Synopsis
The Options Insider Radio Network is the premier audio destination for options traders. The network provides access to a vast array of popular programs including The Option Block, Options Boot Camp, The Advisors Option, The Long and Short of Futures Options, Volatility Views, Options Insider Radio and much more. Join the thousands around the globe who turn to The Options Insider Radio Network for options information, analysis and education.
Episodes
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Volatility Views 631: Kinky Contango
09/05/2025 Duration: 59minIn this episode of Volatility Views, Russell Rhoads takes over hosting duties for Mark Longo. He is joined by Hans Albrecht from Option Pit. The discussion delves into the current state of the VIX, with insights into trading strategies, gamma, and the importance of understanding volatility products. Hans shares his experience with trading on the floor in Toronto and Montreal, comparing it to the trading environment in the U.S. The episode also covers various trades and positions in VIX options and ETPs, including strategies like call spreads and the challenges of trading in a high-volatility environment. The show concludes with predictions for the VIX in the coming week and a reflection on the late Alex Jacobson's contributions to the options trading community. 01:01 Welcome to Volatility Views 02:49 Hans' Background and Market Experience 08:42 Discussion on Volatility and Market Trends 10:33 VIX and Futures Curve Analysis 14:12 Market Sentiment and Economic Indicators 29:11 Market Overview and Options Act
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TWIFO 449: Live from OIC 2025
08/05/2025 Duration: 15minThis episode provides an in-depth look at the latest trends in the futures options market. The show highlights top trades, hot products, and volatility changes. It features updates on significant movements in futures such as the E-mini S&P MidCap 400, Bitcoin, gold, NatGas, and oats on the light side, and healthcare sector, lean hogs, lumber, soybean oil, and corn on the dark side. The episode also covers the CME Group’s Volatility Dashboard and discusses post-Fed market impacts. The episode delivers vital insights for both seasoned traders and newcomers, keeping them informed about market developments. 01:04 Welcome to This Week in Futures Options 03:44 Movers and Shakers Report 07:34 CVOL Analysis 11:32 Upcoming Content and New Programs 12:57 Conclusion and CME Group Information
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The Option Block 1376: White Smoke Live From OIC 2025
08/05/2025 Duration: 01h03minThis episode of The Option Block hosted by Mark Longo and featuring Henry Schwartz from Cboe Global Markets and Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management discusses the latest in the options market. Key segments include an analysis of unusual options activity, the impact of SEC regulations, and Biden's economic directives. The hosts reflect on the contributions of Alex Jacobson to options education. The show also highlights intriguing activity in stocks like Venture Global, Vivid Seats, and First Majestic Silver Corp, and delves into the nuances of market-making and trading strategies. 03:16 Live from the Options Industry Conference 05:38 Market Analysis and Trading Insights 10:09 Retail Trading Trends and Zero-Day Options 23:46 Earnings Reports and Market Movers 30:24 Unusual Options Activity 34:13 Analyzing Vivid Seats Stock Performance 34:59 Exploring a Recent Trade in Vivid Seats 35:40 Arbitrage and Ticket Reselling Insights 37:04 First Majestic Silver Corp Stock Analysis 38:30 Call Palooza in First
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The Futures Rundown 33: Live from OIC
08/05/2025 Duration: 10minThis episode of the Futures Rundown offers an in-depth analysis of this week's top futures trading activities. Broadcasting from the Options Industry Conference in Palm Beach, Florida, the host explores key movements in the market, including notable upticks in palladium, dry whey, and class three milk, along with declines in lumber, soybean oil, and corn. The episode also reviews year-to-date trends, highlighting significant gains in high-grade copper, soybean oil, coffee, gold, and the VIX, while noting substantial drops in lithium, dry whey, orange juice, and Ether Micro. The episode concludes with a rundown of the most active futures contracts by volume, emphasizing the NASDAQ 100 micro with 1.436 million contracts traded. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 02:49 Live from the Options Industry Conference 2025 03:50 Top Performers in the Futures Market 04:38 Biggest Decliners in the Futures Market 05:22 Year-to-Date Trends in Futures 07:00 Most Active Futures Contracts Today 08:50 Conclu
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Options Boot Camp 337: The Mysteries of Dark Pools and Options Liquidity
08/05/2025 Duration: 27minThis episode of Options Boot Camp focuses on various aspects of options trading, including liquidity, specific stock options like Funko, Intel, and Nvidia, and different trading strategies like covered calls and cash-secured puts. Hosted by Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli, the show answers listener questions about how to determine the liquidity of options, the role of dark pools in the options market, and examining specific trading opportunities. The hosts also discuss the current active trading environment and highlight some listener feedback on various trading platforms. 01:04 Welcome to Options Bootcamp 02:30 Listener Mail Call 03:30 Funko and VIX Trade Discussions 08:25 Market Taker Question of the Week 18:17 Dark Pools in Options Trading 21:05 Listener Feedback and Closing Remarks
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The Crypto Rundown 275: Leaving on a Jet Plane
