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)

A day in the life of Kai Ryssdal, and 10 ways to improve it

Dec 16, 2010
Today on Marketplace I interviewed Amy Pascal and Michael Lynton, co-studio heads at Sony Pictures Entertainment. The company has recently underg...

iPhones flying off the shelves may not be so great for the U.S.

Dec 15, 2010
This final note today about the trade deficit. No, the numbers didn't come out today. That was a couple of weeks ago. But I saw an item in the Wall...

Asking Fannie and Freddie whether to rent or buy

Dec 14, 2010
This final note today, which comes with a shout out to our friends at Planet Money. Ever wonder why the American real estate market is so messed up...

What to get for the tech geek on your list

Dec 13, 2010
Kai Ryssdal talks to G4's Kevin Pereira about the latest in 3D technology. You can put it in your living room, but it's pretty pricey!

Federal court questions health reform's "individual mandate"

Dec 13, 2010
This final note, which to be honest, would have been higher in the program if it weren't just one more step in a long legal process. A federal...

A change in the S&P 500 stock index

Dec 10, 2010
This final note on the way out, an observation about the ever-evolving state of the American economy. Standard & Poor's announced some changes...

Paper or plastic?

Dec 8, 2010
This final note today: Some solace the next time you get stuck behind somebody paying by check in the grocery store. Yes, Mom, I'm talking to you....

The white-collar struggle in "The Company Men"

Dec 8, 2010
A new film opening this weekend in select cities is offering a view of life that most everyone in America has seen in some way: layoffs. John Wells, the director and producer of "The Company Men," talks to Kai Ryssdal about what he discovered about the recession as he was making the film.

How toys are surviving the recession

Dec 3, 2010
It's holiday season in a down economy. If you wanted to get an indication of how America is doing right now, the world's biggest toy store might be the best place. Toys"R"Us CEO Jerry Storch talks about the role of toys in today's economy.