Kimbal Musk: Working with Elon, taking risks on Tesla, and building The Kitchen

Our full conversation with chef and entrepreneur Kimbal Musk is now available! The Tesla board member recalls a tough childhood in South Africa alongside his brother, Elon, before eventually moving to America. Musk remembers his ultimate gamble on Tesla and fighting to help Ukraine in its war against Russia. A restaurateur, Musk shares how he got his start in the kitchen - and became an innovator in the farm-to-table movement.
#podcast #interview #cooking
0:00 Growing up in South Africa
4:40 Relationship with father
8:12 Mom’s modeling career
11:26 Entrepreneurial siblings
15:38 Love for Jack in the Box
16:27 Early years in business
24:11 Getting stopped at the U.S. border
29:39 Background in food
32:50 Volunteering to cook for 9/11 survivors
36:32 Paralyzed from tubing injury
42:17 Going through a divorce
45:00 Pioneering Farm to Table movement
50:05 Square Roots significance
54:44 Struggles with Tesla
1:05:37 Space X
1:12:16 Impact of Starlink's in Ukraine
1:18:03 Fights with Elon
1:18:52 Elon’s Aspergers
1:20:14 Kimbal’s work ethic and goals
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Episode debuted nationwide in 2024.
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[@topfloorroom429]

To hear Kimball speak so highly of his brother is a beautiful thing... So cool to see such a loving family....

[@Wrellothere53904]

I think so too

[@topfloorroom429]

@Wrellothere53904 Yeah, I like Kimball. He's gotta great personality & seems like a really good guy. His company, Square Roots, I think that's the correct name. It should do really well & would probably do even better w/o all the nonsense we've got going on in the world today... Idk how familiar you are w/ him & his family, but I watched a video in which he talks about how him & Elon would have to walk home from school every day... It goes on & Kimball describes one day in particular where Elon ended up in a fight, defending them both or maybe he was just defending Kimball, I can't remember, I need to watch it again. Anyway,s, sorry, I digress, remember now, these are two young, white, kid's of privilege living in Aparthied South Africa back in, I'm guessing mid to late 80's b/c we were all born about the same time, that's just an educated guess & I'm not sure how educated it is, simple arithmetic. So Kimball goes on to tell how difficult it was for him to have to watch his brother get beaten down like that & you could see the emotion in his face. It obviously had a pretty profound impact on him. After I first was introduced to "the World of Musk," I realized the special bond these two shared & that's always been one of the reasons I really like this gentleman... He seems like a very dedicated worker & just an all around good guy... No flash or pizazz, blue jean's & a t-shirt, as long as he's got his Cowboy hat. I'd love to go see Square Roots & get a tour of the facility & how it all works.. It's so cliche anymore, but I love these two gentlemen... Sorry to have run so long on you... ty, tc & have a great day.....

[@davefox8948]

This was totally unexpected. I knew nothing about this man and within a few minutes you have allowed us all to become familiar with one another of the most interesting people on Earth. Thank you for this opportunity.

[@giteducalme]

Gosh, knew nothing of Kimbal, what a fascinating man and story teller. Really enjoyed this interview. 👌👌

[@all69anna]

Really good to hear Kimball speak in his own voice, and hear about his life and philosophy.

[@nancykralik6779]

Can’t believe this family. B e a u t I f u l.

[@emergencyCALL911]

Yes, usually he speaks in other people's voices. It's so annoying.

[@victoriassecretisluv]

What a fantastic interview ! Our world is going to be just fine . This video deserves millions of views .

[@sidetrack218]

Wow, what a wonderful interview, really positive and inspirational. Up to this interview I knew very little about Kimbal and the Musk family story. He is a great story teller and communicator.

[@patriciakimball8150]

Those boys are just so adorable -their smiles, their spirits, their ways…I love them both. And such beautiful, sensitive hands. And Graham sure seems like a good man who enjoys the success and happiness of others. 🙏🏼

[@echecommers8645]

This was a killer interview. Great job Graham, your questions & conversation with Kimbal was fantastic.

[@tg5372]

What a MAN! What a family! Thank you for introducing this amazing human being to us.

