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)
In a time of war, "sustainability of the government is No. 1," says former Ukraine finance minister
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sean McHenry
Mar 21, 2022
Ukraine’s economy is being strangled, says Natalie Jaresko, citing the need for international support as well as Russian reparations.
The marketing CEO trying to bridge the pay gap for Black influencers
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sean McHenry
Mar 17, 2022
Compensation in the influencer space is like the "wild, Wild West," says LaToya Shambo of Black Girl Digital. Her company wants to change that.
Federal Reserve lifts interest rates a quarter point
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sean McHenry
Mar 16, 2022
Citing high inflation and the tight labor market, Fed Chair Jerome Powell announces the first rate hike since 2018.
How the war in Ukraine could impact U.S. food prices
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Maria Hollenhorst
Mar 16, 2022
A grain wholesaler explains why a war in Europe is driving up grain prices around the world.
Stress persists 2 years into the pandemic economy
by
Andie Corban
and Kai Ryssdal
Mar 11, 2022
We talked with two people who were out of work in March 2020 about how the pandemic has affected their personal economies.
How has the war in Ukraine affected global hunger?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Richard Cunningham
Mar 10, 2022
Even if globally significant crops in the Ukraine and Russia are eventually harvested, the chief economist of the UN World Food Programme warns they may not make it out of either country.
Could Russia return to a Soviet-era command economy as Western sanctions tighten?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sean McHenry
Mar 9, 2022
Russia has been transitioning to a market economy. But its war on Ukraine and the sanctions that have followed could turn back the clock.
Why do we care about "core" inflation?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Andie Corban
Mar 9, 2022
The core measure strips out food and energy prices, two of the biggest contributors to inflation today.
The war in Ukraine means more chaos for global shipping
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Andie Corban
Mar 8, 2022
Companies are rerouting around conflict zones and costs are on the rise, explains Ryan Petersen, CEO of Flexport.
How does isolating Russia affect global aviation?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Richard Cunningham
Mar 2, 2022
"We have gone backward probably about 30 years in a blink of an eye," says Jon Ostrower, editor of aviation industry website The Air Current.