06/05/2025 Duration: 11minThis episode of the Crypto Rundown from the Options Insider Radio Network, hosted by Mark Longo, provides listeners with an in-depth analysis of recent trends and trading activity within the crypto derivatives markets. Key highlights include bitcoin and ETH performance metrics, volatility statistics, and shifts in market sentiment. The program is brought to you by Amberdata, which offers insights and data for digital asset trading and compliance. The episode notes a somber farewell to Alex 'the Viceroy' Jacobson, a respected figure in the options community. Upcoming content from the Options Industry Conference is also previewed. 01:05 Welcome to the Crypto Rundown 03:24 Bitcoin Breakdown 05:08 Exploring the Altcoin Universe 08:45 Conclusion and Upcoming Content
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The Option Block 1375: In Memory of the Viceroy
05/05/2025 Duration: 54minThis episode of The Option Block with Mark Longo and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) covers a wide range of topics including an analysis of the current options market, significant earnings reports, and detailed breakdowns of specific trading activities. The hosts discuss various trades in companies like Cinemark and Gray Media, debating the merits and risks involved. The episode also features an emotional tribute to Alex Jacobson, a key figure in the options community, who recently passed away. The tribute includes personal anecdotes and memories of Alex's contributions to the industry and the Options Insider community. 01:54 Host Introduction and Upcoming Events 03:12 Technical Challenges and Co-Host Banter 04:07 80s Trivia Challenge 07:43 Pro Trading Crate Giveaway 08:50 Market Analysis and Trends 15:15 VIX and SPY Options Breakdown 19:43 Small Caps and Qs Analysis 25:16 Top 10 Most Active Options 27:34 Stock Performance Overview 28:06 Earnings and Options Activity 29:33 Top 10 Stocks Countdow
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Volatility Views 630: Crushing Vol and Picking Fights
02/05/2025 Duration: 01h48sThis episode delves into the recent volatility trends and provides an in-depth analysis of the current earnings season. The hosts Mark Longo, Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) and Russell Rhoads (Kelley School of Business, Indiana University) discuss the significant moves in VIX and related options, the impact of trade talks and jobs numbers, and the performance of various vol ETPs. Special guest Matt Amberson from ORATS joins to provide insights into earnings volatility and market expectations. Key discussions include the downturn in option-buying benefits during this earnings season and what to expect next in the volatility landscape. 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 03:21 Meet the Guests: Russell Rhodes and Andrew Azi 06:06 Volatility Review: Market Trends and Analysis 15:56 Earnings Volatility Report 24:41 VIX Futures and Market Indicators 32:30 Opening Banter and Market Commentary 32:41 Analyzing Recent Trades and Market Movements 33:24 Discussion on Rolling Trades and Market Sentiment 34:59 Unusual
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TWIFO 448: Exploring the Latest Research in Rates, Metals, Energy, Crypto and More...
02/05/2025 Duration: 52minThis episode of 'This Week in Futures Options' features an in-depth discussion with Executive Director and Chief Economist Erik Norland from CME Group. Hosted by Mark Longo, the show dives into various financial markets, highlighting recent movements in futures options, interest rates, energy, metals, and the evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies. Key topics include the dramatic shifts in crude oil, the burgeoning demand in copper, surprising trends in cobalt, and the resurging debate on Bitcoin as a digital gold versus a tech asset. Eric also shares insights from his recent research and hints at upcoming analysis on gold and crypto markets. 01:04 Welcome to This Week in Futures Options 03:38 Interview with Erik Norland 04:15 Movers and Shakers Report 05:40 Market Analysis and Insights 11:14 Volatility Report 14:32 Exploring the World of Rates 21:00 Energy Market Trends and Predictions 25:40 WTI Crude Oil Market Analysis 28:22 Gold Market Insights 33:51 Copper and Cobalt Market Trends 38:40 Exploring the
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The Option Block 1374: Cornering the Market on Love
01/05/2025 Duration: 59minIn this episode of The Option Block, host Mark Longo and co-hosts Henry Schwartz (Cboe) and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) delve into an eventful week marked by significant tech earnings reports from giants like Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Amazon. The episode explores the impact of these earnings on the market, including dramatic price movements and volatility discrepancies between near-term and longer-term options. Henry Schwartz provides insights on unusual options activity, including aggressive call buying in Bumble ahead of earnings and speculative trades in Finger Motion Inc. The episode also touches on the upcoming employment report and its potential market impact, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the rapidly evolving options landscape. 01:05 Meet the Hosts 03:16 Thursday Edition Kickoff 05:53 Market Recap and Trading Block 10:03 Earnings Highlights and Market Sentiment 12:48 Listener Engagement and VIX Activity 18:39 Single Stock Movers and Earnings Season 29:31 Market Movers:
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Wide World of Options: Options Buyers vs. Sellers: The Long and the Short of It
01/05/2025 Duration: 28minWhen it comes to options, buying and selling are two sides of the same coin. But what factors might investors consider when deciding to buy or sell? Join OIC Instructor and show host Mark Benzaquen as he welcomes Jessica Inskip of StockBrokers.com for a lively and informative discussion on forecast & objective, implied volatility considerations and the impact of the Greeks.
