PODCAST · music
Vigorously with Val Kleinhans
by 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: [email protected]
Episodes
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The Moth Anatomy on Embracing ‘Change’ in Metalcore
In this episode, Val welcomes Jay and Kevin from metalcore band The Moth Anatomy to discuss navigating the industry (with the delicate yin and yang of a moth) in a world that looks vastly different from when they started. Is putting your music on physical media still worth it? What do audiences...
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Scarhaven on Protecting the Art in an Age of Artist Brands [NEW MUSIC FRIDAY]
Modern grunge that hasn't forgotten its roots can be found in Scarhaven. In this New Music Friday episode, meet the band introducing grunge to the younger masses - Scarhaven. Singer Michael Saint joins Val for a conversation on the live shows they have coming up, bts on the "Clouds" video…
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How to Find Your Next Favorite Band
Vigorous ones, I’m here to help solve a problem that I’m noticing lately - and that problem is there’s sooooooo much music to go through! Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good problem to have, but I get why we’re a little overwhelmed by all of these new releases that (at this point) are year-round. We...
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Forgotten Shrine and the Fight to Keep Our Sense of Whimsy Alive
Whimsy is a buzzword at the moment, and it's because today, as a collective, it's easy to feel like we're losing ours. Folk metal duo Forgotten Shrine has the medicine you'll need to reclaim your whimsy! Sofia and Josh join Val for a playful and candid conversation about their upcoming album Nox...
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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 struggles, sobriety, and making moves in the music industry without having a handbook for any of it! Also discussed is…
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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 sentence a lot, but in this sense share a parallel. Let’s talk…
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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 industry, and "make or break" points with humor, feist, and humility to celebrate...
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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 their Eurovision experience, and the stories and legends that make Norway...
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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 movie takes, and what the secret to a successful collaboration really is.…
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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 BAY-BEEE, it's a ride! Is genuine artistry about protecting a brand? Or is it...
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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 chats with guitarist Blake Allard on the new era of Joyous Wolf, what to expect…
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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 before. You might also find that it's the perfect remedy for a mental health...
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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 generationally. They also discuss the Starve EP and what's next...
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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 project, their first single "EVERGREEN" their upcoming debut show in South Carolina, why more bands should glaze each other. Get more DARKSTXR:...
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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 group about processing tragedy and ponders what calls for a band to take on…
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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 what to expect from their brand new release Eclipse coming Friday.…
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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 also dive into current trends in music, how Prong gave Rob Zombie his...
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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 about the importance of using artistry to make a statement. Get more…
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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: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5xnmynY7Zj625B0XAuwU2h?si=7-1F20HGTRKp4g1WwuFc9w…
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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 a new era with a new single - something they’ve done a lot in…
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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, and the upcoming Funerals EP that mirrors all the thoughts that surround…
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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 challenges, working with legend Ulrich Wild, and the haunted experiences shared...
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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? What does it actually take for a show to be cut short…
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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 good subject matter as artists, show safety, and the frustrations that...
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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 they do? Can we learn anything from their situation to help us navigate divorce...
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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 balancing family life, work life, and everything being in a band...
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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 Disrespectfully with Katie Maloney and Dayna Kathan, and quickly discerns that there's a bigger conversation to be had in response to Caleb's news. Get more Val...
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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 Milk St. examines how to turn those tough moments into seriously funny lyrics that carry us through when nothing else will. WATCH THE "JUST SO"…
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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 Blood Of Angels. They chat their world travels, what lessons they've learned while diving into the history of where they've been, and the new…
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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. Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
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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? Mikey Dunn of Who They Fear chats about balancing booking as a booking...
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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 missing important and valid concerns surrounding the use of AI. We…
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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 Movie influenced their newest single "Unholy Perversion of Nature" which…
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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 "bands can't just be bands anymore" before, and Val has some pushback…
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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 thanks to their "boots on the ground" method. Val chats with vocalist Don about why showing up is already a great head start toward to building a fanbase, how…
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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 on why the Alissa White-Gluz joining Dragonforce news was on...
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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. What does it really take for a band to land a national tour? Is the key to "success" landing at least 10,000 followers monthly? How do we find the...
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Noah Kahan and 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. Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
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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 has to realizing dystopian nightmares. Is the internet (and the way we use it) going to collapse on itself? What exactly happened to the bride and groom in…
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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 her experience at seeing Echos live, and the Amonklok tour with…
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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 more nu-metalcore music headed our way later. Val and bassist Niko Bowers play "Is AI accurate?", chat about touring...
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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 Ashley Oken has been featured in Alternative Press, ELLE and The New York Times - and she's...
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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 988 Lifeline. Does violence look different when a woman commits it? Solo artist Izzy T is in the building to break down all the misogynistic barriers women...
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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: https://www.instagram.com/the.metal.therapist/ Robyn's YouTube:...
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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 to learn this one! Get more Sean:...
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Unpacking What It Means to Be “Safe”
What does it really mean to be “safe” anyway? I’ve been asking myself this question since I’ve felt the word “safe” become a buzzword. We’re all using it. We’re using it in the literal and figurative way. “I just want someone I feel safe with” or “This is not a safe environment” - those moments....
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CHNNR on Blending International Roots and a Nu-Metal/Hip-Hop sound
TW: Mentions of mental health disorders and suicidal ideation. CHNNR is a solo artist blending nu-metal and hip-hop in his own unique way. It's kind of hard not to mesh those things when you were raised on both and music holds a special place in your heart. Val and CHNNR talk about the passion...
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Crying at Buffalo Wild Wings & Rating Rockstars I’ve Met
Why is emotional regulation important? Does it mean you have to stifle yourself at all times? Maybe it's all just about balance. Val explores the topic of emotional regulation this week while sharing some fun stories about emotionally regulating while meeting rockstars for the first time. In this...
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Veronica Bordacchini on Growing Up Italian, Fleshgod Apocalypse & 00s Gaming Nostalgia
Veronica Bordacchini of Fleshgod Apocalypse stops by to talk their upcoming spring tour in the US. Val and Veronica get deep about growing up Italian, while sharing some fun thoughts on horror and makeup too. Get more Fleshgod Apocalypse: https://shop.fleshgodapocalypse.com/pages/the-band…
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Because I Got Sued …Free Speech, The Afroman Way
Arguably the talk of the past week, Afroman has made headlines centered around a defamation trial. A court case he would end up winning. How did he win? What does this mean for musicians and content creators? What does it mean as a society? Val examines it all this episode. Get more Val at...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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: [email protected]
HOSTED BY
Val Kleinhans
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Vigorously with Val Kleinhans have?
Vigorously with Val Kleinhans currently has 199 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Vigorously with Val Kleinhans about?
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,...
How often does Vigorously with Val Kleinhans release new episodes?
Vigorously with Val Kleinhans publishes regularly with 199 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Vigorously with Val Kleinhans?
You can listen to Vigorously with Val Kleinhans on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Vigorously with Val Kleinhans?
Vigorously with Val Kleinhans is created and hosted by Val Kleinhans.
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