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 Inqui...
I Don’t Have The Patience…
The Charlie Kirk of it all has created a national firestorm in the United States, and Val is having none of it.
Americans are hurting, and it's well past time we do a deep dive into why in the hopes that another assassination or mass shooting doesn't happen.
Val pleads for empathy in the middle of a period where alienation is encouraged, while praying for thoughtful, mindful, and respectful engagement online and IRL. Be aware of what you're consuming literally and figuratively. If you're upset about something, don't run from it, ask yourself wh...
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, the unique challenges of holding down the low end, and how life offstage influences the music onstage. From navigating creative collaborations to balancing passion with everyday life, this conversation is all about the heartbeat of music—and the people who keep it steady.
Get more Kelsey: https://www.instagram.com/k.kem...
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 burning after all these years. Plus, Nixon gives us the inside scoop on their latest single, "POOR lil ME," and what fans can expect next. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to stay relevant in a constantly evolving music scene, this is the conversation you don’t want to miss.
Get mo...
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 embrace softness without losing strength, and explores how balancing feminine and masculine energies can change everything from relationships to self-confidence.
Plus, we can’t ignore the cultural moment everyone’s buzzing about: Taylor Swift’s appearance on New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce. Val dissects the interview, the vibes, and what it reveals about authenticit...
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 whole thing is a cash grab, and the pure metal magic. She also shares a once-in-a-lifetime moment where she got to ask Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts a burning question.
But the conversation doesn’t stop there — Val dives deep into a raw reflection on the growing apathy she sees in society, and how that observation spiraled into a ful...
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 candid and energetic episode of Vigorously, Val shares her real-life experience of purchasing her first home—the highs, the lows, the unexpected expenses, and the lessons she really wished someone had told her beforehand.
From choosing a realtor to understanding financial assistance, Val walks you through what it’s like to go from "just browsing" to signin...
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 and is in the middle of prepping it before move in day.
She also shouts out Cassie's strength during the Diddy trial and shares her thoughts on the new Sleep Token album Even In Arcadia.
Val and content creator/host Tasha Allen cha...
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 Andersson, passed away in 2022, the band wasn't sure where life would take them next. Now in 2025, we have the new album Give Us The Moon to answer that question.
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Get more Soilwork: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7wqP36o9lqWteOCxBnXlwx
Get more of The Night Fligh...
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.
Val and James chat music and mental health in this episode.
Hollywood Mortician is out in July. New single “Los Angeles” coming soon.
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Get more Nathan James: https://www.instagram.com/thatsnathanjames/?hl=en
Get more Val...
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.
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Get more Love, Jade: https://www.instagram.com/lovejadetheband/
Get more Val: https://valkleinhans.com/
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
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 unique perspective on fashion and lifestyle, blending both worlds to inspire listeners to live boldly and authentically. Whether you're looking to boost your self-confidence, find new ways to express yourself, or simply get motivated for the week ahead, this episode is packed with empowering advice and personal stories!
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Get more Lizzie: https://www.instagram.com/lizzieinlace/
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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 feel confident enough to.
Val and Liz comiserate over life on social media - diving into how much work and effort content creation really takes. They also explore how they got to where they currently are.
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Get more Midsize Optimize: https://www.instagram.com...
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 things (see the conversation on 90s and 00s fashion), and metal culture as a whole.
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Nine Layers Deep (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/ninelayersdeep/
Nine Layers Deep (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/artist/4A2TgnSQoPiOQWMe55cFg1?autoplay=true
Get more Val: https://valkleinhans.com/
Get m...
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 fashion with serious honesty. You're going to relate to this one!
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Get more Narcissa here: https://www.instagram.com/narcissavox/
AfterTime: https://open.spotify.com/artist/53n0FvPeJDXcSj6ioYldbg
Powerglove: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6J0DfXSDiMxIHVrnRcDn7M?autoplay=true
Get more Val: h...
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.
