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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 (5,777)

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.

Lots of empty corner offices

Oct 11, 2006
Outplacement firm Challenger Gray and Christmas says 2006 has been huge year so far for CEO departures. Last month, a record 152 chief execs left their posts.

Backdating scandal claims McAfee, CNET execs

Oct 11, 2006
Host Kai Ryssdal talks to University of Delaware's Charles M. Elson about the options backdating scandal that's erasing profits, spurring government investigations and sending corporate leaders packing.

Buyout decision looms for Ford workers

Oct 10, 2006
Starting next week Ford's hourly employees must decide whether to accept a buyout offer. Today the automaker began conducting career fairs and workshops to help them weigh career options. Host Kai Ryssdal speaks to one of those employees.