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.
Episodes by Kai (6,003)
Latest Stories (5,801)
Why isn't there an Amazon for real estate?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sarah Leeson
Nov 8, 2023
Despite the world going digital, homebuying is still a highly analog process. James Rodriquez of Insider discusses the quest for a superapp.
His EV trip through the Southeast required a charging station map — and privilege
by
Richard Cunningham
and Kai Ryssdal
Nov 8, 2023
Adam Mahoney, a reporter for Capital B News, explains how driving an electric vehicle put him in a precarious situation as a Black man.
With rising elder care costs, the Great Wealth Transfer won't be so great
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Richard Cunningham
Nov 6, 2023
Older generations are spending down their nest eggs and leaving smaller inheritances to adult children, writer Annie Logue explains.
Small phones are hard to find
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sofia Terenzio
Nov 2, 2023
Makers seem to favor devices with much larger displays. Sean Hollister at The Verge recounts his search for a good small phone.
Another year, another record harvest for this Iowa farmer
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Andie Corban
Oct 31, 2023
"I thought I'm gonna have so much income," said April Hemmes. "But all my inputs were all that much higher."
The value of parks is rising. Luckily, in many cases, costs are declining.
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Richard Cunningham
Oct 25, 2023
High construction expenses and budget pressures are pushing developers to be creatively cost-conscious as they expand access to green spaces.
Is CEO pay out of control?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sarah Leeson
Oct 23, 2023
How much is too much? Union strikes and shareholder discussions have put executive compensation centerstage.
A new book follows one meal from seed to serving
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sarah Leeson
Oct 17, 2023
"The Dish" by Andrew Friedman shows just how many steps the phrase "farm to table" skips.
"I should have taken up golf": Mortgage lenders have time on their hands
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Andie Corban
Oct 16, 2023
Vivian Gueler of mortgage lender Pacific Trust Group says business has been "dead quiet" for the past few months.
Going solar isn't always sunshine and rainbows
by
Kai Ryssdal
, Sarah Leeson
and Sofia Terenzio
Oct 13, 2023
For the early adopters of rooftop solar panels, maintaining and repairing faulty panels is a costly challenge of its own.