How this former NYT columnist uses ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, do research, and find the perfect metaphor | Farhad Manjoo

Farhad Manjoo, a former New York Times and Wall Street Journal columnist, reveals his AI-enhanced writing workflow, from research to finding the perfect metaphor, and how these tools have transformed his creative process without replacing his unique voice.

What you’ll learn:

• How AI evolved from a simple tool to an essential writing companion

• Using ChatGPT as a research assistant with web search capabilities

• The “super-thesaurus” technique for finding the perfect words and idioms

• How AI helps brainstorm ideas and refine arguments

• The benefits of having an “always-on” writing partner in a remote work world

• Using AI as a first reader to evaluate drafts in progress

• Why AI enhances rather than replaces a writer’s unique voice

• Practical tips for getting unstuck when AI doesn’t deliver

• How AI speeds up the writing process while improving quality

• The future improvements that would make AI even more valuable for writers

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Brought to you by:

• Enterpret—Customer SuperIntelligence Platform for Product and CX teams

• Vanta—Automate compliance and simplify security with Vanta

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Where to find Farhad Manjoo:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farhad-manjoo-161229/

• X: https://x.com/fmanjoo

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Where to find Claire Vo:

• ChatPRD: https://www.chatprd.ai/

• Website: https://clairevo.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairevo/

• X: https://x.com/clairevo

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In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Intro

(02:40) Farhad’s journey from skepticism to adoption of AI tools

(04:20) Brainstorming with ChatGPT

(06:54) Assessing the quality of AI-sourced information

(08:34) How ChatGPT helps identify new angles and perspectives

(10:52) Using ChatGPT to find alternatives to clichéd expressions

(16:44) The “super-thesaurus” technique for finding perfect words and idioms

(20:12) Using AI as a first reader for draft evaluation

(22:15) Lightning round

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Tools referenced:

• ChatGPT: https://openai.com/chatgpt/overview/

• Cursor: https://www.cursor.com

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Other references:

• New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/

• The Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/

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Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [email protected].

How I AI

How I AI, hosted by Claire Vo, is for anyone struggling to keep up with the latest AI news, and wondering how to actually use these magical new tools to improve the quality and efficiency of their work. In each episode, guests will demonstrate a specific, practical, and impactful way they’ve learned to use AI in their life. Expect 30-minute episodes, live demos, and tips/tricks/workflows you can implement immediately. If you want to demystify AI and learn the skills you need to thrive in this new world, this podcast is for you.

• No. of episodes: 6
• Latest episode: 2025-05-19
• Technology

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