Biography

Over the last 20 years, Kai has been the host and senior editor of Marketplace, the most popular program on business and the economy – radio or television, commercial or public broadcasting – in the country. He also co-hosts the podcast Make Me Smart.

Kai won an Emmy Award in 2012 for Outstanding Investigative Journalism on a PBS Frontline documentary about money in politics entitled Big SkyBig Money. His written work has been featured in The New York Times and The Atlantic. He is frequently called on as an event and panel moderator at such conferences as the Aspen Ideas Festival, Atlantic Ideas, Fortune Brainstorm, and Fast Company Innovation. Kai also speaks regularly with policymakers, including the Federal Reserve Chair, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Director of the White House National Economic Council. He interviewed President Obama twice in the Oval Office and once on a folding chair in the middle of the Nevada desert. 

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Videos

Kai Ryssdal explains the Bond Market

Stronger Together: Expanding Worker Voice to Expand Economic Opportunity

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Blog Posts

From Resilience to Breakthrough Moments with Olympic Athlete Johnny Quinn

Learn resilience strategies from Olympic athlete Johnny Quinn to turn setbacks into breakthroughs and push through barriers in your career.

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Why Self-Awareness Is Your Secret Weapon for Authentic Relationships

Relationships thrive when self-awareness guides connection. Learn how event professionals can build stronger bridges through empathy and reflection.

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Event Planning AI Revolution Transforms How Professionals Create Seamless Experiences

AI keynote speaker Kate O'Neill share event planning strategies that can help professionals streamline workflows while preserving human connection.

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Persuasion Without Pressure: Why Service-Based Influence Wins Every Time

People resist persuasion but crave great service. Learn how to influence through assistance, not manipulation, with proven strategies from Dan Pink.

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Team Energy Solutions That Transform Workplace Culture with Judi Holler

Discover proven team energy strategies from keynote speaker Judi Holler that transform workplace culture and unlock your team's creative potential.

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How Event Professionals Can Recover from Burnout Without Sacrificing Success

Learn how event pros can build mental resilience and prevent workplace exhaustion with these proven burnout recovery strategies.

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