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...

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/

If you're a music fan, you're obsessed with the fact that your 2025 Spotify Wrapped was released this week. You shared your results with your friends. You cringed. You laughed. You celebrated. You got nostalgic. You might've even been pissed off. Regardless, the results were shared. Let's do a deep dive into how we felt about the Spotify Wrapped of it all this year. Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

The holidays have arrived, and this time of year means a lot of "no" might be necessary. It's hard to say "no" and mean it. Val walks us through how to find our own voice so we can learn what to say "no" to, and how to practice saying no in a way that doesn't make us feel guilty. Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Val presents a full recap of the Minneapolis stop on Spiritbox's Tsunami Sea tour which also featured Honey Revenge and Periphery. She also dives into what she's been listening to lately - hint: a lot of it has been the One More Time EP from Aerosmith and Yungblud. Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Tis' the season that early Black Friday sales are dominating our algorithms and shopping habits. Don't get overwhelmed! Val shares some tips on how to navigate a busy and expensive shopping season in the middle of an uncertain economy. Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Hilary Duff has returned to music, much to the enjoyment of every millennial out there. Val chats about her new single "Mature" and ponders what the musical future could look like for Hilary. Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Why is it that we're so obsessed with serial killers? Val examines this with the help of an article from Boston University, and shares her thoughts on Monster: The Ed Gein Story on Netflix. BU Today article: https://www.bu.edu/articles/2023/why-are-we-so-obsessed-with-serial-killers/ Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Val caught the Lorna Shore tour when it hit Minneapolis over the weekend. Luckily, they brought PeelingFlesh, Shadow of Intent and The Black Dahlia Murder with them. This is what happened. Gas station food is underrated. Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

In this episode of Vigorously with Val Kleinhans, Val sits down with Tom and Collin from the Influencers of Metal podcast for a deep dive into the brotherhood that built their show and the brotherhood fuels the metal scene. The trio unpacks how metal shapes identity, builds community, and process life’s heavier moments. They also share some takes on the biggest stories in heavy metal in 2025... so far. The passing of Ozzy Osbourne, the passing of Brent Hinds of Mastodon, the Cradle of F...

This episode suggests that music has a deep understanding of your traumatic experiences and their lasting impact on your mental, emotional, and physical well-being - triggers and all. Val provides personal examples. We also introduce Music Mondays! Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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...

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 d...

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 stead...

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 N...

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...

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 ...