Beyond the Microphone: Val Kleinhans on Music, Resilience, and Finding Her Voice
Updated: 3 days ago
Welcome to Hawk-IT Interviews, our blog series spotlighting the people behind the music, media, and creative work that moves and inspires us.
In this edition, Hawk IT Media sits down with Val Kleinhans, creator and host of Vigorously with Val Kleinhans. From discovering her passion for music at an early age to finding her footing in radio and eventually creating a platform of her own, Val has built a career rooted in curiosity, resilience, and a desire to give artists and creatives a space to tell their stories authentically.
In our conversation, Val opens up about the experiences that shaped her path, her decision to step away from traditional radio, and what inspired her to launch Vigorously. She also shares how she approaches conversations with artists, what she’s learned from building something independently, and why consistency remains one of the most important parts of pursuing a creative career.
Let's Begin!
Amit Ahuja:
Before there was Vigorously with Val Kleinhans—before the interviews, the unforgettable conversations, and the platform you've built—there was simply Valerie. When you look back on those early years, what moments do you believe shaped the woman you've become today?
Val Kleinhans:
What’s funny is that I hardly go by “Valerie” – it always felt too uppity and proper for me. That’s the general theme. I was a tomboy, and always a fan of music. I wasn’t like the other kids, and I knew I was always going to be doing something different. I was also lucky enough to have parents who noticed a knack I had for public speaking early. They entered me into pageants to pursue this skill. When I was a little older, I got heavy into music and thought, “why not mesh the two as a career?”
Amit Ahuja:
Looking back now with the perspective that comes from experience, how do you feel those formative years influenced the woman you've become? In what ways did your upbringing shape your worldview, your emotional depth, and your resilience—and how have those experiences influenced the way you connect with people through Vigorously with Val Kleinhans?
Val Kleinhans
I look back with gratitude. Not everyone gets to grow up in an environment that nurtures what’s authentic to them. It’s also made me root for the underdog, because I know how hard standing out really is.
Amit Ahuja:
Life has a way of pulling us in countless directions, especially when we're building something we're passionate about. Through all the growth and opportunities, what has helped keep you grounded, and what continues to remind you of who you are beyond the microphone?
Val Kleinhans
It’s not a conscious thought, but a giddy, childlike feeling that keeps me grounded. I actively pursue this feeling. When I’m recording or editing, and I get a burst of energy and excitement, I know I’m aligned with my calling. I’m also reminded that everything I have now was something I wanted previously, and I shouldn’t take it for granted or psych myself out about becoming more “successful” – all that comes in time with humility and consistency.
Amit Ahuja:
Every meaningful career begins with a moment of curiosity. When did you first realize you were drawn to listening to people's stories, and what inspired you to turn that curiosity into a career?
Val Kleinhans:
As a teenager, I read a lot of rock biographies and watched a healthy amount of Behind The Music on Vh1 because I thought the people creating this music were like-minded. I was right! That discovery fueled a desire to seek out that connection with other creatives time and time again. As for turning this into a career, that came when I was “forced” to decide what to study as I entered college. Again, I got heavy into music and thought, “why not mesh the two things I’m good at (a love for music and a skill as a public speaker) as a career?”
Amit Ahuja:
Every conversation has the potential to change the way we see the world. As the host of Vigorously with Val Kleinhans, what do you hope every guest feels when they leave one of your conversations, and what do you hope every listener takes away from each episode?
Val Kleinhans:
I hope each guest I have feels like they’re having a conversation with someone who respects what they do while also appreciating the laughs that come during the conversation. I hope they walk away feeling like spending time with me was mutually beneficial.
Amit Ahuja:
Launching a podcast is never just about turning on a microphone—it's about creating a space for conversations that matter. What inspired you to create Vigorously with Val Kleinhans, and what kind of impact did you hope it would have from the very beginning?
Val Kleinhans:
This answer is going to include a little bit of backstory: Before Vigorously, I was on the air (terrestrial radio) professionally. I left that industry because parts of it wore on my mental health. However, the broadcast bug was still biting and the love of music never faded. I created Vigorously to heal and nourish that part of myself in an environment that suited me better.
Amit Ahuja:
The title Vigorously with Val Kleinhans immediately invites curiosity. It's not a word people hear every day, which makes it an especially intriguing choice. How did you arrive at that name, and what does vigorously represent—not only for your podcast, but for the way you choose to live your life?
