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 (5,794)

Under attack: Life in Israel

Jul 17, 2006
Host Kai Ryssdal talks to Haifa resident David Rudge about daily life on the streets of Israel after six days of violence. Like how does he withdraw money from the ATM?

Don't get lured in by tax phishing

Jul 14, 2006
What you need to know today about protecting yourself from tax phishing scams.

Strike on Israeli port city

Jul 13, 2006
The Israeli port city of Haifa — well inside the country's borders — was hit by rockets today, an attack that preceded Israel's second bombing of Beirut's airport. Host Kai Ryssdal speaks to journalist Hillary Krieger.

Beirut bombing halts air traffic

Jul 13, 2006
Beirut's been experiencing its first economic boom since Lebanon's civil war ended — but it's based largely on tourism. How will today's attacks affect the economy there? Host Kai Ryssdal talks to the Wall Street Journal's Karby Leggett.

Disney slashing movie production

Jul 12, 2006
Walt Disney plans to cut its annual movie production slate in half and eliminate jobs to trim costs. But why cut back on the heels of its big summer smash hits? Host Kai Ryssdal asks Daily Variety Managing Editor Michael Speier.

We've got mail

Jul 12, 2006
Host Kai Ryssdal digs through the Marketplace mailbag and reads listener letters.

Terrorism hits India's financial center

Jul 11, 2006
Hundreds were killed in seven bomb explosions in Mumbai today. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to Financial Times reporter Khozem Merchant about why the explosions targeted first-class passengers on commuter trains in the country's financial hub.

Nielsen now rating commercial breaks

Jul 11, 2006
TV ad buyers and the Nielsen ratings system will begin tracking how many viewers are actually watching TV ads in the new world of TiVos and DVRs. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to Abbey Klaassen about the shift.

Ken Lay's legacy

Jul 5, 2006
Enron's founder and convicted former CEO, Kenneth Lay died of a heart attack today. Host Kai Ryssdal speaks to veteran energy reporter Barbara Shook about Lay's legacy in the energy business.

The money pit: Should you lend to friends?

Jun 23, 2006
Should you loan money to your relatives or friends? What should you ask for in return? And how do you say no? Kai finds out from Ira Bryck, the Director of the UMass Family Business Center.