Podcast Summary: Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend – Episode Featuring Kesha

Introduction

In this vibrant and heartfelt episode of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Conan reconnects with pop sensation Kesha, delving deep into her personal journey, creative endeavors, and philosophical musings. Released on July 14, 2025, this episode offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Kesha's transformation and her quest for authenticity in the music industry.

Reconnecting and Personal Updates

The episode begins with Conan expressing his long-standing desire to form genuine friendships with his guests. Reflecting on his prolific podcasting career, Conan shares, “So far, how many of these shows have we done?” [02:18]. Kesha humorously replies, underscoring the rarity of such meaningful connections.

Conan’s co-hosts, Sona Movsesian and Matt Gourley, also chime in, adding layers to the camaraderie. Among light-hearted exchanges, Sona shares a recent mishap, slipping down the stairs and injuring her tailbone [03:08]. This moment sets a tone of vulnerability and genuine friendship that permeates the conversation.

Kesha’s Journey to Authenticity

Kesha opens up about her transformation from a mainstream pop star to an independent artist reclaiming her narrative. She states, “I stopped myself from saying bitch” [32:35], highlighting her evolution towards owning her voice and identity. Conan acknowledges her struggle, remarking, “The album you're coming out with now is the first time that you've owned the rights to your voice” [38:07]. Kesha confirms, “It’s the first time I’ve had the legal rights to my recorded voice since I was 18 years old” [38:07].

Delving deeper, Kesha discusses her decade-long legal battle to regain control over her music and voice rights. She poignantly shares, “It was like your soul is, like, on paper, owned by someone else... It was really, really hard” [40:33]. This revelation emphasizes the personal and professional challenges she faced, making her triumph even more inspiring.

Creative Process and Songwriting

Kesha elaborates on her prolific songwriting process, revealing she writes around 200 songs for each album. “I write many. This week, I’ve probably written, like nine songs. It’s insane. Most of them are bad” [16:01]. Conan draws parallels to renowned songwriting duos, underscoring the importance of perseverance and creativity.

She further explains, “Authenticity is the highest vibration you can vibrate at. Like, true authenticity... Everyone is a true original” [35:19]. This philosophy not only drives her music but also her approach to life and artistry.

Spirituality and Personal Beliefs

A significant portion of the conversation delves into spirituality and Kesha’s belief in reincarnation. She shares her experiences at Esalen, a renowned retreat center, where a “medicine woman” declared, “it’s your last lifetime” [18:34]. This revelation shapes her current outlook, driving her to embrace authenticity and live fully in this lifetime.

Conan humorously probes her beliefs, “Cause I’m Pisces, and Pisces means you’re saying you’ve had other lifetimes” [18:18]. Kesha responds with a blend of seriousness and wit, maintaining the episode’s engaging balance between depth and levity.

Tour and New Album Release

Kesha announces her new independently produced album, Period, marking a significant milestone in her career. She proudly states, “I am proud of me” [13:57], reflecting her newfound autonomy. Conan enthusiastically supports her, “Your first independent album, period. This is under your own label, Kesha Records” [58:30].

Additionally, Kesha introduces her upcoming "Tits Out Tour," infusing humor and boldness into the conversation. “Bring them out, baby” [13:20], she encourages, illustrating her unapologetic and fearless persona.

Humorous Interlude: The Bathroom Incident

Midway through the episode, an unexpected and humorous incident occurs when Matt Gourley accidentally walks into Kesha’s bathroom [63:06]. This lighthearted moment adds to the authentic and unscripted nature of the podcast, showcasing the genuine interactions between Conan’s team.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Kesha reflects on her journey from feeling forgotten and legally constrained to reclaiming her voice and thriving creatively. “I feel like I’m living in hypercolor. I feel like I’m also healing in front of the world at the same time” [54:26]. Conan expresses his admiration and support, emphasizing the importance of friendship and genuine connections.

Notable Quotes

• Kesha: “Hi, my name is Kesha, and I feel cunty about being Conan o' Brien's friend.” [01:40]
• Conan: “The album you're coming out with now is the first time that you've owned the rights to your voice.” [38:07]
• Kesha: “I stopped myself from saying bitch.” [32:35]
• Kesha: “Authenticity is the highest vibration you can vibrate at. Like, true authenticity... Everyone is a true original.” [35:19]
• Kesha: “It’s my last lifetime. So it’s the finale.” [18:43]
• Matt Gourley: “I had to pee and I went to the bathroom, and I opened the door. It wasn't locked, and Kesha was peeing in the bathroom.” [63:06]

Final Remarks

This episode stands out as a testament to Kesha’s resilience and Conan’s dedication to fostering genuine friendships. Through laughter, heartfelt moments, and candid discussions, both hosts and Kesha navigate the complexities of fame, creativity, and personal growth. Listeners are left inspired by Kesha’s journey toward authenticity and empowered to embrace their true selves.

Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the meaningful discussions and key takeaways from the episode.