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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 (5,772)

Does Google always do good?

Jul 7, 2009
Google is famously known for its motto, "Don't be evil." In an interview with Kai Ryssdal at the Aspen Ideas Festival, CEO Eric Schmidt talks about whether the company's presence in so many people's lives is always a good thing.

The science of airplane interior design

Jul 2, 2009
Airplane designers are finding ways to squeeze in as many seats as possible to sell more tickets. Kai Ryssdal talks to Paul Wylde about the science, and economics, behind airplane design

Attack halts Nigeria oil production

Jun 29, 2009
The Nigerian guerrilla group responsible for recently destroying an off-shore Shell oil platform has been fighting foreign oil companies for years. Carola Hoyos of The Financial Times talks with Kai Ryssdal about the situation in the African nation.

How Vans got off on the right foot

Jun 15, 2009
Vans has long been the footwear of choice for skateboarders, but it didn't start that way. Kai Ryssdal visits the company's Southern California headquarters and talks with author Doug Palladini about how the shoes caught on.

Taking Stock: Lessons from history

Jun 9, 2009
Revered economist and monetary policy expert Dr. Anna Schwartz talks with Kai Ryssdal about how the Federal Reserve and government have performed while in the economic hot seat. She isn't too pleased.

Are we at the bottom yet?

May 29, 2009
Trying to figure out if we've reached the bottom seems to be every pundit's new favorite game. Kai Ryssdal reviews where we stand in the housing, manufacturing, and banking industries.

Indiana town builds hope on machinery

May 21, 2009
Muncie, Ind., was once a manufacturing hub, but the recession has taken nearly all of those jobs away. So the city is banking on a new piece of machinery to help get it somewhat back on track. Kai Ryssdal reports.

Keeping a retail niche in the bullseye

May 20, 2009
Gregg Steinhafel, chairman and CEO of Target Corp., talks about the company's strategy for weathering the recession and expanding its place in the retail market.

The Weekly Wrap

May 15, 2009
Kai Ryssdal goes through this week's news with Mike Mandel, chief economist for Businessweek, and Megan McArdle from The Atlantic's Business Channel.

Retirement dreams face new reality

May 15, 2009
The recession has been a wake-up call for Americans who weren't preparing adequately for retirement. Alicia Munnell, director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, talks with Kai Ryssdal about the changing picture for older workers.