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★★★★☆

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91 reviews

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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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Just Win

2026/10/14

A local politician once called San Francisco politics a “knife fight in a phone booth” where centrist Democrats and progressives duke it out in close proximity. Out of that phone booth emerged Nancy Pelosi. In our series finale, we reckon with what her legacy will be – the fundraiser, the mentor, the fighter. In a moment when the Democratic Party is at a crossroads, how did Pelosi shape the destiny of the Democratic Party? Read the episode transcript. Learn more at our website.

The Shadow

2026/10/07

In 2016, Nancy Pelosi was planning on retiring from Congress. But Donald Trump’s presidential victory disrupted her plans, and her legacy. Pelosi’s public battles with the President cemented her status as a liberal warrior – spearheading two impeachments and navigating the January 6th attack. But to some in her caucus, including the young progressives of “The Squad,” Pelosi’s approach wasn’t enough to address a new wave of populism and a growing mistrust of government. And amidst this politically fraught landscape, did Pelosi’s actions around stock trading — or inaction, according to some — add fuel to the fire? Read the episode transcript. Learn more at our website.

Go Big

2026/09/30

In 2008, with the historic election of President Barack Obama and Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress, Speaker Pelosi saw a huge opening for healthcare reform. She knew it would be hard-fought, but this was not Pelosi’s first battle. She had lived through other historic attempts to reform healthcare — to disastrous results. This time, she was determined to succeed. But to go big in Washington, Pelosi had to master the art of sacrifice. Read the episode transcript. Learn more at our website.

We Need a Wrecking Ball

2026/09/23

Long before she became Madam Speaker, Nancy Pelosi was “Little Nancy” D’Alesandro. Raised in Little Italy in Baltimore, Maryland, she learned the lessons of power from her larger-than-life parents: “Tommy the Elder,” a Congressman and mayor of Baltimore, and “Big Nancy,” a master political organizer. Decades later, those lessons served her well. In 1994, when Republicans took control of Congress for the first time in 40 years, Pelosi wanted to win it back – and win big. But first: she’d have to wage a war against the men standing in her way, including within her own party. This episode, how to seize power: Baltimore Style. Read the episode transcript. Learn more at our website.

The Ultimate Insider

2026/09/16

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.

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

2026/09/01

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.

Podcast reviews

Read The Speaker podcast reviews

4 out of 5

91 reviews

★★★★★

1080PeachProductions 2026/10/13

Great Summary

This is a wonderful summary of the gracious Nancy Pelosi, probably the best Speaker of the House of all time!

★☆☆☆☆

YUsucksobad 2026/10/11

Oh, she’s the ultimate insider alright…

If you mean insider trading! The fact that you didn’t intend the title of the first episode to be ironic is a testament to how absurd this podcast is....

★★★★★

Will Jackson QC 2026/09/28

Power House

I’m on tenterhooks waiting for the next episode. Thank you for putting this together.

★★★★★

Amy4789 2026/09/28

So excited for the final 3 episodes!

How far we have come ....much farther we need to go. Really great in depth reporting

★★★★★

spiritualityguy 2026/09/28

Great podcast!!

Very good !! The most effective speaker of our time ! Maybe ever . Haters gotta hate !! lol. Go - ……………….. 😂😂😂

★☆☆☆☆

!huh 2026/09/25

Hahahhaha

Hahahaha

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