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)
Black executives say corporations "must take a stand" against restrictive voting laws
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Andie Corban
Apr 2, 2021
"Marketplace" host Kai Ryssdal spoke with Kenneth Frazier, CEO of Merck, and Kenneth Chenault, former CEO of American Express.
The highs and lows of making in-demand pandemic products
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Maria Hollenhorst
Apr 1, 2021
Clear plastic barriers to protect workers are everywhere now. What does that mean for companies that make them?
How COVID-19 made high-frequency data a go-to economic indicator
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Maria Hollenhorst
Mar 31, 2021
More than ever, economists are turning to alternative forms of data to help them understand the economy in real time.
Why this small business said goodbye to the office for good
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Maria Hollenhorst
Mar 31, 2021
“We’re gonna save about $60,000 a year,” said Carolyn Walker, CEO and managing partner of Response Marketing in Connecticut.
At this Detroit framing shop, demand is outstripping supply
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sean McHenry
Mar 25, 2021
For Eric Vaughn, picture frame demand is up as customers spend more time at home. But can supply keep pace?
The Suez Canal block could hit 'downstream' manufacturers the hardest
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sean McHenry
Mar 24, 2021
A container ship blocking the Suez Canal since Tuesday evening underscores the fragility of the global supply chain.
Tweets are selling for millions as NFTs. We decided to see what all the buzz is about.
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Andie Corban
Mar 24, 2021
Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal and Andrew CM from Valuables by Cent experiment with turning a tweet into a non-fungible token.
Washington apple farmer is "optimistic" as workers get vaccinated
by
Kai Ryssdal
, Andie Corban
and Minju Park
Mar 19, 2021
“They are on the front lines of the food production industry in this country," said Patrick Smith, who runs Loftus Ranches.
The pandemic has been especially damaging to working moms
by
Kai Ryssdal
, Daisy Palacios
and Andie Corban
Mar 18, 2021
Employment for women may not recover to pre-pandemic levels until 2024 — two years after a recovery for men.
For small-business owners, “it’s just never-ending”
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Maria Hollenhorst
Mar 17, 2021
An independent hairstylist reflects on her newfound respect for small-business ownership after a year on her own.