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Kai Ryssdal

Host and Senior Editor

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)

New guy on government reform

Nov 8, 2006
California Congressman Henry Waxman is in line to head the Government Reform Committee now that Democrats have won control of the House. Kai Ryssdal asks him what kinds of oversight we can expect.

A new economic day in Washington

Nov 8, 2006
The leadership change in Congress will certainly affect economic policy. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to our Washington Bureau Chief John Dimsdale and reporter Hillary Wicai about the potential impact.

IAE: Build more nuclear power plants

Nov 7, 2006
For the first time in its 32-year history, the IAE has called on world governments to rely more on nuclear energy. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to The Economist magazine reporter Vijay Vaitheeswaran.

Wielding energy for political gain

Nov 6, 2006
Russia says it needs to double the price Georgia pays for natural gas. Georgia says it's being punished for friendly relations with the West. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to analyst Clifford Kupchan about Russia's energy superpower position.

NBA players overworked?

Nov 2, 2006
Host Kai Ryssdal talks to Diana Nyad about the beginning of the NBA season and whether top pro players should be called on to represent the U.S. at international competitions.

We've got mail

Nov 1, 2006
Host Kai Ryssdal digs through the Marketplace mailbag to share some recent comments from our listeners.

North Korea back at the table

Oct 31, 2006
The U.S. and China announced today that North Korea has agreed to rejoin nuclear disarmament talks. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to Michael Moran from the Council of Foreign Relations about the surprising development.

Nigeria's oil curse

Oct 30, 2006
Protesters yesterday shut down an oil pumping station in the Niger Delta. It's one of the richest oil regions in the world, but residents don't benefit much. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to documentary filmmaker Sandy Cioffi who just returned from the area.

Willing, not ready for flu outbreak

Oct 26, 2006
A Harvard University poll found that most Americans would stay home during a bird flu pandemic — and take a huge financial hit. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to professor Robert Blendon about the study.

Panama considers wider, deeper appeal for canal

Oct 20, 2006
Panamanians vote Sunday on a government proposal to spend $5 billion on expanding the Panama Canal. The project would allow the newest and biggest ships. Kai Ryssdal talks about the plan with Carlos Barnes of Caterpiller — the bulldozer company.