SHORT BIO
Kai is the host and senior editor of “Marketplace,” the most widely heard program on business and the economy — radio or television, commercial or public broadcasting — in the country. Kai speaks regularly with CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, startup entrepreneurs, small-business owners and everyday participants in the American and global economies. Before his career in broadcasting, Kai served in the United States Navy and United States Foreign Service. He’s a graduate of Emory University and Georgetown University. Kai lives in Los Angeles with his wife and four children.
Latest Stories (5,835)
Despite looming tariffs and "the worst harvest I've ever had," Iowa farmer remains optimistic
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Andie Corban
Nov 8, 2024
Corn and soybean farmer April Hemmes is preparing for new tariffs from a second Trump administration.
Energy barge businessman expects fewer mandates, fewer headwinds under new administration
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sofia Terenzio
Nov 7, 2024
Austin Golding says the oil and gas industry should meet climate goals via competition and evolution rather than constraints on production and transport.
Trump inherits a sturdy economy
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sofia Terenzio
Nov 6, 2024
Higher tariffs and lower taxes are key to Trump's plan. The WSJ's Greg Ip weighs their potential effect on the economy Biden and the Fed built.
Surveying the beaches where Navy Seals train
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sophia Paliza-Carre
Nov 4, 2024
As climate change erodes beaches, how will that impact coastal military bases?
How could the return of Trump-era "Schedule F" job appointments reshape the federal workforce?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sean McHenry
Oct 31, 2024
Schedule F would expand the role of political appointees in the government. So what would that mean for federal economic data?
"The Diplomat" creator wants to demystify the work of diplomacy
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sean McHenry
Oct 29, 2024
"Somebody recently put it as not realistic, but authentic," said Debora Cahn, creator of "The Diplomat." "And I think that's the right way to describe the goal."
In a 2nd Trump term, Fed independence would go “out the window,” economist says
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Andie Corban
Oct 28, 2024
Kai Ryssdal explores what would happen to the global economy if the Federal Reserve lost its autonomy.
Private equity is buying up businesses in the skilled trades
by
Kai Ryssdal
, Sean McHenry
and Sofia Terenzio
Oct 24, 2024
Skilled trades businesses, like HVAC repair and plumbing companies, are seen as stable, future-proof business models. Private equity wants in.
Poker bots have invaded online gambling
by
Kai Ryssdal
, Aleezeh Hasan
and Sean McHenry
Oct 14, 2024
These robots are basically unbeatable, and they suck the fun — and the money — out of playing, says Kit Chellel of Bloomberg.
Chicago Fed president explains “the hardest thing that a central bank has to do”
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sarah Leeson
Oct 10, 2024
Austan Goolsbee talks about the Fed's timing in moments of transition, if COVID is still affecting the economy, and why he's a "data dog."