[@ciex7]

Great interview and about time Kimbal Musk is heard.... This guy and his brother are a great example of "flying by the seat of your pants" and how the "all or nothing" and "no fear of failure" attitude is crucial for success. Much respect for the Musk Brothers they also build awesome cars, rockets, solar, farming etc, etc,

[@SueMaha21]

What a wonderful caring man. Need more people with his heart and hard work to make this world a better place.

[@ingridhohmann3523]

Kimbal is a very likeable Person, down to earth and he knows how to cook 🍳 😉 👍

[@hagestad]

That is until you learn about his connections with Jeffrey Epstein.

[@eversurfer]

What an incredible family story. And the chef in me feels the emotion and growth. Without family, how would things be the definition of success? Classic story. Filling in the gaps, cold calls, the indirect approaches, and love of feeding others. The benefit of finding a chef's garden and teaching children. All speaks to me directly in my own family and life.

[@user-oo2se1pg7r]

"I am frightened when I listen to Kimbal Musk's story about living in Pretoria, South Africa, before the apartheid era. No one, especially a child, should experience such a high level of violence. Our generation needs to work harder to prevent future children like Kimbal from undergoing such traumatic experiences. Thank you for sharing your story, Kimbal Musk."

[@julianaimiranda164]

E vero.

[@ahsanmohammed1]

Imagine how tough it might have been on his dad bringing them up that environment knowing he’s responsible for their safety. Their mom too! Tough! No doubt!

[@julianaimiranda164]

​@@ahsanmohammed1Bom...o e vero foi com base no comentário por pressa...com certeza tive interrupção..a tá...lembrei...estava comendo e feliz da vida por outros motivos. Me preocupei com a voz e tal...deixa pra lá....mas observando os olhos dele. A forma como fala. Sua expressão digo ser um psicopata sociopata de primeira. Sei lá. Tipo o santo não bateu. Resumo: está mentindo. O sorriso é falso. Os olhos desviam muito para os lados. O tom de voz ocila. Ele é FALSO vejo nos olhos dele. Retifico o vero.

[@rolo4945]

I had a toddler and a 6 month old living during the state of emergency in the 80’s, living in Kwa-Zulu natal. We had civil war, death and tyre necklacing deaths visible on the streets. Things I saw, you cannot repeat on here. What Kimbal is saying here is true. Black on black terror, we had 2 families housed in our garage for 3 weeks.

[@USMoxi]

I’m so sorry to hear what happened to your brother Elon and for what you witnessed

[@maggietattersfield2859]

Everyone has their own life experiences. The musk family endured and survived more than most . They have survived into awesome , loyal to family., succcessful individuals. Much respect for the whole family.❤ Such an interesting interview. Thank you!❤️

[@dinacox1971]

Wow, how did I not know about Kimbal Musk??? Brillant. AND AND They share that crazy Musk laugh. Again, brilliant!

[@sparkpaul]

Wow, this is so uplifting and inspiring! Thank you so much for this interview!

[@mjmikaelson]

I really appreciate how smoothly and naturally you transition when asking questions with Kimbal. It creates a great flow.

[@jimparr01Utube]

"Life is long". Such a great interview. Thank you Graham and Kimbal. So much understood now about how the brothers work together and make their individual dreams come to fruition.

[@mainstreet3023]

It’s lovely to see how much he loves Elon and his mother. It is glaringly obvious how tight-knit and loving that family is. That Elon survived such vicious bullying is a testament to his strength and resilience, and undying beautiful spirit. I love seeing their family dynamics play out. Beginning to tear-up hearing about 4th launch.

[@soonerbmama6727]

Wow, thank you! Fascinating. So awesome to take the time to share your journey. Excellent interview by Mr. Bensinger, much appreciated.

[@MorganWalser]

This is such an insightful interview, it is fantastic to listen to such a great interview of Kimball.

[@eric_9565]

Kudos to Mrs. Musk for raising such a successful family despite the multiple challenges…

[@hamsterdaminc]

...because of multiple challenges.

[@PonziZombieKiller]

Challenge? What Challenge? White privilege 110%

[@ericdoheny9108]

I met Maye! She’s wonderful! She is so patient, calm and full of love!!

[@EricaMusk]

❤

[@NehaKidiley-eo5eg]

Thankyou Graham for an excellent interview. Thankyou brother Kimbal for all you did and do.. We all look forward to an exciting future!!💐

[@jacdragan8918]

Brought tears to my eyes and I will back you for my whole life!

