Dolly Parton…and drummer Travis Barker. Two names we don’t throw in the same sent...
Zahna on What It Really Takes To Release a New Album
Val welcomes back Zahna for a very special occasion! Break or Breakthrough is out Friday.Easily Zahna's most aggressive and vulnerable piece of work, Val and Zahna chat about navigating life's hardships, the music industr...
Gåte on Eurovision and Bringing Norway's Folk Music to a New Generation
Gåte is slowly introducing the world to their brand of Norwegian folk metal, and we couldn't be more excited!In this episode, Val and vocalist Gunnhild Sundli chat about the upcoming album Sigil, how Gåte made the best of...
SAGE on Going From PINKNOISE Fans to Collaborators [NEW MUSIC FRIDAY]
One day you're a fan, the next, you're sharing the studio! This is the true story of how the collaboration between SAGE and PINKNOISE came to be. On this New Music Friday, Val and SAGE also get into their lore, horror mo...
I Finally Let the Avenged Sevenfold STATICA EP Sink In
There's a lot happening in the rock and metal community these last few weeks. In this solo moment, Val briefly chats about the Madden Brothers controversy and finally examines the STATICA EP from Avenged Sevenfold - and...
Joyous Wolf on Bringing Rock 'n' Roll Back to Life
Artists sometimes refer to their songs or their albums as their babies. If In Between from Joyous Wolf (out Friday) had to be categorized, you'll find that this "youngest" baby has some eldest responsibilities! Val c...
Get Out Alive on Building an Alt-Metal Project With Purpose [NEW MUSIC FRIDAY]
In this edition of New Music Friday, Chas Huff introduces us to alt-metal project Get Out Alive - and its purpose. Simply put, the mission of Get Out Alive is to leave anyone who listens feeling better than they were b...
Identity Crisis on Why Rock Still Resonates with Gen Z
Identity Crisis are solidifying themselves as the grunge band you need to know - but how is Gen Z receiving them?Val and lead vocalist Reece Gonzales deep dive into why Identity Crisis is resonating on all cylinders - globally and...
DARKSTXR Is a Rising Force in Modern Rock [NEW MUSIC FRIDAY]
Our very first edition of New Music Friday features DARKSTXR. The boys chat with Val about the rollout process for their new pro...
Mastodon Offers a Masterclass in Processing Band Tragedy
Mastodon have been through the wringer lately with the passing of guitarist Brent Hinds. While addressing "The Mastodon in The Room" and discussing a new album and era for the band, Val dissects what we can learn from the gro...
Marco Heubaum on Keeping Xandria Evolving Without Losing Its Identity
Some of the best elements of Xandria include those famous cinematic and symphonic moments we know and love. In this episode, Val chats with Marco Heubaum about the sonic evolution of the band, why the album still matters, and...
Tommy Victor on Why Prong Is Still Throwing Fists 40 Years Later
40 years later, the legendary Prong is still fighting thanks to vocalist and guitarist Tommy Victor. In this episode, Val and Tommy celebrate the release of Prong's first self-titled album coming in November. Val and Tommy al...
XBYRDX on the Role of Music in Political Conversation
It's never easy learning a loved one might be on the opposite end of the political spectrum. XBYRDX might just have the remedy for this dagger in his music - in his new album Anthems For The End Times.Val and XBYRDX chat ...
Joey Vesely on Trace Remains, Creative Evolution & Pittsburgh Pride
Val and Joey Vesely of Trace Remains reminisce about their hometown (Pittsburgh), the new Zero Hour EP, and the importance of flexibility when adapting to the ever changing music industry.Stream the Zero Hour EP:
Yungblud and Bad Wolves Are Caught Between Two Audiences
Yungblud and Bad Wolves have made the news in the rock and metal scene throughout the early part of this month for a variety of reasons. One is under fire for getting vulnerable. The other is getting mixed reviews as they announce...
Vicky Psarakis on Sicksense, AI, Gaming, and Creative Identity
Welcome to a new Tuesday and Thursday schedule for the pod!In this first Tuesday guest episode, Val chats with Vicky Psarakis of Sicksense about whether or not the range actually helps with Call of Duty play, AI ethics, a...
Beautiful Skeletons Make Creativity a Team Sport
When the world seems to be working against you, Beautiful Skeletons have learned that those are the times to bond together that much tighter when accomplishing a goal. Val chats with Tina Firefly about music industry challeng...
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...