Vigorously with Val Kleinhans

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. 

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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 t...

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.c...

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=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn26c1jAopDAx4...

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.

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 do...

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.Therapist

Get 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 me...

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 t...

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-band

Upcoming TOUR DATES: https://shop.fleshgodapocalypse.com/pages/tour-dates

Get 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...

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=en

Get 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/zahnaofficial

Get 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.

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STREAM THE SINGLE: https://open.spotify.com/track/2LRinVKgPQaiKySkTpFL04?si=aiVdP1jyR8S67lvB4HoUIA

WATCH THE VIDEO: https://youtu.be/qrWykzdtoFI?si=bOr4e4B3s3dKQIbx

Get 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/

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 American

Get 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/a...

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/

Give yourself permission to feel that. You’ve been trying so hard, and that effort deserves to be recognized—not punished.

Val goes over why acknowledging your emotions isn't ignoring them or a "weak" thing to do. She also explains why it's not passing the blame onto anyone (or anything) else.

Stay sat for a very matter of fact edition of Vigorously. 

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Kendra Erika, an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and actress, has cemented her place as a powerhouse in the music industry. With five Billboard Top Ten dance hits, Kendra hit the pinnacle of success in 2019 when her single “Self-Control” topped the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.  Her next stop on her artistic journey takes us to License to Thrill, a James Bond themed project that celebrates the American songbook in the most delicious of jazz ways. Her new single "GoldenEye" is just a taste.

Versatility is Kendra's game. Let's learn it.

Get more K...

For the ones who crave connection but have trust issues, trauma, or fierce independence. You're not alone! Val is the same way. We'll dive into how to name and change the paradox that "being alone is better because it's safer" - because it's keeping us isolated.

Ain't nobody got time for that!

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/