[@tammiepulley7167]

I love cooking too. One reason I don’t cook more is because I also have to plan shop cook and clean everything myself. I need an assistant. Kimball I’m so glad you recovered from that accident. You have a lot to give your family and the world. You are a wonderful dad.

[@melanbaron6757]

It’s hard for anyone who never experienced any bully to understand trauma as result. I was glad to find support of many in my class elementary school to fight a boy who thought he had right to do it. Anyone who experienced it in any form, I have sympathy for you. Hope you, too, regained strength ❤

[@user-nu6jt6wl2w]

Look for strength to endure the bad performance of "rat-finks!" Paula Larson Nebraska

[@MisterManiac]

U probly think being made fun of is being bullied

[@melanbaron6757]

@@MisterManiac thanks for perspective, not when involving safety, which was the line.

[@kirkdogg007]

Grow up

[@melanbaron6757]

@@kirkdogg007Indeed, it’s part of growth. Talk it out to let go and grow nicely. Keep our heart soft as There are many good people in the world who care

[@shirleenfrailich5992]

Fantastic, amazing and beautiful interview! Thank you, Kimbal. Thank you, Graham.

[@ThomasButryn]

Great interview Graham. Scary stories from their childhood, oh my.

[@jacobmetaverse]

This is a great interview, I love how it builds throughout his life, it's taking me a day to finish because of the way Kimbal speaks lol

[@darrisnelson5223]

What a great interview with Kimball! We rarely ever get a chance to have a different point of view about the musk family. Kimball story about witnessing Elon‘s beating was heart wrenching. I grew up in the chaotic household with an alcoholic father… I very much resonated with the uncertainty in the confusion of love/abuse. I had to escape an abusive marriage with my 6 year-old son. I was stalked and constantly harassed for several years. I cannot imagine how terrifying it would be to live in a country where things are so uncertain truly feel alone with three little children. I loved hearing Kimball’s story about Mae, their escape from their abusive father, her independence and struggle to raise her children, and the incredible rise to the top of her profession, and age 67! Very inspiring! I appreciated your question to Kim Ball regarding concerns about him, repeating his father‘s abuse. Many people think because you grow up in an abusive household you’ll repeat what you’ve lived. When I had my son, I made myself and him a promise that I would never lay a hand on him I would never verbally or emotionally abuse him. I stuck with that his entire childhood. He is now almost 28 years old. He did suffer abuse at the hand of his father, but he’s turned out to be a stellar human being in spite of it all and it he did experience physical, emotional and verbal abuse. What an incredible story Kimball told about his 911 experience and his volunteer work. He’s had a lot of experiences that shaped him and the loving mom who saw opportunities to grow good humans. Kimball seems like such a grounded, lovely person. Thanks so much for this interview!

[@sophievanvuuren4686]

🎉Iihthhh

[@grantwaldman6463]

Everyone needs to read the book, "Attached"! Excellent insights!!

[@stefanschultze]

Amazing to hear the brother of Elon speak too and get a better understanding of this great family.

[@davidtuer5825]

I'm South African and a massive fan of Elon, but he is a bit weird, his Mom and Dad too. I'm so pleased to see this conversation with Kimbal. I've always felt that he was the brother hanging on to the coat tails of Elon, but I'm sure now that he's been the stabilising influence on Elon. He has been there in the hard times and has been a solid support for Elon (I've heard Elon say something to that effect when they were selling their first big company). His own achievements are considerable and his own way of life shows his empathy, he has enough of that for both of them. Good for you Kimbal, you are your own man.

[@edselscentenno115]

Why isn’t this channel a million subscribers by now, boggles my mind

[@hblee88]

Perhaps JR will send him invitation for visit. 🙏

[@ahsanmohammed1]

39:00 Unbelievable! What a great save by the doctors! Fantastic Kimbal! Good for you dude!

[@ritasseremba6435]

I love the conversation with God.I am so touched by the humanity in this story ❤

[@user-ql3hd2jw3g]

I really enjoyed listening to Kimbal. Funny stories!!

[@paulwinter9672]

Amazing interview, thanks.

[@valerialuisa3215]

Graham, fornidable interview, Congrats!!! GOD bless always Musk family. Props to you Kimbal Musk 👍🎯💯🤠

[@iamrambo99]

Fascinating interview. It's really interesting to hear about the family dynamics through the lens of someone other than Elon. It really explains a lot. This interview helps us to understand the fascinating dynamics of a very successful family. Truly interesting stuff.

