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)
An economic "hope story" in Buffalo, New York
by
Kai Ryssdal
, Nela Richardson
and Maria Hollenhorst
Oct 31, 2022
Over the past few years, pay for low-wage workers in the city has risen more than 40%, according to one analysis.
Salem's complicated journey from witch trials to witch tourism
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sarah Leeson
Oct 27, 2022
In the 1690s, women were hanged in Salem, Massachusetts on suspicion of witchcraft. Now, it's a witchy Mecca for tourists.
Low water levels in the Mississippi River are disrupting the supply chain
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Anais Amin
Oct 24, 2022
Austin Golding says his family's barge business was able to plan ahead, but it's still costing the company money and productivity.
E-bikes are soaring in popularity, but some still have reservations
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Anais Amin
Oct 14, 2022
"I find myself looking at the other bikers going slowly and going ‘just get out of my way,’" says Ian Bogost, contributing writer at The Atlantic.
How female leadership can uplift companies — and why it's so undervalued
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sarah Leeson
Oct 13, 2022
Female-led companies tend to outperform those led by men, yet women are a small minority among CEOs and startup founders.
The mortgage business right now is even slower than 2008
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Andie Corban
Oct 12, 2022
Los Angeles mortgage broker Vivian Gueler says high rates, high home prices and a weak stock market are stopping people from buying homes.
Looking to go viral? Try LinkedIn.
by
Kai Ryssdal
Oct 7, 2022
LinkedIn has shifted from a buttoned-up career-driven site to content creation and, sometimes, oversharing. Lora Kelley of The New York Times explains the changes.
As the Fed cranks up interest rates, critics ring warning bells
by
Kai Ryssdal
, Sean McHenry
and Anais Amin
Oct 5, 2022
Some economists and policy advisers fear that the Federal Reserve's rapid hikes could tip the global economy into a painful recession.
Are computers ruining chess?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Maria Hollenhorst
Oct 5, 2022
A controversy involving one of the game's rising stars has sparked debate about creativity.
Raising the curtain on "productivity theater"
by
Kai Ryssdal
Oct 4, 2022
Employees don't want be labeled "quiet quitters," so they're working to appear busy. Rani Molla of Vox explains the practice.