Long regarded as pop music’s resident party animal, Kesha is now dead-set on slowing down and speaking up. Since debuting on the hook of Flo-Rida’s mega smash “Right Round” in 2009, Kesha has released five albums—two of which debuted at number one. And until very recently, she was involved in a decade-long court case with her former producer and label head.

Somehow despite the bitter legal battle and a public struggle with an eating disorder, Kesha has remained steadfast in sharing her art with her fans, who she affectionately refers to as her “animals.”

On today’s episode Justin Richmond talks to Kesha about how working with Rick Rubin on her new album Gag Order provided the safe space she has longed for when making music. She also talks about how she channels Dolly Parton, Iggy Pop and Beyonce when she’s in promotional mode, and how early in her career she lived in a castle with roommate Devendra Banhart.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Kesha songs HERE.