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Teas and sees apply. And now from the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago and CNN audio,

the Axxwiles. your host, David Axelrod.

So today marks the 600th episode of the Axe Files.

To be honest, I didn't even know what a podcast was when my colleagues at the Institute of Politics

suggested it almost 10 years ago.

Since then, I've had the privilege to speak with so many fascinating people, politicians,

performers, journalists, athletes, people across the political divide.

My goal has never been to get their talking points.

It's been to learn about their stories, the challenges, and experiences that molded them.

Today, with a help of my great CNN colleague Anderson Cooper,

I reflect on some of those conversations and my own journey.

I'm so grateful to Anderson, an exceptional and admirable

journalist and an even better human being for his example and his friendship.

I encourage you to listen to my past episodes with him, which were among the best and richest conversations

I've had.

My thanks also to Miriam Annenberg, my peerless researcher, Jeff Fox, our superb engineer,

to Serleina Barry, Hannah McDonald, Allison Siegel and Tim Skozic,

...