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)
In Beijing, Yellen aims to get U.S.-China relations back on an even keel
by
David Brancaccio
, Kai Ryssdal
and Alex Schroeder
Jul 7, 2023
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen intends to steady U.S.-China relations while looking out for American companies.
"American companies are going to have to work harder": How today's affirmative action ruling puts U.S. companies at a disadvantage
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Andie Corban
Jun 29, 2023
Peter Blair Henry, Dean Emeritus of NYU's business school, explains how today's ruling will affect corporate performance.
Barbie's Dreamhouse paints a picture of America's housing history
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sarah Leeson
Jun 29, 2023
From the bachelorette pad of the 1960s to today's pink mansion, the Dreamhouse's evolution shows the politics and trends of American life.
The robot delivering your meal might have a human driver
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Maria Hollenhorst
Jun 27, 2023
Food delivery robots are popping up across America with varying levels of autonomy. A company called Coco employs remote pilots.
Local governments are employing gig workers and offering better benefits
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Richard Cunningham
Jun 26, 2023
Cities are among the biggest buyers of flexible labor, and they're improving terms for gig work, says Xavier de Souza Briggs of Brookings.
U.S. money supply is shrinking. Does that mean we’re all doomed?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Maria Hollenhorst
Jun 13, 2023
Movements in money supply matter, but not as much as they used to.
An attractive landscape for “cowboy art” business
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Maria Hollenhorst
Jun 13, 2023
A century ago, the railroad industry helped create an American art movement. But who’s profiting today?
Social Security has funding problems. How do we fix it before benefits are cut?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sarah Leeson
Jun 12, 2023
The trust fund supplementing income taxes could run dry within 10 years. Dennis Jansen of Texas A&M suggests reforms.
Scaling EVs means skipping "half steps" with hybrids, GM's Mary Barra says
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sean McHenry
Jun 8, 2023
The automaker's CEO says it won't invest in hybrids, but instead focus on batteries, a new vehicle platform and charging infrastructure.
The search for the perfect "dupe" might be more valuable than the dupe itself
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sean McHenry
Jun 7, 2023
"It's gotten to the point where the logic of dupes has been sort of flipped on its head," said Sangeeta Singh-Kurtz. "And people are spending more time and in some cases, more money dupe-hunting than they would if they just bought the original."