Episode Overview

Podcast: So Money with Farnoosh Torabi
Episode: 1928 – "The Surprising Skill That Makes You Richer in the Age of AI"
Date: January 7, 2026
Host: Farnoosh Torabi
Guest: Terri Trespicio – Writing expert, teacher, and author of Unfollow Your Passion

This episode explores why writing—specifically, your own, original writing—is becoming a critical skill for career growth and financial power in the age of AI. Farnoosh dives deep with Terri Trespicio on how writing is not just for "writers," but a vital tool for personal and professional advancement. They discuss the role of writing in developing critical thinking, building agency, shaping financial narratives, and even processing money-related trauma. Terri also shares her personal story about navigating financial challenges in her family and how journaling and podcasting are helping her through.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Why Writing Matters Now More Than Ever

• Writing as a Career Superpower:
  In a world where AI-generated content is everywhere and clean, polished copy is the minimum standard, the ability to clearly and authentically express yourself is what will set you apart.

  • "In a hyper AI world… the ability to think clearly, express yourself distinctly, and tell your story has sort of become a superpower." – Farnoosh (04:25)

• AI: Tool, Not Replacement:
  Terri emphasizes that AI is useful for polishing and aiding expression, but it cannot supply the original thinking, insight, or personal voice needed to stand out.

  • "Just because you can have AI write a thing doesn't mean, number one, that you should." – Terri (09:32)

• Writing = Critical Thinking:
  The act of writing enhances memory, conceptual understanding, focus, planning, and reflection – none of which can be outsourced to AI.

  • "Writing, doing the writing, … has been shown to improve information recall, conceptual learning, focused attention, planning and organization of thinking and reflective thought... It’s also been shown to increase working memory and to improve critical thinking." – Terri (15:03)

Dispelling Myths: Who Gets to Write?

• Not Just for ‘Creative’ Types:
  Both host and guest stress that anyone who can read can write. Writing workshops and their benefits aren’t just for professional writers or creatives, but also for scientists, engineers, executives, and beyond.
  • "If you can read, you can write. And my workshops are filled with people who are psychologists and engineers and one has a PhD in physics. ... It doesn’t actually matter." – Terri (09:54)

Writing and Self-Advocacy: Building Agency & Career Value

• Voice Equals Power:
  Writing is directly tied to the confidence to speak up, self-advocate, and contribute meaningfully at work and in life. This confidence can translate to promotions, negotiations, and new opportunities.

  • "If you don’t think you can write, then you don't think you have anything to say, then you don't speak up, then you don't contribute. … And if you do not advocate for yourself, you're done." – Terri (03:31 & 26:27)

• Discovering Expertise Through Writing:
  Farnoosh shares how writing articles on specific topics turned her into a recognized expert, opening doors for podcasts, books, and media opportunities.

  • "You not only feel really proud of it, but… you effectively become like, an expert on that micro-topic." – Farnoosh (27:59)

• Standing Out in an AI World:
  With AI-generated, generic content flooding the web, only original thought and narrative will break through the noise.

  • "Why would you think that a machine… only creating the next predictable thing… would help you stand out? It can't." – Terri (10:56)

The Role of Handwriting and Process

• Benefits of Pen & Paper:
  Handwriting, even messy and slow, helps unlock thinking and creativity.
  • "My handwriting’s terrible… but when I don’t know what to say…I will sit with just a notebook. … I get into a jag with it and I find momentum around my thinking." – Terri (16:38)

Using Writing for Financial Clarity and Healing

• Unlocking Money Narratives:
  Writing is a tool for exploring your financial beliefs and narratives, breaking through fears or blocks around money.

  • "Writing about it can be incredibly empowering… it’s the only way to begin to change things is if you know how you did it." – Terri (35:40)

• Prompts for Self-Discovery:
  Terri suggests prompts like writing about the moment in your day you feel accomplished, or ideas you’re sick of hearing in your industry, to spark clarity and thought leadership.