[@judahdatoy6134]

Awesome interview.

[@michellemcsorley9221]

❤❤❤ I had ve never heard Kimbal. Just once at the Tesla’s company. Talk a lit bit Your blessed ❤❤ Nice and very pleasant person

[@gracerodgers8952]

I like Kimbal's style ❤

[@sopiagotim]

Please let Kimball know that when I was paralyzed, I also got a visit from God, and it was as surreal as one would imagine it being. I also was blessed to be able to walk again, thank God!

[@faithannryan9083]

Love the family drama. I am reading Maye's book now.

[@jonesjoyce1215]

Very friendly, and equally loving as his brother, and always with good cheer, and a positive look, with a high and confident spirit. Very good, I really enjoyed the interview.💝🌷👍👏

[@ann3856]

Luckily I was in a different part of the country, originally from Johannesburg.. I remember no blacks were allowed after 9 PM on street. We didn't have a key for the backdoor ever. My parents worked shifts. (my mom at hospital, dad at steel factory) Everyone went their own ways as soon as my parents left. I was mostly at home, alone and never scared. I had a beautiful time growing up. The first time I got scared was when someone tried getting into my bathroom window - while I were on the toilet. After that, I put my house up for sale. That was at the age of 57. (The thieves used small kids who will fit through the burglar bars. The kids will unlock the doors for the thieves.) I had call-outs at night, continued without the fear. My high school years I had only English friends. I still had my Afrikaans friends but they were boring. I often went out with my English friends - we had loads of fun! Kimbal and Elon will always have something to talk about. They shared a fantastic life together.

[@lisas4215]

What an extraordinary interview with a brilliant person who we didn’t know about before!!

[@lindakindel7590]

The Musk Brothers Are Wonderful Humans So Smart Elon And Kimbell❤

[@DLM10008]

I would not have expected anything less of Elon's brother. Eccentric and outside the box thinking is limitless. 20years to get to Mars. I would love to hear more.

[@DLM10008]

I think I live near his grandfathers house in Dundas, Ontario - Technocracy. I am in Hamilton, Ont. The sign has disappeared over the last 5-10 years.

[@sherolinnaheang3009]

Thanks for sharing, you and Elon, your sister and mom are amazing good people. It's nice meeting you, I hope to meet you all in person soon.

[@laurelmathew5397]

This is a fantastic interview- this is a great family. Love Kimbal and how he stuck by his brother Elon. Their mother’s role in connecting the family. This is really a down to earth family who have stood together.

[@user-rx7hv3zi9g]

veoma lepa biografija,iskena.

[@twiley3530]

I'm so glad you had/have each. True love and devotion. You're like twins.

[@anthonysmithtube]

Great interview. Kimbal- always fantastic at timing the market. Up there with Nancy in this regard. Jokes aside- what an eventful life

[@carolyncumming4277]

Absolutely love this man and his brother's fortitude and perseverence in finding a way around the roadblocks put up. Such heroes for our younger people to look up to. Move aside sports heroes.

[@user-ql3hd2jw3g]

I always watch Kimbals interviews, he's very interesting to listen to.

[@emilymarau]

In Fiji in the 80s, Hydroponics farming was introduced by a business called Joe's Farm owned by an early Chinese family, Joe's family - to enable growing tomatoes and lettuce indoors throughout the year and definitely agree on increasing use of food science is some solution where land space and weather are factors for lower production.Enjoyed listening to this interview, including the listening skills of the interviewer and his questions.

[@TonkaKG]

The family Musk is great! I love it!❤😊

[@LilNewtGingrich]

graham is the best interviewer of our generation

[@RyanStronach]

Kimbal is a class act. I honestly did not expect that, given my opinion about the things Elon is saying and doing at the moment. This was an enlightening conversation.

[@byculla6]

What an amazing person! So interesting. I requested the book about his life on order at my library (in New York) ..I'd lived with my children in S. Africa in Bryanston for several years.. We left in 1980 .. Cheers!

