How this former NYT columnist uses ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, do research, and find the perfect metaphor | Farhad Manjoo
How I AI28 Huhti 2025

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

—

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 jordan@penname.co.

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