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Get more Vigil: https://www.instagram.com/vigilthrash/
Get more Val: https://valkleinhans.com/
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
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 episode, Barbara chats her musical journey and her experience with domestic violence. She also shares what we all can do to help. We learn how to identify these serious situations and how best to navigate a loved one going through it.
This one's a journey y'all! Tune in.
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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 he's interviewing your favorite metal bands. This is how he did it.
Val and Jasper share and analyze their experiences in media and the music industry.
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Get more Jasper here: https://www.youtube.com/@BelgianJasper
Get more Val: https://valkleinhans.com/
Get more Val at https...
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 ideas.
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
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 constantly rejects their credentials, opinions and expertise...still...in 2025.
In this episode, Val wants to bring "girl power" back. She cites Lzzy Hale as a modern example we can turn to.
We also discuss the importance of diversity.
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
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 with Joe Francis and "Tiger King" Joe Exotic included.
Val and Stef have a lot in common and a lot to chat about when it comes to being women in broadcast and music. In this episode, they share their journeys.
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Get more Stef:
https://stefaniesrockshow.wixsite.com/stefs-rock-show-1
...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 and camping.
Strap in for the ride!
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Get more Gina: https://www.instagram.com/ginab_here/?hl=en
Gina's Women Of Rock Show: https://www.instagram.com/ginabs_womenofrock/?hl=en
Get more Val: https://valkleinhans.com/
Get mo...
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 the Industrial Revolution. Let a former resident share how.
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
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 energy." Especially if you're a female childless millennial.
Val and Angela take the opportunity to critique society on the topic, and bemoan millennial life while sharing their successes at the same time.
Buckle up, millennials. This one is for you.
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Get more Angela:
https://www.theangelagentile.com/about1
Get mo...
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 generation.
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Get more Guilherme:
https://www.instagram.com/guilhermecostagt/
Get more Val:
https://valkleinhans.com/
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
Let Them Era
Val has entered what Mel Robbins calls her "let them era" - and you'll learn how to enter yours this episode. Someone going you wrong? ...let them.
It's very simple, and it comes down to acceptance.
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
Chris Johnson: Identifying Value In Your Business
Chris Johnson is a podcaster (Passion Pod), muralist, influencer, radio host, and entrepreneur based in Wisconsin. He's made his dreams a reality multiple times in his life, and wasn't afraid to pivot when they didn't work out either. He began running his own business at 23, and that taught him a lot.
Now, Chris is ready to share his journey with Val and the Vigorously fam. Bring your notebook for this one. There's going to be notes and tips you'll want to take!
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Get more Chris:
https://www.passionpod.org/
Alexa Rae: The Internet Thinks We’re Crybabies
Opening up yourself to the internet isn't an easy task. Add being a musician on top of it, and that's a whole other level of WILD.
Val and drummer Alexa Rae chat her season of Jared Dines' Musician Mansion on YouTube, her time at NAMM 2025, learning to drum, the music industry, and content creation in this episode.
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Get more Alexa: https://www.instagram.com/alexa.drums/
Get more Val: https://valkleinhans.com/
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
Everything I’ve Ever Learned about Loving Yourself
Happy Valentine's Day! Val shares everything she's ever learned about loving yourself in this episode, and that includes authenticity, boosting your confidence your way and leaving what no longer serves you.
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Get more Val: https://valkleinhans.com/
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
Tee Reva Alston: Fashionable Female Empowerment
Val and content creator Tee Reva Alston chat fashion, plus size life, our current political frustrations and how to make the best out of life when things feel heavy.
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Get more Tee Reva: https://www.instagram.com/teereva4/
Get more Val: https://valkleinhans.com/
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
Celinda Chang: Navigating Three Bands
Los Angeles-based guitarist Celinda Chang first picked up the guitar at age 22. Years later, she’s infiltrating the local music scene with her infectious stage presence and electrifying guitar skills in multiple bands - and killing it in all of them.
Val and Celi chat her musical journey and discuss the potential future the music industry could see.
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Get more Celi:
https://www.celindachang.com/about
Unpolished
Hollywood Apocalypse
PINKTASTIC PLASTIXX
Get mor...