  • "What’s the moment of your day or week when you feel like you nailed it? ... What’s one idea you are so sick of hearing in your industry?" – Terri (31:08 & 32:50)

• Exploring Financial Baggage:
  Terri shares a vulnerable story about family financial decline, how money can cause shame, division, or reconnection—and how writing helped her process it.

  • "Sometimes money you think is there is not there and there is real fear around it and it can break families apart." – Terri (44:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On AI and Writing (09:32 – 12:47)

• Terri:
  "Why would you think that a machine and large language models... would help you stand out? It can't. Is it a good finisher? Is it great at polishing copy? Yes. ... On what planet do you think you can make a fresh, delicious, memorable meal only from other people’s leftovers? You can’t."
  [09:32–12:47]

On Self-Advocacy and Voice (03:31)

• Terri:
  "If you don’t think you can write, then you don’t think you have anything to say, then you don’t speak up, then you don’t contribute. ... If you do not advocate for yourself, you’re done."
  [03:31]

On Critical Thinking through Writing (15:03)

• Terri:
  "Writing, doing the writing...has been shown to improve information recall, conceptual learning, focused attention, planning and organization of thinking and reflective thought. It’s also been shown to increase working memory and to improve critical thinking. That is not something that the machine can do for you."
  [15:03]

On the Power of Making vs. Consuming (28:39–29:10)

• Farnoosh:
  "Tell me, you feel refreshed after five hours of binging a thing. You don’t. You feel bloated. ...But when you make one thing, it is so energizing and so empowering..."
  [28:39]

On Money Narratives and Shadow Work (35:40–39:47)

• Terri:
  "When I wrote about it ... I realize I do get something out of it, and I have gotten something out of it. ... There’s a real value attached to that... I’m afraid that if I have money, I’ll look like I don’t deserve it, that it will separate me from my friends and family..."
  [38:56]

On Family, Financial Strain, and Creation (44:30–49:54)

• Terri:
  "Sometimes money that you think is there is not there and there is real fear around it and it can break families apart. ... What can you make that brings people some joy, some sense of connection, community? That's also bringing value. And to me, creating something of value with them is everything."
  [44:30, 49:07]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [04:05] – Introduction of "writing" as the secret skill for wealth and life
• [09:32] – Why AI can’t replace your unique thinking in writing
• [15:03] – Scientific benefits of handwriting and writing for cognition
• [19:00] – Gen X and the AI opportunity
• [20:34] – Writing as agency and self-advocacy in career
• [27:59] – Writing as a springboard for expertise
• [31:08] – Writing prompts for career clarity & thought leadership
• [35:40] – Narrative intelligence, storytelling, and money
• [44:30] – Dealing with family financial trauma and journaling
• [49:04] – Creating the podcast "Generation Artex" and using old journals
• [50:49] – Terri’s New Rules Studio program for writers

Resources and Opportunities

• Terri’s Writing Program:
  The New Rules Studio – a virtual writing room for anyone seeking to build a regular writing practice and access their authentic voice.
  "We’re doing a free week. ... Come and write with us. It is a bunch of sweethearts..." – Terri (52:23)
  [Link available in show notes]

• Terri’s New Podcast:
  Generation Artex – A podcast by Terri and her sisters, using their old journals to process life, money, and Gen X experiences.

Takeaways for Listeners

• If you can read, you can write. Writing is a critical, irreplaceable form of thinking and agency.
• Use AI to enhance, not replace, your thinking—bring your own stories and insights.
• Regular writing, even for yourself, makes you sharper, more confident, and better able to advocate for your interests.
• Dig into your money stories—writing about them can surface blocks and open new opportunities.
• In times of financial challenge and transition, creative collaboration (like podcasting or journaling with loved ones) can bring connection and meaning.
• Try out Terri’s writing prompts or join her studio—links in the show notes.

Final Words

"Whatever your discipline, whatever your job, if you can read, you can write." – Terri (54:28)
"We are all writers." – Farnoosh (54:37)

Happy New Year and remember: bring your unique story to the world—it’s more valuable than ever.