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)
Fine art: a playground for the superrich
by
Kai Ryssdal
Dec 8, 2022
Since the blockbuster auction of Paul Allen's collection, the art market might be losing some of the wind in its sails.
Job gains for people with disabilities are outpacing those for other groups, thanks to telework
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sarah Leeson
Dec 7, 2022
People with disabilities have long asked to work from home, says Nicole Maestas of Harvard. The pandemic proved it can be done.
Pentagon's weapons buyer on replenishing stockpiles and fortifying supply chains
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Andie Corban
Dec 6, 2022
"You can't separate" economic and national security, says Undersecretary of Defense William LaPlante.
At The Sports Bra in Portland, it's all women's sports, all the time
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sarah Leeson
Dec 5, 2022
"All we were doing was changing the channel," says Jenny Nguyen, founder and owner of The Sports Bra.
Ending hunger a battle on many fronts, over many months, says CEO of Feeding America
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Richard Cunningham
Dec 5, 2022
Inflation, supply chain problems and wealth disparities remain barriers to solving hunger, says Claire Babineaux-Fontenot of Feeding America.
How the Dutch used technology and vertical farming to became a major food exporter
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Anais Amin
Dec 1, 2022
The technology allows leafy greens to be grown next to where people will eat them, says Laura Reiley of The Washington Post.
PR emails are a given in the publicity business, but do they really work?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sean McHenry
Nov 29, 2022
Slate writer Dan Kois said "yes" to most of the publicity emails he got in a single day. In return, he got a firsthand look at how the publicity business works.
Deadline looms for potentially "perilous" nationwide rail strike
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sarah Leeson
Nov 28, 2022
The effects of a work stoppage could be felt as soon as Dec. 5. Many in the private sector are looking to Congress for a solution.
High interest rates mean anxiety for borrowers, but a "great new story" for savers
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sarah Leeson
Nov 22, 2022
Laurie Stewart, CEO of Sound Community Bank in Seattle, says she's seen a "real uptick in demand for deposits."
Are current climate initiatives unfair to developing nations?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Richard Cunningham
Nov 17, 2022
Rahul Tongia of the Brookings Institution argues that a swift, large-scale energy transition is unrealistic for poor countries, and unnecessary.