Kai Ryssdal

Kai Ryssdal

Keynote Speaker: Business Journalism Authority & Radio Host; Host & Senior Editor of "Marketplace"

Kai Ryssdal Biography

Kai Ryssdal is an American radio journalist renowned for his insightful coverage of business and economic issues. Since August 2005, he has served as the host and senior editor of "Marketplace," a widely acclaimed program produced by American Public Media. Under his leadership, Marketplace has become the most widely heard program on business and the economy in the United States, airing weekdays on public radio stations nationwide.

Ryssdal's journey into journalism began later in life. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in history from Emory University in 1985 and a Master of Arts in National Security Studies from Georgetown University in 1993, he embarked on a diverse career. He spent eight years in the United States Navy, serving as a naval aviator and later as a Pentagon staff officer. Following his military service, Ryssdal joined the U.S. Foreign Service, serving in Ottawa and Beijing. His transition into journalism occurred serendipitously while working at a Borders bookstore in Menlo Park, California, where he discovered a book listing radio-journalism internships. At 34, he began his career in public radio as an intern at KQED-FM in San Francisco, eventually becoming a reporter and substitute host for "The California Report."

In addition to his work on Marketplace, Ryssdal formerly co-hosted the podcast "Make Me Smart" with Kimberly Adams, where they explore complex economic topics in an accessible and engaging manner. His reporting has earned him several accolades, including an Emmy Award in 2012 for investigative journalism on the PBS Frontline documentary "Big Sky, Big Money," which examined the influence of money in politics.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ryssdal is known for his disciplined work ethic and commitment to clear, direct communication. He maintains a rigorous daily routine, rising early each morning to prepare for his broadcasts. Despite his success, he remains humble and self-critical, continually striving to improve his craft.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Kai Ryssdal and other top speakers and celebrities.

Kai Ryssdal Videos

20th Anniversary as Marketplace Host | Kai Ryssdal
My Economy Series Interview | Kai Ryssdal
Q&A on Economic Basics | Kai Ryssdal

How do I book Kai Ryssdal to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Kai Ryssdal for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Kai Ryssdal, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Kai Ryssdal or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Kai Ryssdal for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Kai Ryssdal, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Kai Ryssdal, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Kai Ryssdal speak about?

Kai Ryssdal is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Innovation, Creativity, Inspirational, Government, Leadership, Political, Journalist, Podcast Host, Television & Film, Thought Leadership, Disruptive Thinking, Economy, Broadcasting and News & Media.

Where does Kai Ryssdal travel from?

Kai Ryssdal generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Kai Ryssdal?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Kai Ryssdal for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Kai Ryssdal for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Kai Ryssdal or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Kai Ryssdal is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Innovation, Creativity and Inspirational. Please contact us for live or virtual event fee details. Kai Ryssdal generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are David Leonhardt, Katty Kay and Richard Florida. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Kai Ryssdal for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 11/09/2025.

Kai Ryssdal Videos

20th Anniversary as Marketplace Host | Kai Ryssdal
My Economy Series Interview | Kai Ryssdal
Q&A on Economic Basics | Kai Ryssdal
Interview on Money and Family Roles | Kai Ryssdal
Marketplace Radio Broadcast | Kai Ryssdal
  • How do I book Kai Ryssdal to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Kai Ryssdal for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Kai Ryssdal, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Kai Ryssdal or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Kai Ryssdal for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Kai Ryssdal, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Kai Ryssdal, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Kai Ryssdal speak about?

    Kai Ryssdal is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Innovation, Creativity, Inspirational, Government, Leadership, Political, Journalist, Podcast Host, Television & Film, Thought Leadership, Disruptive Thinking, Economy, Broadcasting and News & Media.
  • Where does Kai Ryssdal travel from?

    Kai Ryssdal generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Kai Ryssdal?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Kai Ryssdal for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Kai Ryssdal for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Kai Ryssdal or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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