Vigorously with Val Kleinhans

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 while putting the upcoming album Pulse Line Scar together.STREAM Beautiful Skeletons: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6dZD3pOhLSVUZCXLFRwwpd?si=CQV4_j-7Q7aVY7L4gHmEeABeautiful Skeletons Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/beautiful_skeletons_band/Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 or canceled due to severe weather? Who makes that call? And why does it feel like they sometimes make that call too late? How do you make a decision in the middle of all this when you’ve got your own feelings in the way?Val has some questions as we enjoy festival season, and we’re going to try and answer them by diving into severe weather cancellations vigorously. Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 come with navigating the world as a young adult. Get more Døuble Identity: https://www.instagram.com/doubleidentityband/STREAM "KISS ME AGAIN" : https://open.spotify.com/artist/6pdssHgpeHiTKzHlmGvGVW?si=S0QIZZDSRw6REbnCQb8gaAGet more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 better?Let’s get into the subject of divorce, vigorously.When anyone gets divorced, it’s a messy, uncomfortable moment that is filled with mixed emotions - and not just between the couple involved, but everyone else in their orbit too. If you or someone you know is struggling, contact 988 Lifeline.Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 requires? Val, Doug, and Michael cover it all in celebration of the Down To The Wire EP out Friday, June 26th.Get more Exhausted: https://open.spotify.com/artist/66dtZ1Ny9vDcoYwUg3wj96?si=Zn3TxLVXQtGE_IAJRpRSdAExhausted Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhaustedband/Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 at https://valkleinhans.com/

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" VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m44iFJ6hI0A&list=RDm44iFJ6hI0A&start_radio=1Get more Milk St.: https://www.instagram.com/milkstband/Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 album Les Agnst ov Thanatou out June 21st.Get more Blood Of Angels: https://www.instagram.com/bloodofangelsGet more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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/

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 agent, the current climate of the music industry, doing the work when you don't feel like doing it, and Maryland metalcore. Get more Who They Fear: https://linktr.ee/whotheyfear?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnaDAQt9UhOWa2w_Mz0Nq47R8Ju2zq04tkChy0BSHCULFtCELEjw4mhDxFbC4_aem_wSkJYcTdPAupDe105A4OmABe ready for WHITEOUT: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6v4tmKaFpasiRSLDxmwrle?si=ViGoo-GgSRWPBTPo1hpBuAGet more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 also chat about the news from Beartooth singer Caleb Shomo that broke the internet over the weekend. It really shouldn't have been such a topic of discussion, but it was. Do you think divorce impacts more than just the couple involved? Val offers her thoughts this episode. Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 is out now.Get more Gouged: https://www.instagram.com/gougedpnw/Stream Gouged: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5YBdymBwFJxlqr0l23Dusl?si=yhJW63o1Saiqtn3NlpAi9gGet more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 to those annoyed with those venting sessions. Can bands "just be bands" today? Can we give artists the space to vent when they need it? Should we change the way we think about and use social media? All of this is explored.Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 to incorporate nostalgia into your promotion, and staying mentally healthy through it all.Get more Seaside Massacre: https://www.instagram.com/seasidemassacre/Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 absolutely no one's bingo card for 2026 - but should've been. We also dive deeper into why this was a shock at all while citing the history of female evolution in heavy music. Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 time for it all? Is there such a thing a criticism that's too harsh?Greg answers all of those questions, while sharing what it's like while juggling A Moments Notice and multiple side hustles. Get more A Moments Notice: https://www.instagram.com/amomentsnoticeofficial/Listen to Make Your Mark podcast: https://linktr.ee/makeyourmarkpodcast?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGncYwEl7pWufWWTU3d03Cq05LNKlP-7nRnXyfjItiTEGwwAhOOEGhXtmbUDA8_aem_5s5H68vE1F8Hc7mW-KNhvAGet more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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/

