Fireworks, grilling, and spending time with friends. That's what you do on Canada Day, which happens to be the day we're releasing this episode. Oh, and Independence Day is this week, too, and all the Americans do that same stuff. Except bigger. And more explosive. Because that's how we do it here in America. Thinking about this got us all kinds of patriotic in the studio, and you get to enjoy the benefits. Listen in as we discuss:

• Which country has a better national anthem?
• Nicknames for America and Canada
• Dave reveals his midlife crisis by eating avocado toast
• How Canada became a sort-of semi-independent country
• How Canadians learn about America
• America's dubious history with dealing with issues
• Books that help us learn about the histories of both nations
• The problem The West Wing and comedic timing

As always, thanks to our friends at Lagares Coffee Roaster for partnering with us to make the Table of (mal)Contents blend. Order all the bags you can handle today.

A few of the books mentioned on this episode:

The Invasion of Canada and Flames Across the Border by Pierre Burton (parts one and two of Burton's The War of 1812)

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Canadian History for Dummies by Will Ferguson

The Soul of America by Jon Meachum

I Never Had It Made by Jackie Robinson

The Last Hero by Howard Bryant

American History Vol. 1: 1492-1877 and Vol. 2: 1877-Present by Thomas S. Kidd

Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose

John Quincy Adams by Harlow Giles Unger

American Lion by Jon Meachum

The Power Broker by Robert Caro

The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

I Am America (And So Can You!) by Stephen Colbert

America: The Book by Jon Stewart

Bonus content: Will Ferrell's "Get Off the Shed" sketch.