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.
Episodes by Kai (5,929)
Latest Stories (5,777)
Companies rethinking the supply chain
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Kai Ryssdal
Aug 10, 2009
As shipping costs and pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rise, companies are looking for ways to make their supply chains shorter and save money. Kai Ryssdal talks to Craig Carter of the Journal of Supply Chain Management.
Why Clinton is visiting Angola now
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Kai Ryssdal
Aug 10, 2009
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be tying up her trip to Africa with a stop over in Angola, which hasn't peaked on our radar since the end of its decades-long civil war. Kai Ryssdal talks to The Eurasia Group's Jonas Horner.
As RV industry tanks, so does Elkhart
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Kai Ryssdal
Aug 4, 2009
Elkhart, Ind. is largely dependent on sales and manufacturing of RVs. Needless to say its an industry not faring well in this recession. Kai Ryssdal talks with dime-store owner Mac McNally of Elkhart about Obama's visit and the economic straits of the Midwestern city.
The pros and cons of required 401Ks
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Kai Ryssdal
Aug 3, 2009
President Obama is considering a plan that would require companies to open up and contribute to 401ks for their employees. Kai Ryssdal talks with Duke professor and behavioral economist Dan Ariely about why Americans have such a hard time saving money.
Congress crams on health-care reform
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Kai Ryssdal
Jul 28, 2009
House Democrats are being schooled on health-care reform in advance of their summer recess. After all, lawmakers have to be able to answer questions back home. Kai Ryssdal talks with Joel Achenbach of the Washington Post about Congressional summer school.
Cost of digital media so cheap it's free
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Kai Ryssdal
Jul 23, 2009
Chris Anderson, editor-in-chief of Wired Magazine, and author of "Free: the Future of a Radical Price," talks to Kai Ryssdal about pros and cons of giving away media online for free. His critics say it's killing print media, but Anderson shares his rebuttal.
Taxpayers and the health care debate
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Kai Ryssdal
Jul 22, 2009
The health-care-reform conversation, so far, has been more about monetary policy than medicine. So what's in it for consumers and taxpayers? The New York Times' David Leonhardt talks with Kai Ryssdal about the economics behind reform.
High oil prices are good for U.S. culture
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Kai Ryssdal
Jul 21, 2009
Fluctuating gas prices haven't caused too much change in the way we view energy. But if gas prices rise to $6, $10, or $12 per gallon, author Chris Steiner says the effects would change everything from the way we drive to how we shop.
Subprime lenders return as loan fixers
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Kai Ryssdal
Jul 20, 2009
Companies that made millions in subprime loans are now selling loan modifications to some of the same borrowers, who are now at risk of losing their homes. Kai Ryssdal talks with The New York Times' Peter S. Goodman about how the brokers are doing business.
Builder explains spike in housing starts
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Kai Ryssdal
Jul 17, 2009
Millions of homes are standing vacant in the United States. And yet, housing starts are up this month, seemingly defying the laws of supply and demand. Kai Ryssdal talks to home builder Dean Mon to see why housing construction is up.