Val Kleinhans:
We’re going to revisit “Valerie” here: The name Valerie has English roots, and it means “vigorous and strong” – if anyone embodies that, it’s me. Furthermore, pursuing artistry vigorously is something I and my guests have in common – it’s perfect! Why not name a podcast after it?
Amit Ahuja:
If someone were discovering Vigorously with Val Kleinhans for the very first time, how would you introduce the show? What makes your conversations different, and what do you hope listeners take away from each episode?
Val Kleinhans:
Vigorously with Val Kleinhans, includes artist interviews, conversations with creatives, and solo reflections (from me) that go past promo and into the real human side of creativity. Candid conversations that go beyond the surface — exploring who artists are, how creators think, why music matters, and what inspires the work we connect with. We explore the psychology of creativity, the pressure of visibility, and what modern music culture is doing to artists and fans behind the scenes. Generally, I hope listeners (fan or artist) learn something.
Amit Ahuja:
You've interviewed artists at every stage of their careers—from emerging talent to established names. What has it meant to you to provide a platform where their stories can be heard, sometimes at pivotal moments in their journey?
Val Kleinhans:
It’s an honor that I don’t treat lightly. These artists and their teams don’t have to trust me, but they do, and I’m grateful. I know what it’s like not to be heard, and I’d like to be one stop in life where my guests feel like they’re getting their message out even if they haven’t reached that rest of the world yet.
Amit Ahuja:
Great interviews rarely happen by accident. Before you sit down with a guest, what does your preparation look like, and how do you balance thoughtful research with leaving room for those unexpected moments that often become the most memorable parts of a conversation?
Val Kleinhans:
You must actively listen. Period. No distractions. My phone is put away. My studio door is shut. That’s the key to a listenable interview. When it comes to research, I get lucky because I feel like my “research” is simply following my guests and paying attention to what’s been happening in their world. Watching their music videos, looking at the lyrics, watching previous interviews they’ve done and noting if there was a “missed opportunity” to ask a question I would’ve had I had the opportunity, things like that. New (to me) artists are almost easier, because then it becomes a fun “get to know you” conversation.
Amit Ahuja:
Beyond your interviews, you've built a creative space through music reviews, recommendations, original content, and creative projects that reflect your personality and perspective. What inspires the content you choose to create, and how does each creative outlet allow you to express a different side of yourself?
Val Kleinhans:
The love of music and being a music fan is what inspires it all, truly. Reaction videos and reviews allow people to see my infamous facial expressions, so those are fun. Podcast episodes are slightly more serious, and I like that balance.
Amit Ahuja:
Every piece of content begins with an idea. Whether it's a music review, an original creation, or an episode of Vigorously with Val Kleinhans, where do your best ideas usually come from, and what inspires you when you're creating something new?
Val Kleinhans:
This goes back to that “gut feeling” I talked about. If I’m excited about it, and can’t wait to get home and turn the camera on so I can discuss it, I know it’s what I should be talking about.
Amit Ahuja:
Looking back, who are the people who've inspired your journey the most? Whether they come from music, media, journalism, or your personal life, what qualities did they possess that continue to influence the way you approach your work today?
Val Kleinhans:
I love this question! The artists I interview often inspire me, because we’re seeking the same type of life – a chance to spend more time creating than being miserable. Growing up, local Pittsburgh radio hosts inspired me. They didn’t always have to be local either. Angie Martinez out of New York is still the GOAT to me. The fun that Wolfman Jack had on the air inspires me. Today, I still look for great interviewers and take notes. Lately, those people have been Keke Palmer, Sean Evans, Angie Martinez and Jay Shetty. I love what Chris Garza has been doing for broadcast in the heavy music space specifically. He has a knack for making his guests comfortable.
Amit Ahuja:
Music has a remarkable way of shaping who we are long before we realize it. When you think back to your earliest memories, what first drew you into that world? Was it the culture, the artistry, the visual aesthetic, the storytelling, the live performances—or was there something even deeper that made music feel like home?
Val Kleinhans:
It was the instrument that is the guitar. I’ve always loved the sound of it, and how emotive it can be. Naturally, I gravitated toward a music genre that favors it.
Amit Ahuja:
At what point did you realize your love of music wasn't just something personal—it was something you wanted to build a career around? Looking back, how did that realization eventually lead to Vigorously with Val Kleinhans?
Val Kleinhans:
I watched other broadcasters make a career out of the skill and thought I could try my hand at it too. Unfortunately, the radio industry hasn’t sustained itself the same way that I was introduced to it, and I chose to leave it and create my own space in Vigorously.
