Kai Ryssdal

Kai Ryssdal

Host, Marketplace

Kai Ryssdal took the reins as host of Marketplace in August 2005. He previously hosted the Marketplace Morning Report for more than four years.

Before joining Marketplace, Kai was a reporter and substitute host for The California Report, a news and information program distributed to public radio stations throughout California by KQED-FM in San Francisco.

His radio work has won first place awards from the Radio and Television News Directors Association and the national Public Radio News Directors Association.

After graduating from Emory University in Atlanta, Kai spent eight years in the United States Navy, first flying from the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, and then as a Pentagon staff officer. Before his career in public radio, Kai was a member of the United States Foreign Service and served in Ottawa, Canada, and Beijing, China.

More from KCRW

Filmmaker Eli Roth talks soundtrack deep cuts, producer Will Packer reflects on his career around the release of a new memoir, and Demi Moore has The Treat.

from The Treatment

Invasive plants are overrunning the Santa Monica Mountains, making fires more destructive and more frequent. Thus, conservationists are trying to grow more native species.

from KCRW Features

The Santa Ana parking enforcer, LAZ Parking, is facing backlash for issuing too many tickets and overstepping their authority by citing license plate violations.

from KCRW Features

Teen therapist Lisa Damour unravels the complexities of the adolescent mind and offers tips for raising well-adjusted teenagers.

from Life Examined

KCRW's signature music program features new releases, live performances, and artist interviews hosted by Novena Carmel.

from Morning Becomes Eclectic

The Trump administration’s release of war plans on a group chat that included the Atlantic’s editor-in-chief raises questions about the competence of the president’s top national…

Indie found sounds, nostalgic guilty pleasures, and introspective piano solos to help you feel deeply and move freely through life.

from Nassir Nassirzadeh

KCRW's signature music program features new releases, live performances, and artist interviews hosted by Novena Carmel.

from Morning Becomes Eclectic

Amid a new phase of war, public opinion polls show a majority of Israelis want to see the end of fighting in Gaza and a return of hostages.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand