Tom is an award-winning independent tech podcaster and host of regular tech news and information shows. Tom hosts Sword and Laser, a science fiction and fantasy podcast, and book club with Veronica Belmont. He also co-hosts Daily Tech News Show, covering the most important tech issues of the day with the smartest minds in technology.
Tom also hosts Cordkillers with Brian Brushwood, bringing people the news they need to watch the TV shows and movies they want when they want and how they want them. That’s not all! There’s also It’s a Thing with Molly Wood, A Word with Tom Merritt with some of the smartest most interesting people on the planet, and Know A little More. All his shows are listed on the subscription page.
From 2010 until 2013, Tom hosted the award-winning Tech News Today and weekly cord-cutting show Frame Rate on the TWiT network. He created, developed and produced both shows.
From 2004 until 2010 Tom was executive editor for CNET TV at CNET.com. He hosted the daily Buzz Out Loud podcast and a weekly how-to show called The Real Deal. In addition, Tom hosted regular segments on CNET TV like Top 5, How-to, Hacks, and more.
Tom served as executive producer for TechTV’s website until 2004. He started at ZDTV as Producer of The Screen Savers website in 1999.
Tom has run SuBBrilliant.com since 1996. It is a collection of Web experiments including SuBBrilliant News, a parody news blog, and the East Meets West podcast which features Roger Chang.
You’ll also find Tom as a guest or interviewed as an expert on many TV, radio and Internet shows like ABC’s Good Morning America, CBS Radio, NPR, This Week in Tech, The Phileas Club and more.
Tom is @[email protected] on Mastodon
TNT has lost its footing and is turning into a ghost of what it was. I watched it for a week or so after you left and then I left too.
TNT is dying.
Tbh I am glad you left twit. I hate Leo and loathed to give him any ad impressions. Hope u get sorted soon
Tom, I threw in a few bucks through Patreon and got your nice reply, but don’t see a way to respond over there.
Unlike a comment above, I like a lot of Leo’s stuff, particularly the TWIT weekly itself, but I just wanted to let you know that watching both your videos of the audio podcast (inventive) and the ongoing TNT videos, the content of both is very useful (and overlaps a lot), but it becomes clear where the spark in the show came from. Even with lower production values (for now), your new shows sustain the lively feel of the prior TNT while the new shows there are well done, and have good content, but feel flat to me. At some point news shows are also about the personalities not just the content.
Keep up the good work.
Tom, good luck in 2014 and beyond. You’re an impressive host.
Tom i wish there was a way we could donate to the show as one time donation.
Yeah working on that. In the meantime you could buy a book or something. At least that way you get something in return.
Hi Tom
I’ve really been enjoying the daily tech news show. Last few episodes have sounded over modulated, though. Maybe you bumped a fader or something. A little less volume would fix the problem.
I just thought you’d like to know.
love the show
Bernie W
Hi Bernie,
Thanks. The problem isn’t the fader it’s the codec in HAngout when I forget to switch it. Apologies.
Tom
In your latest show, you talked about how The City is cracking down on Google’s efforts to get it’s employees to Mountain View via bus and ferries. It occurred to me that Google’s next move will be to initiate low altitude, employee transport to work using drones. I look forward to Len Peralta’s graphic interpretation of Google employees, suspended by hook and harness, coding on their mobile device and drinking lattes while in transit.
Tom,
I tuned in to TNT for the first time in a while (new job has BB, and I have been resisting using the thing so I had to dig out and old iPod!) and you weren’t there! I listened for a bit, you were the soul of that show! I deleted it and subscribed to DTNS, going to turn it on while I do the dishes! I know a couple of guys that do a twice weekly podcast and seem to make a career out of it on something called the “value for value” model, you should give it a try! I think I’ll make a donation to them and wish you some job karma! Anyway, I’ve loved your presence since the screen savers so I cant wait to see what you’ll get cooking for the long term!
Tom,
Now I feel lame, just listened to my first DTNS, you ARE doing the value for value model! AWESOME! I’ll have to go subscribe.