Amit Ahuja:
After spending years speaking with musicians from different genres and generations, what have those conversations taught you—not only about music, but about people, perseverance, and the universal power of storytelling?
Val Kleinhans
It serves as a constant reminder that we all struggle, and this is humbling. It’s also inspirational in that from these conversations you learn there’s more than one pathway to success.
Amit Ahuja:
Throughout your journey, you've interviewed countless artists and heard stories of triumph, perseverance, and creativity. Has there ever been a piece of advice from a guest that stayed with you long after the interview ended? How has it influenced your own life or career?
Val Kleinhans:
The overwhelming takeaway from a lot of the interviews that I’ve done, that still sticks with me today, is that consistency matters. The day you decide to stop creating or pursuing a dream is the day everything stops. External forces don’t matter nearly as much as your own drive does. It’s up to you to put in the work to get closer to wherever it is you want to be.
Amit Ahuja:
You're handed the aux cord for a road trip. What are the first three songs you're playing, and why do they always make the cut?
Val Kleinhans:
This depends heavily on who I’m in the car with, but if it were someone still getting to know me, I’d say any Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses or Type O Negative song – because those are my go-to musical trifecta. Currently, I’d throw in some Castle Rat too because I feel like this is a band people should know.
Amit Ahuja:
If you could spend one day backstage with any artist or band—past or present—who would it be, and what would you be most curious to witness?
Val Kleinhans:
Steven Tyler of Aerosmith or any original member of Guns N’ Roses. I wouldn’t have to witness anything, I’d just want 2 minutes to thank them for helping me navigate a turbulent adolescence.
Amit Ahuja:
If you weren't working in music, media, and storytelling, what career do you think you would have pursued, and what is it about that path that appeals to you?
Val Kleinhans:
I’ve always thought I’d make a good hair stylist. I cut my own currently. It’s creative, and you can swap stories with whoever is in the chair too.
Amit Ahuja:
Creative work often comes with both incredible highs and deeply challenging moments. If you're comfortable sharing, have you experienced your own struggles with mental health or emotional well-being throughout your journey? What coping strategies, daily practices, or support systems have helped you the most, and what advice would you offer to others—especially those working in creative or high-pressure fields—who may be navigating similar challenges?
Val Kleinhans:
When I was on the air terrestrially, I had a breakdown in 2018 and experienced suicidal ideation. Sometimes, that’s what happens when you’re in a tough environment for seven years. Thankfully, I had a good support system around me that encouraged me to seek therapy at that time, and I did. Mindfulness is a coping skill I learned at that time, and I still use it today. I still practice letting thoughts and emotions be fleeting – treating them like waves that simply come and go – rather than acknowledge them as something I have to react to. To anyone experiencing the same pressures and challenges, I would remind them that if one “room” isn’t working for them (and causing immense stress consistently), “find another room.” Hardships don’t require giving up what you love, and rejection doesn’t mean “no” forever. It might just mean “no” for now, or “no” in that environment – so find your room where it’s all a lot easier.
Amit Ahuja:
As we wrap up, what would you like to leave your fans—and our readers—with? For anyone who's chasing a dream, searching for their purpose, or still trying to find their voice, what message feels most important for you to share right now?
Val Kleinhans:
The best thing you can do for our own brand is stay consistent. Keep showing up to the best of your ability, warts and all! That responsiveness, engagement, and reliability is more valuable than you know.
Amit Ahuja: That wraps up this edition of Hawk-IT Interviews.
A huge thank you to Val Kleinhans for taking the time to share her story, experiences, and perspective with us. From finding her place in radio to creating Vigorously with Val Kleinhans, her journey is a reminder of the importance of staying authentic, embracing change, and continuing to show up for the work you believe in.
As Val puts it, consistency matters. Keep creating, keep pursuing what inspires you, and sometimes, when one room no longer works, it’s time to find another.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned to Hawk-IT Interviews for more conversations with the people shaping music, media, and the creative world.
To learn more about Val Kleinhans and her work, please explore the links below to watch her content, follow her on social media, and stay connected with her latest projects and updates:
Val Kleinhans Vigorously with Val YouTube Channe:
Val Kleinhans Instagram Page:
Val Kleinhans Website:
Val Kleinhans YouTube Channel:
***All image used by Hawk-IT Media are curiosity of Val Kleinhans***
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