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.
Episodes by Kai (5,973)
Latest Stories (5,794)
Options backdating probe grows
by
Kai Ryssdal
Jun 12, 2006
Monster joins a growing list of US companies whose stock option grants to senior executives are being investigated by the SEC. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to Marketplace's Bob Moon about what's at issue.
The IPO that went south
by
Kai Ryssdal
Jun 9, 2006
Internet phone provider Vonage's initial public offering hasn't done so well. How bad is it? So bad that customers who bought the stock are suing. Kai speaks with James Granelli of the Los Angeles Times.
The skinny on Motorola's success
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Kai Ryssdal
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
by
Kai Ryssdal
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
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Kai Ryssdal
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
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Kai Ryssdal
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.
The Plan: We each get $10,000 a year
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Kai Ryssdal
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?
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Kai Ryssdal
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
by
Kai Ryssdal
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.