Kai Ryssdal

Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, Host and Senior Editor of American Public Media’s Marketplace, Co-Host of the “Make Me Smart” Podcast

Topics: Economy, Moderator, Host & Emcee, Communication, World Affairs, Media, Politics, Thought Leadership, Business

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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 Sky, Big 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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Blog Posts

Unlocking Trust and Loyalty & Build Better Relationships with Barb Betts

Discover Barb Betts’ proven frameworks for turning transactions into trust, loyalty, and driving business growth through authentic relationships.

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Halfway Through 2025? Here’s Your Reset for Unstoppable Momentum

Discover how to reignite your planning and build unstoppable momentum for the rest of 2025 with proven strategies, expert insights, and actionable steps.

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How Setting up Boundaries Creates Space for What Truly Matters

Learn how saying “no” and setting up boundaries can free hours each week, boost focus, and transform your work culture with leadership expert Lisa Bodell.

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Why Leadership Speakers Are Essential for Today’s Events

Looking for the top leadership speakers to bring to your next event? You're in the right place. Imagine you're sitting in an auditorium, coffee in hand, waiting for yet another keynote speech. You're expecting the...

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Unlocking a Magic Mindset and Your Audience’s Awe of Christophe Fox

Think magic is just smoke and mirrors? Think again. Christophe Fox transforms events into unforgettable experiences through magic and interactive engagement.

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Designing Events That Captivate and Convert Beyond Venue and Swag

Learn how intentional design—innovation, inclusion, and neuroscience—powers unforgettable event engagement and lasting impact.

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Blog Posts

Stay informed on what’s happening in the world of events and latest keynote speaker trends

Unlocking Trust and Loyalty & Build Better Relationships with Barb Betts

In today’s hyper-competitive landscape, every company proclaims “relationships matter.” Yet few truly understand how to...

Keynote Curators Features

Halfway Through 2025? Here’s Your Reset for Unstoppable Momentum

It’s midyear 2025. The excitement of January’s fresh start has faded, and those ambitious goals...

Personal Development

How Setting up Boundaries Creates Space for What Truly Matters

We live in an age that glorifies busyness without setting up boundaries. Our calendars overflow...

Keynote Curators Features

Why Leadership Speakers Are Essential for Today’s Events

Looking for the top leadership speakers to bring to your next event? You're in the...

Keynote Curators Features

Unlocking a Magic Mindset and Your Audience’s Awe of Christophe Fox

Think magic is just smoke and mirrors? Think again. ✨ For event planners seeking fresh...

Keynote Curators Features