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 (5,820)
Bill Pulte at home with building houses
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Kai Ryssdal
Jul 27, 2006
He started as a humble carpenter and wound up running one of the biggest homebuilding companies in the US. Kai Ryssdal talks to Pulte Homes Inc. founder Bill Pulte.
Ice cream guy takes on defense budget
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Kai Ryssdal
Jul 26, 2006
Ben & Jerry's founder Ben Cohen now runs a non-profit called Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to him about the change from peddling ice cream to trying to cut the defense budget.
We've got mail
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Kai Ryssdal
Jul 25, 2006
Kai Ryssdal rummages through the Marketplace mailbag to share what listeners are saying.
No charges against Bonds, just doubts
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Kai Ryssdal
Jul 20, 2006
Federal prosecutors announced today they won't indict major leaguer Barry Bonds for perjury or tax evasion. But, business-of-sports analyst Ed Derse tells Kai Ryssdal, the story isn't about taxes. It's about steroids.
Analyzing the Syria-Hezbollah connection
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Kai Ryssdal
Jul 19, 2006
What does Syria have to gain from its connection to the militant group Hezbollah? Host Kai Ryssdal talks with Joshua Landis, who studies Syrian politics and economy at the University of Oklahoma.
Under attack: Life in Lebanon
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Kai Ryssdal
Jul 18, 2006
As Israel continues its campaign against Hezbollah throughout Lebanon, the country has shut down for business. Host Kai Ryssdal speaks to journalist Leena Saidi about conditions there.
Under attack: Life in Israel
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Kai Ryssdal
Jul 17, 2006
Host Kai Ryssdal talks to Haifa resident David Rudge about daily life on the streets of Israel after six days of violence. Like how does he withdraw money from the ATM?
Don't get lured in by tax phishing
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Kai Ryssdal
Jul 14, 2006
What you need to know today about protecting yourself from tax phishing scams.
Strike on Israeli port city
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Kai Ryssdal
Jul 13, 2006
The Israeli port city of Haifa — well inside the country's borders — was hit by rockets today, an attack that preceded Israel's second bombing of Beirut's airport. Host Kai Ryssdal speaks to journalist Hillary Krieger.
Beirut bombing halts air traffic
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Kai Ryssdal
Jul 13, 2006
Beirut's been experiencing its first economic boom since Lebanon's civil war ended — but it's based largely on tourism. How will today's attacks affect the economy there? Host Kai Ryssdal talks to the Wall Street Journal's Karby Leggett.