My Life with Turner Syndrome
In honor of Turner Syndrome Awareness Month, Val shares her Turner Syndrome story, and what her life looks like living with it.
Turner syndrome, a condition that affects only females, results when one of the X chromosomes (sex chromosomes) is missing or partially missing. In Val's case, only one of her X's is partially missing.
Turner syndrome can cause a variety of medical and developmental problems, including short height, failure of the ovaries to develop and heart defects.
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Get more Val: https://valkleinhans.com/
Get more V...
Morgan Markowski: You’re The Main Character
What does it mean to soft pivot? Val and business baddie/content creator Morgan Markowski chat trying new things and finding the courage to try them.
Morgan helps creative service providers get paid to be themselves by building a brand around their personality and experience, not just their time-for-money skills.
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Get more Morgan: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowski/
Get more Val: https://valkleinhans.com/
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
Chloe Clemente: Judged By a Corgi
Solo artist Chloe Clemente has a serious passion for 80s rock! She chats with Val about being a female in the music industry, taking care of your vocal cords, moving around the US, and those lovable corgis.
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Get more Chloe:
https://www.chloeclemente.com/about
Get more Val:
https://valkleinhans.com/
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
Christy Ponte: Beauty and The Shelter Beasts
Alt girlie, makeup artist, and animal advocate Christy Ponte checks in from North Carolina. Christy and Val chat about the Carolinas, animals, their astrological destiny, makeup, alternative things, and content creation this episode.
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Get more Christy:
https://www.instagram.com/christystarmua/
Get more Val:
https://valkleinhans.com/
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
NESDAM: Finding the Truth in Your Music
Nesdam’s whole life has led into his debut album Find The Truth. The moment listeners hear it, they’ll know: he’s not holding anything back.
The hard rock musician, whose given name is Patrick Madsen, has historically been best known as a drummer (notably in Random Hero). But over the past four years, he has found a new voice as a frontman. This is his story.
Val and Nesdam chat their journey in the music industry, and protecting your mental health.
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Get more Nesdam here...
Jon Barbas: The Life of a Southern Metalhead
Jon Barbas is a sommelier of extreme metal and blue-collar philosopher, host of Heavy Metal Philosophy, writer for Metal Digest, and concert photographer. Val and Jon chat content creation, ethics, and weigh a lot of hot takes circulating in metal lately.
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Get more Jon:
https://heavymetalphilosophy.com/
YouTube
Get more Val:
https://valkleinhans.com/
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
EMPERIAM: Sceneior Citizens
Alternative fashionista and favorite elder millennial emo EMPERIAM joins Val this episode to get very nostalgic. It's time to revisit those MySpace pages, those arguments with mom, and do a little comparing and contrasting when it comes to bands, festivals, and the US vs. Canada.
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Get more EMPERIAM:
https://www.emperiam.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imemperiam/
Get more Val:
https://valkleinhans.com/
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
Vanitas: Cinematic Djent
Vanitas are rising fast in the UK heavy scene, bringing their unique blend of progressive metal and djent with orchestral elements that wouldn’t sound out of place in a Final Fantasy soundtrack; creating what they’ve coined ‘cinematic djent’.
Val and Jade chat about encouraging younger musicians, alt girlie things, and what's next for Vanitas in 2025.
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Get more Vanitas:
Spotify
https://www.vanitasband.com/about
Get more Val:
https://valkleinhans.com/
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
I'm Literally Just A 35-Year-Old Girl
Val goes solo and shares some thoughts on turning 35, getting older and how she's working on blowing up Vigorously. Shenanigans from her birthday weekend are shared too!
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
Lindsay Hayes: Beer with Emo Millennials
Lindsay Hayes is a content creator who you can usually find at a show or a beer event. She also loves a good brew and some millennial nostalgia. Val and Lindsay reminisce about all of the above this episode.
They also explore the sober curious movement that's taking over.
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Get more Lindsay:
https://www.instagram.com/hoppyhayes/
Get more Val:
https://valkleinhans.com/
Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/
