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Kai Ryssdal

Host and Senior Editor

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 (5,770)

Nigeria's oil curse

Oct 30, 2006
Protesters yesterday shut down an oil pumping station in the Niger Delta. It's one of the richest oil regions in the world, but residents don't benefit much. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to documentary filmmaker Sandy Cioffi who just returned from the area.

Willing, not ready for flu outbreak

Oct 26, 2006
A Harvard University poll found that most Americans would stay home during a bird flu pandemic — and take a huge financial hit. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to professor Robert Blendon about the study.

Panama considers wider, deeper appeal for canal

Oct 20, 2006
Panamanians vote Sunday on a government proposal to spend $5 billion on expanding the Panama Canal. The project would allow the newest and biggest ships. Kai Ryssdal talks about the plan with Carlos Barnes of Caterpiller — the bulldozer company.

Not what he dreamed of

Oct 20, 2006
Charles McPhee turned his curiousity about dreams into a personality seven years ago. He called himself the Dream Doctor and started hosting a call-in radio show. But back in May callers started asking about something else. Kai Ryssdal reports.

DIY Super Bowl commercials

Oct 19, 2006
A few big companies are planning to show user-generated commercials during Super Bowl XLI. Host Kai Ryssdal asks business of sports analyst Ed Derse about the latest trend in the advertising world.

Europe forcing higher energy standards

Oct 18, 2006
The EU is set to adopt new, tougher energy efficiency standards for consumer products there. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to industry consultant Mike Kirschner about how the move might impact American businesses.

Ford surviving on the Edge

Oct 18, 2006
Building and selling more hybrid cars is a major part of Ford's turnaround strategy. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to LA Times auto critic Dan Neil about the company's success so far.

Reuters opens virtual bureau . . . for real

Oct 16, 2006
Users of online worlds transact millions of real dollars worth of virtual goods and services every day and that means there's real business news to cover. Confused? Host Kai Ryssdal sorts it out with Reuters' Second Life bureau chief Adam Pasick.

Nobel Peace Prize credits microlender

Oct 13, 2006
Muhammad Yunus, who founded the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh that offers very small loans, is recognized for his work in improving Third World lives.

Is it UTube or YouTube?

Oct 13, 2006
Utube.com, a website for used tubes and pipes, has been swamped with visitors confusing it with the online video site YouTube.com. Kai Ryssdal talks with the owner of Universal Tube and Rollform Equipment.