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 ...

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 chat abou...

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. ____________________________________________________________ Get more Soilwork: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7w...

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. _________________________________________________________________ Get more Nathan James: https://www.instagram.com/thatsnathan...

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. __________________________________________________- Get more Love, Jade: https://www.instagram.com/lovejadetheband/ Get more Val: https://valkleinhans.com/ Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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 e...

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. _____________________________________________________ G...

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. __________________________________________________________________ Nine Layers Deep (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/ninelayersdeep/ Nine Layers Deep (Spotify): https://open.s...

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! ___________________________________________________________________ Get more Narcissa here: https://www.instagram.com/narcissavox/ AfterTime: https://open.spotify.com/artist/53n0FvPeJDXcSj6ioYldbg Powerglove: h...

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. ________________________________________________________________ Get more Vigil: https://www.instagram.com/vigilthrash/ Get more Val: https://valkleinhans.com/ Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

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. _____________...