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)
Morning-after pill's over-the-counter bottom line
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Kai Ryssdal
Aug 24, 2006
The FDA today approved over-the-counter sales of Plan B, ending a long political debate. But what financial impact will it have? Host Kai Ryssdal talks with Susan Dudley of the National Research Center for Women and Families.
Cutting North Korea's cash flow
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Kai Ryssdal
Aug 23, 2006
The US is working to freeze North Korean bank accounts allegedly used in handling money the country gets from drug trafficking and other illegal activities. Host Kai Ryssdal talks with Stephen Mihm of the University of Georgia.
The law of unintended consequences explained
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Kai Ryssdal
Aug 21, 2006
Undercover Economist Tim Harford has a story about the law of unintended consequences. It all began with a pile of rubble across the street from his house.
What would US get for aid to Lebanon?
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Kai Ryssdal
Aug 18, 2006
International aid is starting to flow into Lebanon. But money may not buy hearts and minds. Kai Ryssdal talks to Jon Alterman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies about the situation.
Bush goes to camp for economic advice
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Kai Ryssdal
Aug 18, 2006
President Bush met with his economic team this morning at Camp David. And, based on his remarks, all of his indicators are up.
Big win for fantasy sports
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Kai Ryssdal
Aug 17, 2006
A small, fantasy sports company won a huge legal battle with Major League Baseball last week. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to sports business analyst Ed Derse about the impact of the court ruling.
Katrina profiteering
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Kai Ryssdal
Aug 17, 2006
Like Iraq, Hurricane Katrina reconstruction has been marred by profiteering, says a report from the nonprofit CorpWatch. Host Kai Ryssdal speaks to the group's Pratap Chatterjee about the parallels.
How secure can we make air travel?
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Kai Ryssdal
Aug 16, 2006
Even though screening in the UK and Europe is the toughest it's ever been, EU officials met today to talk about working together. Host Kai Ryssdal asks aviation security expert Alan Hatcher, will it do any good?
Private equity spending spree
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Kai Ryssdal
Aug 15, 2006
Private equity firms have been snapping up different publicly-traded companies recently. Host Kai Ryssdal speaks to Fortune magazine writer Adam Lashinsky about this buyout trend.
Good day on Wall Street
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Kai Ryssdal
Aug 15, 2006
Stocks soared following today's report from the Labor Department which showed prices at the wholesale level fell .3% — the biggest drop since October. Host Kai Ryssdal checks in with economist Diane Swonk.