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)
How the Inflation Reduction Act could change the future of one Native American reservation
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Andie Corban
Jun 24, 2024
Bob Blake, member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa and owner of a solar development company, explains how the IRA could lead to more solar power on the reservation.
Librarians aim for better e-book accessibility
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Aleezeh Hasan
Jun 20, 2024
While e-book rentals may be free for library patrons, public libraries are still on the hook for expensive digital licensing fees.
How the war in Ukraine created a new kingdom of king crab
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Maria Hollenhorst
Jun 18, 2024
Demand for alternatives to Russian exports, including seafood, has given this Norwegian fishing village a big economic boost.
What's all the buzz about decaf coffee?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sarah Leeson
Jun 7, 2024
With advances in the decaffeination process and the use of better beans, coffee lovers are giving decaf another shot.
Coworking spaces are trying to put a new lease on the WeWork business model
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sean McHenry
Jun 5, 2024
A former church. A motorcycle repair garage. Some coworking space companies are eschewing the WeWork business model and are opting for a more local approach.
E-cargo bikes could be coming to a bike lane near you
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sofia Terenzio
Jun 4, 2024
Will these smaller, lower-emissions vehicles compete with trucks in making last-mile deliveries in urban areas?
From school cafeterias to professional athletes, Uncrustables sandwiches are everywhere
by
Kai Ryssdal
, Aleezeh Hasan
and Sarah Leeson
Jun 3, 2024
The iconic Uncrustables sandwich is about to become a billion-dollar business after garnering attention from a range of new audiences.
What’s that smell? A teenage boy wearing luxury cologne.
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Maria Hollenhorst
May 31, 2024
Inspired by social media influencers, adolescents are splurging on high-end fragrances, journalist Callie Holtermann reports.
The Golden Triangle: How the CHIPS Act is changing one Arizona neighborhood
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Maria Hollenhorst
May 29, 2024
The investment and growth spurred by government dollars are heightening competition among residents, business owners and local officials.
Farming is "not easy and it's a lot of risk," says Iowa soybean producer
by
Kai Ryssdal
, Andie Corban
and Sarah Leeson
May 28, 2024
"Soybeans are down 18 cents today and then they could go up 50 tomorrow. Who knows?" said April Hemmes, a soybean farmer in Iowa.