Kai Ryssdal

Host and Senior Editor

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 from Kai Ryssdal

Jul 16, 2008
Programming for hearts and minds
Showtime CEO Matt Blank talks about the network's chances in the new television landscape and life as part of the broadcast giant CBS.
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Jul 15, 2008
After Fannie and Freddie, what next?
The Treasury and the Fed are helping out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with another line of credit, access to special loans and maybe even buying their stock. Financial analyst Karen Shaw Petrou talks with Host Kai Ryssdal about what still needs to be done.
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Jul 12, 2008
Week on Wall Street
Stockbroker and business analyst David Johnson chats with host Kai Ryssdal about what happened on Wall Street this week and what may lie ahead.
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Jul 12, 2008
What’s the plan for Fannie and Freddie?
Rumors and conflicting reports are flying about what the government may do to prop up Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? Marketplace's Bob Moon explains the mixed signals that have investors worried about another crisis in the mortgage meltdown.
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Jul 11, 2008
Shoppers look to local stores
High gas prices have small town residents skipping the commute to warehouse stores and opting to shop closer to home. Host Kai Ryssdal asks Jim Lottes about the increase in business at his Missouri grocery store.
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Jul 11, 2008
Bernanke, Paulson ask for more powers
The Fed Chairman and Treasury Secretary were on Capitol Hill asking Congress for stronger regulatory powers to prevent another large investment bank from collapsing. Host Kai Ryssdal runs through their remarks.
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Jul 10, 2008
Candidates search for election funds
John McCain still trails Barack Obama in fundraising, but may find help from an array of independent groups. Host Kai Ryssdal talks with Politico's Jeanne Cummings about where the campaigns will turn for money in this election.
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Jul 10, 2008
SEC works to rein in raters
The SEC is revamping the way credit rating agencies hand out scores after several gave high marks to risky securities. Host Kai Ryssdal asks SEC Chairman Christopher Cox about efforts to rein in raters.
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Jul 9, 2008
China scrambles to the finish line
With just 30 days until the opening ceremonies, there are still a lot of cranes working over Beijing. Host Kai Ryssdal asks Marketplace's Lisa Chow how much work is left to prepare the city for the big event.
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Jul 9, 2008
SEC reports on rating agencies
The SEC has released a report on the agencies that gave high marks to subprime securities. Host Kai Ryssdal asks Marketplace's Amy Scott about the agency's latest efforts to clean up the ratings business.
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