I love it when things work out like this.
Trying to keep up with all your shows. YouTube seems to get them soonest, but it shows zero views. Please post the YouTube link for your fans so they can subscribe. Second, watched 4 Feb show and Paul Thurrott’s sound level was really low (perhaps add level check to the pre-show checklistlist. I hope as the show develops, you add IRC chatroom and live viewing option. Tom, really appreciate your skill and expertise and wish your efforts are rewarded, as they are richly deserved.
Tom,
Love the new shows. Just watching Fridays DTNS and noticed something I have heard the past couple shows. Your guests volume is considerably louder than yours. To hear you I turn up volume just to have Darren blow me out of the room. Yesterday was the same way.
Love new shows. I still watch Leo and friends but I don’t jump to watch TNT, but I do try to catch you live daily. I am not a patron yet but will be soon. Keep up good work.
@swadams111
I support DTNS and Cordkillers because as you say I get “value for value”. As to the TWiT network I also catch some there so I guess I’m agnostic. I do appreciate content that is not in the pocket of the big players. Continue to make me proud!
Tom,
Great to hear you and Iyaz together again on Current Geek.
I get the vibe the two of you are not always on the same page, but that was what I really liked about TNT.
Great to see you are landing on your feet.
Michael
I am so very happy to hear your DTNS. Also just loved hearing Ayaz, whom I also missed from the TWiT network. I am no longer watching/listening to TNT – I have switched to DTNS and will tell anyone who will listen to do the same.
All the best!!
Tom,
Don’t let Eileen hear about this, but for years,I went to bed every night with you, Molly, and my iPod (I think that’s a menage a trios?), when you co-hosted “Buzz out Loud” on CNET. It was by far my favorite podcast. I thought I’d never get over the breakup of such a great team. Although I still miss your banter with Molly, I was consoled when I found you on the TWIT network, hosting TNT. You were the heart and soul of that show, no offense intended to Iyaz or Sarah.
I like some of the cast and crew at TWIT, but I cannot understand what LL could have been thinking. I won’t complain about any of the new folks, but like many others I unsubscribed, it was just too painful to watch.
I tuned in for the Samsung event at MWC with Cali Lewis and there you were, what a lovely surprise. I had no doubt that I’d hear of you again,
I signed up as a patron at Patreon, and will continue to show the love through supporting your ventures, you’re a terrific journalist.
Best of everything to you both.
A Big fan in DC
Hi Tom
Some how missed all the mess at twit must have been working to much that week.
I kept on downloading TNT and mike was hosting thought you. Was on vacation or something….The show really is less entertaining without you anybody can just read the lines from the news but you make it fun like a good actor we laugh when you laugh and we cry when you cry.
Keep up the good work subscribed to all your shows soon as I found them (will give one time donation when available)
Been avoiding the spoilers on cordkillers as I have not watched house of cards second season yet.
Tony M. 🙂
I am glad to see that things are coming together for you and all the gang (Veronica,Brian, and Iyaz). I do not have all the facts for the changes that occurred last year so I prefer to keep my comments positive overall concerning both camps. That said TNT has a hard row to hoe to not only hold audience but to grow in numbers as seems to be Liza and Leo’s wish. Last week there was discussion concerning the fate of STS-107 (Columbia), if you would like a clearer idea of the situation please contact me at the provided email address. I worked on the STS and Ares programs over 25 years and am writing a book at present on the subject.
Dude!
I am so glad I found you. Went to walk my dog and listen to TNT and some lame dude was there snoozing through the podcast. Unsubscribed!
I actually miss Buzz Out Loud more than TNT. That’s when you guys had the best chemistry.
Molly ranting any you egging her on….Brian Tong perving out and you trying to keep a straight face. I never watched that show because listening to you guys painted the picture. Amazing work!
Can we get the band together again?!
Fabian
Tom,
I like listening to the Daily Tech News podcast…Now I’d like to support you. But instead of an ongoing amount per month, can I also donate a one-time amount via PayPal? Let me know if that would be possible.
