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 (5,837)
Another year, another record harvest for this Iowa farmer
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Andie Corban
Oct 31, 2023
"I thought I'm gonna have so much income," said April Hemmes. "But all my inputs were all that much higher."
The value of parks is rising. Luckily, in many cases, costs are declining.
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Richard Cunningham
Oct 25, 2023
High construction expenses and budget pressures are pushing developers to be creatively cost-conscious as they expand access to green spaces.
Is CEO pay out of control?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sarah Leeson
Oct 23, 2023
How much is too much? Union strikes and shareholder discussions have put executive compensation centerstage.
A new book follows one meal from seed to serving
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sarah Leeson
Oct 17, 2023
"The Dish" by Andrew Friedman shows just how many steps the phrase "farm to table" skips.
"I should have taken up golf": Mortgage lenders have time on their hands
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Andie Corban
Oct 16, 2023
Vivian Gueler of mortgage lender Pacific Trust Group says business has been "dead quiet" for the past few months.
Going solar isn't always sunshine and rainbows
by
Kai Ryssdal
, Sarah Leeson
and Sofia Terenzio
Oct 13, 2023
For the early adopters of rooftop solar panels, maintaining and repairing faulty panels is a costly challenge of its own.
Got old savings bonds lying around? Good luck cashing them.
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Andie Corban
Oct 12, 2023
New York Times reporter Rob Copeland dug into why it's become "so impossible" to cash a savings bonds these days.
Mom concierge services are springing up on college campuses
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sarah Leeson
Oct 12, 2023
No need to miss mom while you're away at college when you can rent one for $49 per month.
Inside Smallhold's specialty mushroom supply chain
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Maria Hollenhorst
Oct 10, 2023
The Brooklyn-based startup is hoping to alter the future of fungi through a network of urban farms.
When will prices go back down?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Maria Hollenhorst
Oct 6, 2023
The answer might disappoint you.