This week marks a significant moment for The Axe Files: our final episode. We hope you have found these conversations to be as eye-opening and inspiring as we have, and we’ll miss sharing stories with you each week. For the final episode, David talked with his friend, US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, who is finishing up his time abroad. Known for his brash, direct demeanor, some questioned his place as a diplomat in a country known for order and politeness. However, Amb. Emanuel had no problem putting his own spin on the job and grew to love Japan, as well. He joined David to talk about his time in Japan, China and the importance of America’s relationships in the Indo-Pacific region; his thought on the situation in the Middle East; where the 2024 presidential election lands in history; and what comes next once he returns home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott Jennings is well known as a conservative firebrand on CNN. From working for George W. Bush to being mentioned as a possible press secretary for Donald Trump, Scott has a deep background in Republican politics, yet he considers himself a journalist at heart. Scott joined David to talk about his early days in radio news, his childhood in rural Kentucky, his formative relationship with Sen. Mitch McConnell, his role at CNN and what he sees as the need for conservative voices in mainstream media, and the friendship Scott and David share. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has made waves—and won elections—by questioning who gets to be an expert on the needs of everyday Americans. She grew up in Texas and attended Reed College before settling in rural Washington and opening an auto repair shop with her husband. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez joined David to talk about her upbringing as the homeschooled daughter of conservative Evangelical parents, her disdain for “staffer bros” with limited lived experience, the value of being immersed in her community, and what Democrats can learn about the importance of respect in winning—and keeping—voters.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Thanksgiving, we’re revisiting a conversation with historian and writer Jon Meacham on his book, “And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle.” The book dives deep into Lincoln and the why behind the actions of America’s 16th president, from personal to political. Jon joined David to talk about Lincoln’s anti-slavery roots, what Lincoln can teach us about the current political moment, the moral decisions we face as a country, and what qualities make a great American president. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices