For most of us, it's nearly impossible to make it through the world on our own.

We need input or wisdom from other people to help us figure stuff out.

The big stuff like how to land a new job or work through a conflict with a spouse.

And we sometimes need advice on the small stuff too.

But it's not just friends or family or mentors we're seeking help from.

Since at least the early 20th century, Americans have sold out advice columns as a way to tackle

some of life's everyday questions.

Arguably the most famous is the groundbreaking Dear Abby column, which was started by Pauline

Phillips in 1956.

I get about 300 letters a day to sound just like this one.

Dear Abby, still runs today written by Pauline's daughter, Jeannie.

With newer editions like Cheryl Straits, Dear Sugar and Slate magazines, Dear Prudence,

the tradition of getting advice from trusted but often white writers as some of the country's

mainstream publications has continued to grow.

But now there's a new voice in this space.

Damon Young is a writer, a critic and satirist who became hugely popular by writing about

race, culture and politics for his blog, very smart brothers.

In his work, Damon blends humor and incisive cultural critique into a refreshing and insightful

look at blackness in this country like on his podcast, Stuck with Damon Young.

I consider grief to be just a...

I don't think that you could be a black American in travel and a South without grief being

heavy on your mind everywhere that you go.

...