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The Futures Rundown 32: Defense Against Dark Markets
30/04/2025 Duration: 45minMark Longo, alongside guest Rich Excell, discuss various futures including WTI crude oil, natural gas, and agricultural products. They analyze trends in equities, particularly NASDAQ and S&P, and provide evaluations on the agricultural, commodities, energy, metals, and crypto markets. Notable highlights include the impact of the trade war on different markets, market volatility, key economic indicators, and inflation. 02:40 Welcome to the Futures Rundown Show 03:55 Special Guest: Rich Excell Returns 05:55 Analyzing the Current Futures Market 12:36 Top Upside Movers in Futures 18:09 Top Downside Movers in Futures 23:15 Today's Active Futures Markets 24:13 Gold and Rates Overview 24:40 Top 10 Contracts of the Day 28:15 Retail vs. Institutional Investors 30:44 Year-to-Date Movers and Shakers 38:29 Crypto Market Insights 40:27 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events
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Options Boot Camp 336: Retail vs. Institutional Options Trading Slugfest
30/04/2025 Duration: 29minIn this episode of Options Bootcamp, host Mark Longo and co-host Dan Passarelli delve into the differences and similarities between institutional and retail options trading. They discuss the growing accessibility and sophistication of retail traders, the challenges and advantages faced by institutional traders, and the surprising overlap in strategies used by both groups. Topics covered include the prevalent use of flex options, the application of exotic options like knockouts and barriers, and real-world examples of massive trades and their outcomes. This episode provides valuable insights for traders looking to understand the broader options market landscape. 01:04 Welcome to Options Bootcamp 05:32 Institutional vs. Retail Options Trading 15:44 Flex Options and Exotic Strategies 21:40 Unusual Activity and Institutional Insights 26:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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The Crypto Rundown 274: Is it Time to Buy Crypto Vol?
29/04/2025 Duration: 47minIn this episode of The Crypto Rundown, Mark Longo and Greg Magadini from Amberdata provide an in-depth analysis of the latest trends and developments in the crypto derivatives markets. They explore the resurgence in Bitcoin's valuation amidst equity market downturns and discuss the shift in Bitcoin's perceived correlation to risk assets versus digital gold. The episode also examines options trading data and volatility indices for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins like Solana and XRP. Notably, there's an extensive discussion on Solana's rising interest, especially with its futures and ETFs, and the impact of call selling on its options market. Additionally, the hosts highlight strategies for trading options in these volatile markets and provide insights into long-term setups. 01:05 Welcome to the Crypto Rundown 04:06 Bitcoin Breakdown: Market Trends and Analysis 09:51 Exploring Bitcoin Volatility and Skew 16:42 Deep Dive into IBIT and BITO 21:47 MSTU: The Leveraged Play on Bitcoin 24:08 Understanding V
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The Option Block 1373: The Continental Divide in the Markets
28/04/2025 Duration: 58minThis episode covers a range of financial topics and notable options trades. Hosts Mark Longo, Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) discuss trading strategies. Key market events influencing the week are reviewed, including earnings expectations for major tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon. Episode highlights include a brief trivia challenge where Uncle Mike faces off against the Rock Lobster, analysis of significant options trades such as heavy activity in Stone Co (STNE), and market outlooks. The Strategy Block segment focuses on index options and protection strategies for assets. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 04:12 80s Trivia Challenge 07:12 Market Analysis and Trends 16:37 Earnings and Economic Insights 25:34 VIX and SPY Activity 28:24 Market Overview and Single Names 28:58 Top 10 Contracts: Meta and Amazon 30:11 Tech Giants and Market Trends 31:38 Intel and Palantir Analysis 33:48 Nvidia and Tesla Insights 35:44 Earnings Reports and
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Volatility Views 629: Death of the Danger Zone?
