Advice columns have been a part of our culture for almost as long as there have been newspapers to print them. People of all backgrounds have turned, anonymously to these sources of cultural wisdom for help with all manner of personal issues. There have been few advice dealers more prominent than Ann Landers and Abigail Van Buren a.k.a. Dear Abby, In the latter half of the 20th century, they were two of the most influential columnists in the word. But what you might not know about them is that in real life they were known as Esther and Pauline Friedman, twin sisters who counseled millions and hated each other's guts.

Check out Dan Savage's award winning podcast Savage Love:

Pick up David Gudelunas' book Confidential to America: Newspaper Advice Columns and Sexual Education.

Hosted by Bridget Todd

Writing, Editing & Sound Design by Pete Musto

Produced by James Levine & Benjamin Austin-Docampo

Created by Executive Producer Jeremiah Tittle

Find out more about all of Next Chapter Podcasts' incredible content at ncpodcasts.com!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices