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

Jun 7, 2006
Creating a new General Motors
GM shareholders approved two reform proposals today — a first — but the company isn't obligated to listen. So what do the votes mean? Host Kai Ryssdal asks around.
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Jun 6, 2006
Corn ethanol better for politicians than environment
Detroit has been bragging about its adoption of ethanol as an alternative fuel. But, as Los Angeles Times auto critic Dan Neil tells host Kai Ryssdal, corn-based fuel isn't all that efficient.
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Jun 3, 2006
Rents on the rise
What you need to know today about rising rents.
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Jun 3, 2006
The Plan: We each get $10,000 a year
Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid funding adds up to 9% of the US gross domestic product. More than $1 trillion a year. Some economists say that'll rise to 30% by 2050. Author Charles Murray says he has a better plan . . . with a capital P.
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Jun 1, 2006
Can Chavez pump up OPEC support?
Venezuela's outspoken President Hugo Chavez wants to cut back on oil production and send prices even higher. Will he get what he wants from OPEC ministers in Caracas? Host Kai Ryssdal talks to professor Carol Wise.
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Jun 1, 2006
Refilling the role of Juan Valdez
The actor who played Juan Valdez, the iconic figure of Colombian coffee, has retired. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to branding consultant David Altschul about what's been involved in the search for a replacement.
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May 31, 2006
From CEO to secretary . . . Why?
Why would Goldman Sachs CEO Henry Paulson leave the nation's most prestigious investment bank to replace John Snow as Treasury secretary? Fortune's Patty Sellers talks with host Kai Ryssdal about possible reasons.
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May 26, 2006
Burying a dead end job
There's an old work saying that goes something like this: The grass is always greener in your neighbor's cubicle. When do you know it's time to find a better job? Career expert Michael Laskoff joins Kai for a conversation.
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May 26, 2006
AARP’s new gig
The AARP is a familiar name in the retirement business. Now it has tossed its hat into the mutual fund ring. Kai talks with Wall Street Journal reporter Ian McDonald.
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May 26, 2006
Will Enron verdicts change corporate America?
Enron founder Kenneth Lay and CEO Jeffrey Skilling have been convicted on multiple counts of fraud, conspiracy and insider trading. Host Kai Ryssdal talks with Houston Chronicle reporter Mary Flood about what the verdicts mean for the corporate world.
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