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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)

French booksellers battle with Amazon

Feb 12, 2008
Small bookshops are part of the culture in France, but their existence has been threatened by Amazon. A court sided with them in a lawsuit last year, but the online bookseller is not giving up the fight. Anita Elash reports.

Starbucks CEO orders more training

Feb 12, 2008
Starbucks will be closing the doors for a few hours at 7,000 of its stores on Feb. 26. The company will use the time for a major training effort to refocus employees on customer service. Kai Ryssdal talks to Morningstar analyst John Owens.

A new harvest of green gadgets

Feb 11, 2008
Tech companies are now joining scores of American businesses trying to sell environmentally aware products. Kai Ryssdal talks with Kevin Periera of G4 about some gadgets that might make the thoughtful consumer green with envy.

What more could Yahoo want?

Feb 11, 2008
Yahoo has formally rejected the Microsoft takeover offer of $44.6 billion, saying it was too low and it could find a better deal elsewhere. Kai Ryssdal talks to New York Times reporter Andrew Ross Sorkin about Microsoft's next move.

Big record labels can't "Rock On"

Feb 8, 2008
The Internet has transformed the way that we buy music, much to the discontent of record labels. Kai Ryssdal speaks with Dan Kennedy, former Atlantic Records employee and author of the new book "Rock On," about why the culture of big record labels isn't friendly toward new technology.

When the subprime crisis hits home

Feb 7, 2008
The subprime mortgage crisis continues to wreck havoc on millions of Americans. Commentator Kevin Mims considers the possibility of foreclosing on the house of his dreams.

Storm uncovers China's weak points

Feb 7, 2008
Last week's powerful snow storms in China derailed many travel plans for the Lunar New Year, including those of migrant workers. Kai Ryssdal talks to Scott Tong in Shanghai about how the storm exposed vulnerabilities in China's infrastructure.

Phoenix rising as a sports city

Feb 7, 2008
The NBA's Phoenix Suns announced they've traded for Shaquille O'Neal. But the Suns acquisition is just a small part of how Phoenix is turning into a mecca for sports. Kai Ryssdal talks to our business of sports analyst Diana Nyad.

Unemployment benefits need overhaul

Feb 6, 2008
The Senate is considering whether to lengthen the six-month period in which people can collect unemployment. Commentator Robert Reich says not only should unemployment benefits be extended, they should also be reformed.

Cell phone advertising to get specific

Feb 6, 2008
CBS Mobile has announced a way to advertise businesses on your cell phone that are near your location. Kai Ryssdal talks to Alice Cuneo of Ad Age magazine about it.