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 (5,782)

The skinny on Motorola's success

Jun 8, 2006
Motorola was down on its luck until the Razr cell phone helped turn things around. Host Kai Ryssdal speaks to Fortune magazine writer Adam Lashinsky about how Moto found its mojo — and what's next.

Ben Bernanke, meet the ghost of Alan Greenspan

Jun 7, 2006
New Fed chief Ben Bernanke has been getting some heat lately for sending Wall Street on a wild ride. Down, mostly. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to James Grant of Grant's Interest Rate Observer to put it in perspective.

Creating a new General Motors

Jun 6, 2006
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.

Corn ethanol better for politicians than environment

Jun 5, 2006
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.

Rents on the rise

Jun 2, 2006
What you need to know today about rising rents.

The Plan: We each get $10,000 a year

Jun 2, 2006
Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid funding adds up to 9% of the US gross domestic product. More than <nobr>$1 trillion</nobr> a year. Some economists say that'll rise to 30% by 2050. Author Charles Murray says he has a better plan <nobr>. . .</nobr> with a capital P.

Can Chavez pump up OPEC support?

May 31, 2006
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.

Refilling the role of Juan Valdez

May 31, 2006
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.

From CEO to secretary . . . Why?

May 30, 2006
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.

Burying a dead end job

May 26, 2006
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.