25/04/2025 Duration: 57minIn this episode, host Mark Longo and guests Russell Rhoads and Andrew Giovinazzi discuss the latest developments in market volatility. They explore the data provided by Jim Carroll (the Vixologist) on historical VIX movements, the flattening of the volatility term structure, and notable trading activity in VIX options. The episode highlights changing market sentiments, the impact of recent political announcements on vol, and trading strategies leveraging UVIX and SVIX products. 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 01:54 Market Recap and Volatility Trends 05:19 Volatility Review 08:55 Historical Volatility Data Analysis 24:43 Term Structure and Market Predictions 31:02 VIX and Nine-Day Volatility Analysis 32:10 Market Volatility Trends and Indicators 33:30 VIX Options Breakdown 36:06 Russell's Weekly Rundown 43:07 Inverse Volatility Products Discussion 51:37 Crystal Ball Predictions 56:43 Closing Remarks and Resources
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TWIFO 447: Explosions, Sinking Ships, and Shiny Stuff
24/04/2025 Duration: 57minIn this episode host Mark Longo and guest Uncle Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management discuss the latest developments in various trading markets. The show covers the explosive activity in natural gas, significant movements in gold and silver, and the volatile trends in the S&P 500 and Treasury notes amid recent tariff announcements. Uncle Mike offers insights into volatility impacts, trading strategies, and the comparative strengths of trading various options. Listener questions are also addressed, adding practical advice and trader perspectives for both novice and experienced investors. 01:03 Welcome to This Week in Futures Options 04:20 Movers and Shakers Report 08:51 Volatility Insights 13:37 Deep Dive into Nat Gas 21:05 Exploring Gold and Silver Markets 29:17 Silver Market Analysis 30:02 Uncle Mike's Silver Insights 33:57 Silver Options Activity 37:35 Interest Rates and the 10-Year Note 44:16 Equities Market Overview 52:02 Listener Polls and Final Thoughts
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The Option Block 1372: Let's Have Some FUN With These Wild Markets
24/04/2025 Duration: 56minIn this episode of The Option Block, host Mark Longo is joined by Henry Schwartz from Cboe and Uncle Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management, to dive into various aspects of the options market. The episode covers significant recent events, including options activity in VIX, SPX, IWM, and single names like Funko and SoFi. The discussion also explores the impact of large trades on the market and answers listener questions. Tune in to get insights on market trends, strategy overviews, and expert analysis on the latest developments in the options market. 03:08 Kicking Off the Option Block Show 03:23 Market Recap and Trading Insights 06:01 Trading Block: Latest Market Trends 06:56 Volatility and Market Movements 13:24 Individual Stock Performances 27:10 Earnings Reports and Market Reactions 28:07 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 28:53 SoFi Stock Analysis and Market Trends 29:58 Unusual Options Activity in SoFi 33:02 Cemex: Mexican Ready-Mix Concrete 38:30 Funko's Financial Rollercoaster 43:18 Mail Bloc
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The Futures Rundown 31: Even the Pros are Afraid of These Markets
23/04/2025 Duration: 44minIn this episode of The Options Insider Radio Network, host Mark Longo discusses the latest in futures trading, providing listeners with an array of insights and strategies. The show features guest John Seguin, Senior Technical Analyst and Educator at Market Taker Mentoring. Mark and John analyze the current tumultuous state of the markets, touching on commodities, equities, and cryptocurrencies. The discussion covers significant market moves, including wild swings in the S&P, gold volatility, and an extraordinary rise in cryptos. John provides practical trading tips for these volatile times, emphasizing short-term trading and the risks of trading in fast-moving markets. Listeners' questions on trading strategies and specific market predictions, such as gold and Bitcoin, are also addressed in depth. The episode concludes with John sharing his contact information for those interested in his unique charting tools and further guidance. 01:08 Understanding the Futures Markets 01:27 Introducing the Futures Ru
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Options Boot Camp 335: Mysterious and Head-Scratching Options Order Types
23/04/2025 Duration: 40minIn this episode of Options Bootcamp, hosts Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli explore a variety of order types and their strategic uses within options trading. They discuss basic duration orders like 'Good Till Cancel,' immediate orders such as 'Immediate or Cancel' (IOC) and 'Fill or Kill' (FOK), and more complex conditional orders including 'One Cancels the Other' (OCO) and 'Trailing Stop Orders.' The episode also features a vibrant discussion on the potential advantages and risks associated with each order type. Additionally, they delve into the seldom-used but intricate 'Market on Close' (MOC) and 'Limit on Close' (LOC) orders, offering insights into specific use cases. The episode concludes with responses to listener questions and polls revealing current market sentiments and trading behaviors. 01:03 Welcome to Options Bootcamp 01:35 Market Overview and Listener Tips 04:03 Options Drills: Advanced Order Types 06:33 Duration Orders: GTC and Day Orders 10:58 Immediate Orders: IOC and Fill or Kill 15:15 Condi