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 "The Wedding"? What have Andreas and Hagge learned throughout their decades in the music industry? When are we going to the see them in the US?The crew do their best to answer all of those questions, but in some cases, only the future knows the real answer. Get more Self Deception: https://selfdeception.se/Follow Self Deception: https://www.instagram.com/selfdeception_official/Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 Amon Amarth, Dethklok and Castle Rat. We also chat a lot about rebranding, and why Machine Gun Kelly and Lizzo are experts in this in the middle of releasing new music.Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 essentials, Dune, and what being a musician really looks like in 2026.Get more Resider: https://linktr.ee/resideordie?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn26c1jAopDAx4MeA9cBy35rhVg6pwUngNHWcNFkbLWUpgHOO4oonYPvIK2PA_aem_1XuWqQNGP1fL_mCd3qlbFAResider Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/residerofficial/Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 not stopping anything soon. In this episode, Ashley gets real about how essential commitment is, the struggles women sometimes face in the music industry, and how holding onto those perfect 90s and early 00s moments gets her through it all.Get more Ashley: https://www.instagram.com//themillionthashleyyouknowGet more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 sometimes face in music. Because the subject is close to home for her, Val and Izzy chat about the current events happening in Iran and their impact on the world, and why Izzy is just using these moments as fuel to continue doing what she does.Say hello to her violence. This episode cuts deep. Get more Izzy: https://www.instagram.com/izzytofficial/STREAM "Say Hello To My Violence": https://open.spotify.com/track/7pJiczqLbsK2UN4WoJRWnu?si=f91b6bf2500f43adGet more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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: https://www.youtube.com/@The.Metal.TherapistGet more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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: https://www.instagram.com/thequarantined/The Quarantined: https://www.thequarantined.com/Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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.What’s crazy is I found myself having a reaction to the use of this word. So, I’d like to explore that with you today in another “Work On You Wednesday” and get to the bottom of what does it really mean be “safe”?Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 behind being a music fan, what it takes to be a solo artist, their respective mental health journeys and why it takes balls to go after your dream - and admit when that dream looks different than it did originally.Get more CHNNR: https://www.instagram.com/chnnrofficial/Stream "TEN TOES DOWN" ft. OT Genasis: https://open.spotify.com/track/37JvLjOhAkhZXq76iLkqR0?si=Z6eR4BJgSWSQeSm11KKQxAGet more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 episode, Val shares her stories meeting the guys in Pierce The Veil, I Prevail, Jamie Campbell Bower, Lzzy Hale, Taylor Hawkins, Chris Jericho and more.Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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-bandUpcoming TOUR DATES: https://shop.fleshgodapocalypse.com/pages/tour-datesGet more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 https://valkleinhans.com/

Guitarist and vocalist Kenny Hickey created a decades long career that began with the niche and devoted audience found in Type O Negative. We knew about the guitar work, we knew about the vocals, but this episode dives in to what Kenny is up to now.SUN DONT SHINE, his latest project, has allowed him to experiment with vocals and production in ways he never had before. This is how to make a career in music last. This is how to reinvent yourself in the process. It all comes to head with the release of SUN DONT SHINE's debut album From Birth To Death on April 1st. Get more SUN DONT SHINE: https://sundontshineband.com/SUN DONT SHINE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sundontshinebandGet more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Val examines the Kelly Osbourne of it all griping that the comments surrounding her body are simply too much. She asks, At what point does ‘concern’ stop being compassion and start being entitlement?Let's leave everybody's body alone. Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Musician, mentor, and overall positive guy Mark Winters stops by to chat with Val about the importance of staying curious, learning music as an adult, and finding the bright spots when the world looks dark. Check out Mark's Good Vibes Highway tour: https://markwintersmusic.com/shows/Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Have you ever entered a room and felt incredibly alone? Was it because you felt you weren't worthy? Were you afraid to even open the door? Val chats about all of those social anxieties this week and offers tips on how to quell them.Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

