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)
Conversations From the Corner Office: Bill Marriott
by
Kai Ryssdal
Jan 25, 2007
The head of Marriott International Inc. talks to Kai Ryssdal about why running the world's largest lodging company isn't so different from operating a nine-stool root beer stand.
Critics see Bush's plan as no health benefit
by
Kai Ryssdal
Jan 24, 2007
In his State of the Union address, President Bush proposed a new approach to healthcare funding that would mean changes to most tax bills. Marketplace health reporter Helen Palmer talks with Kai Ryssdal about the idea.
Lebanon crisis stalls reconstruction
by
Kai Ryssdal
Jan 24, 2007
Hezbollah-led protests, strikes and violence have shut down much of Lebanon. Anthony Shadid, the Washington Post's correspondent in Beirut, talks with Kai Ryssdal about the troubled nation.
Economic turning point: Productivity's down
by
Kai Ryssdal
Jan 23, 2007
The Conference Board came out with a report today saying U.S. productivity growth is slipping. Kai Ryssdal talks with the Board's Ken Goldstein about what that might mean for inflation and interest rates.
A briefer, more general State of the Union
by
John Dimsdale
and Kai Ryssdal
Jan 22, 2007
If White House leaks are to be believed, President Bush's speech tomorrow night won't be your average State of the Union Address. Marketplace's John Dimsdale talks with Kai Ryssdal about what to expect.
Cracks in foundations
by
Kai Ryssdal
Jan 22, 2007
Duke University professor Joel Fleishman says that despite their good intentions most foundations have plenty of problems. He talks with Kai Ryssdal about his new book on the subject.
Video gamers go pro
by
Kai Ryssdal
Jan 18, 2007
Electronic games have gotten so serious that the best players are actually getting paid to compete. Business-of-sports analyst Ed Derse talks with Kai Ryssdal about the new professionals.
Feature-length business starts in Utah
by
Kai Ryssdal
Jan 17, 2007
Actors, directors, marketers and sales people are converging on the Sundance Film Festival — along with thousands of others. Film festival consultant Mitch Levine talks about the event with Kai Ryssdal.
A plan for the flow of Iraq's oil money
by
Kai Ryssdal
Jan 17, 2007
A tentative deal is in the works to share Iraq's oil money when and if it starts coming in, according to Reuters. Kai Ryssdal talked with Alistair MacDonald, Reuters' Baghdad bureau chief, about the plan.
Verizon sells off New England lines
by
Kai Ryssdal
Jan 16, 2007
Verizon's about done with old-fashioned phone lines. The company announced today it's spinning off local lines in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Keith Shortall reports.