Thanks Dennie! I don’t have something set up like that right now. In all honesty while it’s greatly appreciated the ongoing amount is more helpful in planning the show. If you can’t do the ongoing amounts I totally understand. You can still help out by just telling folks about the show!
I’m finally giving up TNT. I’ve been a faithful listener for years, but I just can’t handle the slow pace of the new guy. My favorite part of TNT was the sense that you, Iyaz, and Sarah were at the top of your game. It is always a pleasure to witness anyone at their peak, and that team was right there. Now, to unsubscribe once and for all to Twit and find your new shows.
Well once again I have to find a podcast filler after losing one. I have stuck with TNT and tried to like it but it’s just not as lively and fun with good stories. The current TNT sounds like an NPR program, not that there’s anything wrong with that!. I hope you find another tech show or Leo gets smart and brings you and Iyaz back and adds Molly. Nothing like a good Molly rant to focus your thoughts.
Good luck and hopefully a new “It’s a thing” will drop on my iPhone in the near future.
Hmm just noticed the spell checker didn’t like iphone but does like iPhone.
ej
You could always try Daily Tech News Show at http://dailytechnewsshow.com/
I also looked back at TNT, and while they’re trying hard, it’s obvious that firing you was a self-inflicted wound that has damaged them.
I am unemployed now, so I would like to contribute at $0.50/month – the $6/year vs. &12/year may seem trivial, but not if you don’t have a job.
I’m not ashamed of being unemployed again. Why not have a special rate for the unemployed?
Dude, if you’re unemployed, don’t even worry abotu giving anything. Just enjoy the show. We’ll pick you up.
Tom my wife and love the show and are patrons of it but let me put in a word for advertising. I actually got good value out of some of your advertisers back in the TNT days. I know that it can be risky but if you find good products that want to put ads on shows and even give discount codes do it. You can use the extra income to produce other shows. Maybe you can find new podcasters that are good but unknown and give them a start, or you could make even more money. I have no problem with you getting rich as long you get rich producing a good product at a great price and maybe some quality advertising.
Interesting. Would you rather me to tell you about something somebody is paying me to tell you, or tell you the things in our picks section that are of my own selection? Which gives you more value. Also advertising means your money doesn’t all go to me but patreon or buying shirts or books benefits me more. Also, are you employed in advertising?
No I am not in advertising. I am a programmer. BTW my wife and did contribute to patreon. We have been listening to you since BOL days. My wife uses both Pond5 and Squarespace and loves them. She heard about them from TNT.
Maybe I just trust you too much but I would like to think that you would be ethical enough to only pick good advertisers. That and I actually want you to make a lot of money doing these shows and maybe create some more high quality podcasts and bring some good podcasters to my attention.
Believe it or not I do not mind paying for your show and listening to a well targeted ad at the beginning and or end of the show.
It might seem odd but yes I value your show enough to want you make as much as you ethically can from it. Same goes for Cordkillers and Autopilot for that matter.
Thanks. David. appreciate the support. Believe me, I want to make my living doing this and I do. Doing the patreon and adding advertising might lose me money since many people absolutely do not feel the same way you do. My gamble is that the ‘advertising’ for my own products will end up making me more money then any paid ad would. But anyway, no one is more concerned with making this a success than I am. Just trying out different models and advertising carries a lot of benefits but also a lot of negatives (tracking, restrictions on playback, scheduling messaging negotiation, etc.) that I don’t need to deal with in this model. I take advertising in other shows I do thigh, and it’s fine. I actually can’t handle doing any more shows right now anyway! I do nine as it is.
Say this to your wife for me too!
