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.

Get more Ashley: https://www.instagram.com//themillionthashleyyouknow

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

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 does.

Say hello to her violence. This episode cuts deep. 

Get more Izzy: https://www.instagram.com/izzytofficial/

STREAM "Say Hello To My Violence": https://open.spotify.com/track/7pJiczqLbsK2UN4WoJRWnu?si=f91b6bf2500f43ad

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

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 mean be “safe”?

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

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 than it did originally.

Get more CHNNR: https://www.instagram.com/chnnrofficial/

Stream "TEN TOES DOWN" ft. OT Genasis: https://open.spotify.com/track/37JvLjOhAkhZXq76iLkqR0?si=Z6eR4BJgSWSQeSm11KKQxA

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

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 head with the release of SUN DONT SHINE's debut album From Birth To Death on April 1st. 

Get more SUN DONT SHINE: https://sundontshineband.com/

SUN DONT SHINE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sundontshineband

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