Thomas Keller & René Redzepi in Conversation

When Thomas Keller was asked "Why do cooks cook?" his answer—"To nurture people"—shaped how he approached his entire career. 
 

In this conversation between Keller and René Redzepi, who worked under him early on at French Laundry, they discuss what it means to be part of an interconnected culinary lineage. Keller traces his path back to his mother getting him that first kitchen job, which led to his focus on making people happy through food. 
 

Keller's approach to sustaining a long career center on sleep, diet, and exercise rather than the typical intensity of kitchen culture. He views leadership as developing people who surpass their own abilities, removing ego from the process, and creating something with lasting impact. 
 

They cover mentorship, learning from setbacks, and finding fulfillment in nurturing others. Plus, Thomas Keller meets Thomas the Goat—you'll have to watch for that one.