The Speaker

The Speaker

Author: KQED

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Description

Trailblazer. Lightning rod. First woman Speaker of the House. Nancy Pelosi never intended to run for office — but in 1987, a twist of fate thrust her into San Francisco’s political arena. In Congress, she seized power and became one of the most polarizing, effective and iconic figures in political history. “The Speaker” is a new limited-run podcast series from KQED that builds on exclusive access to Pelosi, reflecting on her historic life and career as she exits public office. In “The Speaker,” KQED political correspondent Scott Shafer traces her rise from local volunteer to national power broker, making allies and enemies along the way – including President Donald Trump. But with faith in U.S. political institutions cratering, what can her story tell us about where the country has been, and where it’s going?

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Introducing The Speaker: How Nancy Pelosi Changed the Face of Power

2026-09-0102:19

Launching September 16, this podcast series tells the story of Nancy Pelosi’s rise from local volunteer to national power broker — a definitive reckoning with a groundbreaking political legacy. Produced by KQED and distributed by NPR.

1. The Ultimate Insider

2026-09-1641:36

Before her historic Speakership, even before she got to the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi worked for years outside the spotlight as an official in the California Democratic party while she raised her family in San Francisco. That was until 1987, when tragic circumstances led her to do something she hadn’t considered before: run for Congress. Her first hurdle? A city in crisis and a motivated opponent from a community impacted by a deadly epidemic.Read the episode transcript.Learn more at our website.

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