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)
The Plan: We each get $10,000 a year
by
Kai Ryssdal
Jun 2, 2006
Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid funding adds up to 9% of the US gross domestic product. More than <nobr>$1 trillion</nobr> a year. Some economists say that'll rise to 30% by 2050. Author Charles Murray says he has a better plan <nobr>. . .</nobr> with a capital P.
Can Chavez pump up OPEC support?
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Kai Ryssdal
May 31, 2006
Venezuela's outspoken President Hugo Chavez wants to cut back on oil production and send prices even higher. Will he get what he wants from OPEC ministers in Caracas? Host Kai Ryssdal talks to professor Carol Wise.
Refilling the role of Juan Valdez
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Kai Ryssdal
May 31, 2006
The actor who played Juan Valdez, the iconic figure of Colombian coffee, has retired. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to branding consultant David Altschul about what's been involved in the search for a replacement.
From CEO to secretary . . . Why?
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Kai Ryssdal
May 30, 2006
Why would Goldman Sachs CEO Henry Paulson leave the nation's most prestigious investment bank to replace John Snow as Treasury secretary? Fortune's Patty Sellers talks with host Kai Ryssdal about possible reasons.
Burying a dead end job
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Kai Ryssdal
May 26, 2006
There's an old work saying that goes something like this: The grass is always greener in your neighbor's cubicle. When do you know it's time to find a better job? Career expert Michael Laskoff joins Kai for a conversation.
AARP's new gig
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Kai Ryssdal
May 26, 2006
The AARP is a familiar name in the retirement business. Now it has tossed its hat into the mutual fund ring. Kai talks with Wall Street Journal reporter Ian McDonald.
Will Enron verdicts change corporate America?
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Kai Ryssdal
May 25, 2006
Enron founder Kenneth Lay and CEO Jeffrey Skilling have been convicted on multiple counts of fraud, conspiracy and insider trading. Host Kai Ryssdal talks with Houston Chronicle reporter Mary Flood about what the verdicts mean for the corporate world.
Negroponte given power to waive SEC rules
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Kai Ryssdal
May 24, 2006
President Bush has granted his intelligence czar the authority to exempt publicly traded companies from reporting requirements — in the name of national security. Kai Ryssdal talks with BusinessWeek reporter Dawn Kopecki.
$400 million fine slapped on Fannie Mae
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Kai Ryssdal
May 23, 2006
A scathing government report accuses Fannie Mae of "arrogant and unethical" financial practices. Host Kai Ryssdal asks Wall Street Journal reporter James R. Hagerty whether the company really needed to be cooking the books.
1. Pick a mayor; 2. Rebuild the city
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Kai Ryssdal
May 22, 2006
Marketplace's Sam Eaton tells host Kai Ryssdal that with their mayoral election behind them, New Orleans' residents are now keying on Mayor Ray Nagin to lead the city's recovery.