What is it really like to start a band in 2026? DONT YOU DARE can tell you. They're in the middle of the fight right now. Noah and Matt join Val for a conversation about Sacremento's metalcore roots, their journey in the music industry, and how they've learned to stay humble while along for the ride. Get more DONT YOU DARE: https://www.instagram.com/dyd.ca/?hl=enGet more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Zahna is an EARTH-SHATTERING VOICE that refuses to be silenced. Trust me, you'll hear all her highs, lows, cleans, and growls! Val chats with solo artist Zahna about her journey in the music industry (in general and as a female), vocal techniques, her new music on the way, outfits, and her husband Nesdam. We cover it all!Get more Zahna: https://zahnaofficial.com/Zahna Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zahnaofficialGet more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Val chats with wellness expert Lane Kennedy about mindfulness and what are DNA can tell us about staying mentally healthy.Lane's journey began with an autoimmune diagnosis, leading her to a life free from alcohol and demonstrating the profound impact of mindful and nutritional choices on overall well-being. From bio-identical hormone therapy to the forefront of nutrigenomics, Lane's dedication has made her a leader in achieving balance for both body and mind.Get more Lane: https://lanekennedy.com/ Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Val chats with Atara Glazer from Plastic Rhino about their new (MUCH heavier) single "Dark Horizon," their choice to stay independent, and their journey in the music industry.___________________________________________________________________________________STREAM THE SINGLE: https://open.spotify.com/track/2LRinVKgPQaiKySkTpFL04?si=aiVdP1jyR8S67lvB4HoUIAWATCH THE VIDEO: https://youtu.be/qrWykzdtoFI?si=bOr4e4B3s3dKQIbxGet more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Have you ever loved something so much… and then one day realized you hadn’t touched it in months? Val almost fell out of love with her hobby—and it scared her more than expected. In fact, sometimes, it’s an indicator that we're depressed and we've gotta try and do something about that.In this episode, Val shares her journey with her hobbies and how she found the joy in them again. Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Music and media connoisseur Tori Kravtiz has been in the game as a pit reporter for Warped Tour and publicist for your favorite bands for a minute. If you were ever going to learn some tips and tricks on how to be succeed in either arena, she's the person the guide you - and that's exactly what this episode does. Tori shares her journey making it in the music business and how she uses media to accomplish the seemingly impossible.Get more Tori: https://www.instagram.com/torikravitz/She's With The Band Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/swtbpod/Warped Tour: www.vanswarpedtour.comKNOTFEST: https://www.instagram.com/knotfest/Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Val shares where her head has been at lately while offering tips on how to navigate the very depressy winter we've been having. Hint: the key is believing you're worth fighting for.How Winter Affects Our Mood and Behavior | Scientific AmericanGet more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Alex Sandra (Aleksandra Marshaniia) is a Georgian-American metalcore artist based between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Raised in a challenging, dysfunctional family environment, Alex turned to music early on, diving into nu-metal at just 15. This early start laid the foundation for her raw, emotionally intense style: think Wage War meets Lady Gaga. Val and Alex Sandra chat new music on the way, and get vulnerable discussing navigating crisis and immigration to the US.Get more Alex Sandra: https://www.alexsandramusic.com/Alex Sandra Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexsandra_music/Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Exhaustion isn’t proof of value — it’s often proof of imbalance. Val shares her personal observations on this topic while citing real world examples (including how exhausted Minnesota are by ICE at the moment). She also offers tips on how to check yourself into better balance in your life.Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

AI isn’t coming — it’s already here. It’s writing songs, cloning voices, finishing mixes, and even performing as “artists.” If music is the language of the soul… should we really let something without a soul speak for us? Val does a deep dive into the use of AI in music.Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Can I be my own best friend? What happens when you become so bulletproof against outside opinions and external clutter that you've actually weaponized knowing your worth? Well vigorous ones, it's a beautiful place to be.The events in Minnesota this past week caused Val to explore ways to protect herself from the chaos and negativity that is inevitable in life. Come along as this former serial people pleaser takes her life back without self-sacrifice and learns to love herself again.Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Genre-blending, playlists replacing scenes, and identity-less sound. What does it all mean? Does music need labels or do we? Val attempts to dive into how the lines blurred, who benefits, who loses, and why it feels confusing (and freeing) as a listener. Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Ready for some ins and outs in 2026? These ones span daily interactions, fashion, music, and social commentary. Enjoy!Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

2026 is finally here! Val checks in with a full list of artists (new and old), tours, and announcements in music that you need to be paying attention to this year.Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

We're ready to put 2025 to bed! Val shows up in her finest jammies and puts a bow on 2025 by dissecting the use of encores in live shows, recaps the year in a very general fashion (purely based on vibes), and shares hopes for 2026. Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Val holds herself accountable in this episode, and explains how the didn't quite define Vigorously the right way when she first started working on it. This is the tale of the podcast itself, with tons of branding tips that allow you to dive into what works and what doesn't. This is the story of Vigorously.Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Val looks back on a year in music (2025) that was ultimately a year of realignment, and an encouraging nudge toward reinvention. Music felt like a companion again, not content. It reminded us why we fell in love with music in the first place.Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/