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

Feb 23, 2008
Figuring out subprime solutions
Though the White House has proposed rescue plans for halting the mortgage crisis, analysts still predict more trouble ahead. Kai Ryssdal talks to Sharon Price at the National Housing Conference about what else the government can do.
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Feb 22, 2008
NFL turns job fair into profits
The National Football League's annual job fair, known as the scouting combine, gives prospects a chance to show their stuff. It's also turned into a revenue opportunity. Kai Ryssdal talks with business of sports commentator Ed Derse about the money behind the combine.
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Feb 21, 2008
U.S. should define its secret technology
Commentator Robert Reich says that when it comes to technology the government doesn't know what should be sold to foreign countries and what should be kept secret.
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Feb 21, 2008
Yahoo takeover bid turns to proxy fight
Microsoft is reported to be considering a proxy fight in its continuing bid to take over Yahoo. Kai Ryssdal talks to Professor James Brock about how Microsoft could force a deal by appealing directly to Yahoo's shareholders.
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Feb 20, 2008
CEOs punked on Wall Street calls
A man pretending to be a Wall Street analyst has been prank calling CEOs and other top executives on earnings conference calls.
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Feb 20, 2008
Letters from our listeners
The mailbox is bursting with your comments: your thoughts on Netscape's demise, wearable nanotechnology, Washington lobbyists, Girl Scout cookies and Valentine's Day gifts.
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Feb 19, 2008
We can no longer afford the penny
Commentator and international economist Dan Drezner says inflation and high zinc and copper prices have made the penny too expensive for the U.S. to produce.
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Feb 13, 2008
Processed foods are not that healthy
More than ever, grocery stores are filled with processed foods that advertise nutrient values and health benefits. Commentator Michael Pollan, author of "The Omnivore's Dilemma," says the healthiest foods are still to be found in the produce section.
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Feb 13, 2008
French booksellers battle with Amazon
Small bookshops are part of the culture in France, but their existence has been threatened by Amazon. A court sided with them in a lawsuit last year, but the online bookseller is not giving up the fight. Anita Elash reports.
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Feb 13, 2008
Starbucks CEO orders more training
Starbucks will be closing the doors for a few hours at 7,000 of its stores on Feb. 26. The company will use the time for a major training effort to refocus employees on customer service. Kai Ryssdal talks to Morningstar analyst John Owens.
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