Tom, I have been following you since your days at TWIT. I enjoy watching your show. i hope DTNS and all your other project continue to grow. I am not here to bash TWIT but they made a big mistake by letting you go. I was watching many shows on TWIT but now the only one I watch is Windows Weekly. Paul and Mary due an awesome job. I think TWIT is going down hill and will lose lots of followers. I use to love to watch Leo back in the Tech TV days. But as I follow and learn more I think he has changed. Well enough about Leo. The bottom line is DTNS is informative, entertaining, and what most tech fans want to see. You may have a few bumps in the road but just keep doing what you are doing. Having a popular tech show doesn’t require a fancy studio or commercial overkill. What really matters is your knowledge, skills, and personality. If people want to watch a tech show that is about as exciting as a video in a high school history class then they will watch TWIT. If they want to get the latest news, have some fun, and not fall asleep they will tune into DTNS! I know you are probablly sick of TWIT related conversations but I wanted to share my opinion. Keep up the amazing work!
Hello All, the download audio link on the “Cordkillers Ep. 14 – Will Google Light a Fire? “, isn’t working.
Thanks for all the great podcasts
Mark
I agree with Mark, the file “CordkillersEp14.mp3” is only 11KB.
I love all your stuff Tom!
Gladly I found Tom via I-tunes 2 weeks ago Happy to hear him again Fine show Sometimes sometging is specific for the US I don’t mind It remains interesting in the Netherlands Gives an opportunity to compare. I Also gave up TNT Keep om going Tom Love the show
Reconnected with tech news show yesterday (because Molly Wood was the guest). Really miss the B.O.L. days. There is incredible chemistry between Tom and Molly that simply can’t be replaced, Tom you should beg, borrow or steal to setup your daily tech show to feature yourself and Molly and rekindle B.O.L.
Hi Tom,
I envy those who said they’ve known you since the BOL days…I love watching those old episodes. Sadly, I came late to the party and discovered you through Twit (bad move on their part, nuff said).
Bought one of your cool DTNS shirts! I’m open to the PayPal thing if you ever get that setup. I get what you said about Patreon….just odd that I feel better donating every now and then, kinda like what I do with Wikipedia or public broadcasting. Anyway, I hope you’re doing well with all the productions. I’m glad you’re still in the air!
Regards,
-don
Hi Tom,
I am glad to have found you again (post TWIT) and I have subscribed to DTNS via iTunes. DTNS is informative, entertaining, and you have top notch guests and co-hosts. Your perspective on all things Tech is both unique and valuable. All the best with your new shows!
-Shaun M.
This tweet (below) says it all, but since Tom Merritt left TWIT it really REALLY blows.
It used to be a conversation. Now it’s just people talking at you. If I wanted people just talking at me with a hidden addenda, I’d watch the news on TV or read a newspaper..
Check out @martindolan’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/martindolan/status/475938762019438592
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh Tom Merrit + Molly Wood <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
I find it telling that you don’t mention the TWIT Network one time in your bio, while you do mention the shows.
Huh. You’re right. Fixed!
FYI check out acorn.tv for what Hulu ought to be. At 4.99 a month, no ads, and streams British TV shows. warning … there are some bugs for Linux and tablets but works fine on PCs. Not all the top British programming is there yet but some good stuff and they claim to add 6 new shows a month. Sure beats Hulu !!! One of the bosses. 🙂
Tom,
Love the shows, quick question. What is the story with the audio for Today in Tech History? It is always lower in volume than anything else I listen and just plan hard to here.
Thank for all you do,
Jerry
Still? I know it was for awhile but I thought I fixed it recently
I was wondering, with iCatcher I have lost the video feed and only get audio. Has the url for video changed?
So great to find your new show Tom, even though I am a year late. I have missed you since you left TWIT. I still enjoy shows like All About Android on TWIT, but miss your take on what is going on in technology. I made a donation through PayPal because I wanted to support your efforts. I will donate again later in the year. Keep up the good work. I will be listening.
Thanks Trena! Glad you found us.
Tom, yes I’m a year late too. Glad I found you.
But what is Leo doing over there at Twit? First they let you go, then Leo replaces himself with Chad on The Giz Wiz, then he lets Sarah Lane go. WT* is going on over there???