[@user-tf4dr8hr2m]

What phenomenal brothers to care for each other through thick-thin. This is a epic interview,he is a great man in his own right.!! Love it!! Huge huge respect!! God bless you both. 2 BROTHERS helping humanity in their own way,this should br a precedent for familial help for the future of humankind!! Than L you. Ok,Folks, lets help & cheer & stand behind these two !! Love ya!! Looking forward to what is NEXT!??!?YAAAAAAY❤❤🎉❤🎉!!Peace prayer❤✝️.

[@cindihunter9119]

This Family, what little I know of them are, deeply profound caring people... Again, we are blessed to listen and learn from them. 🎻♥️😎🚀⭐

[@LoanShoppingExpert]

Thank you to Kimbal for his openness. This makes me appreciate and admire Elon Musk even more.

[@ketandahake4637]

Plz start putting timestamps on ur videos.

[@ExecutiveZombie]

Cooking is love… I get to create and share a recipe of love. 💕🥂

[@gaberoyalll]

Just had to say, this is fantastic so far ! Big thanks to both of you. Great thumbnail choice with the big smile and hat btw too perfect !

[@gcauldwell]

Thank you so much, that was awesome. Learned so much about the family, There is so much that’s useful to apply to my life; I think I love the pics most! ❤

[@bkb2012]

Present. Moving forward .. away from trouble. Secure attachment. Yes. ❤

[@lourdessilva6442]

Sem palavras conhecer a história dessa família abençoada em especial nossa inspiração e garoto dos foguetes tanto sofrimento e dor mas hoje es gigante e o tanto que sofreu e dor está cuidando melhorando a qualidade de vida e tudo que faz e voltado em prol da preservação da raça humana isso não tem preço eterna gratidão por existir nos o amamos e respeitamos e prestigiar sempre pelo menos eu faço desde quando conheci

[@CarlSchattke]

I first met Kimbal at the door of Tesla as I was leaving for the evening and he was coming for board meeting. I would not let him in. Then he introduced himself and the likeness to his brother was unmistakable. I relented and let him in. He said I was right to block access.

[@DavidNesbit_theTHINKER]

Such a wonderful interview, a great subject, in Kimbal Musk, and an excellent interview approach too. Many thanks for posting. Warmest Regards- David from Melbourne, Australia 🥸👌🍷🍷❤️❤️🦘

[@ExecutiveZombie]

Whatcha cooking Sir Kimbal? 🤨 Wild. Grateful. 🙏🏽

[@20thcenturyboy85]

Thank you for this interview.

[@martinr2040]

great interview! Thanks :)

[@marthajohnson2775]

I've seen it before, a good while ago. It's an interesting interview.

[@cyncmoore]

Awesome human, interview and family!

[@mygic183]

Great stuff

[@captjack2112]

Finally had time to watch. Great interview by both

[@thejudge1445]

What a beautiful interview. If only Elon had a smidge of his humility.

[@LuigiKjo]

"I'm doing this pretty advanced snowboarding" lol

[@user-mz3ek4rm7f]

An Extremt, beautifull story of how an entreprenörer family journey, The Musk Family❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@darenbyers4291]

This interview really helps us get and understand his family and more importantly Elon. As most probably know now Kimbal has a more fluent flow of words. As it's a struggle for Elon to talk about his past. Learned a lot with this interview.

[@rubycourey6370]

His honesty is impressive it shows on his face and voice’

[@alyshaalberts5694]

He is adorable!

[@Orangeman47]

loved this interview

[@margaritageorgieva7693]

What a wonderful caring man!🥰🥰🥰

[@shrikarmadhu2776]

Loved it 💯

[@SteveBehalMUSIC]

Great interview.

[@marianasalles242]

Nice to hear him speaking and sharing his life wisdom🙏🏻✨. Although, I dont agree to support the meat industry…less consumption, less cruelty🌍💚🌱

[@ShelleyEchartea]

How sweet to help your brother your a great brother

[@maxflight777]

What fantastic men. Never bet against Elon, he’s incredible

[@nicksona877]

Having a brother like him is what anyone would need in life. Having your brothers back even if it means losing every especially when they're trying to build sth.

[@sanjayaiyar4351]

Please add chapters

[@rikehm3735]

Thanks for all you and your family's work. Thanks for Starlink and all future products, projects to uplift Africa.

[@Crazyreseller]

Mad respect. ❤

[@JakesOnline]

Great stories

[@lindband]

Best part is when he told the Tesla fans make the deliveries for free in New York.