

Volatility Views
The Options Insider Radio Network
Volatility Views is the premier radio program for volatility traders. With leading industry guests and detailed analysis of volatility products, this program takes you inside the world of volatility trading like never before. If you are an experienced options trader looking to expand your understanding of volatility, or if you are simply curious about VIX and other volatility products, then this is the program for you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 2min
Volatility Views 641: Vol Dies With A Whimper
The latest episode of Volatility Views covers a wide range of volatility trading topics with Mark Longo and Russell Rhoads. The show covers the term structure of VIX futures, recent trades in VIX options, and the seasonality of volatility, especially as it relates to earnings season and its impact on the markets. Key trades in VIX options from the week are highlighted and analyzed. Additionally, the episode features listener questions, including strategies for trading VIX calls and dealing with the challenge of finding favorable trading conditions. The show concludes with predictions for VIX prices in the coming week. 01:08 Welcome to Volatility Views 04:59 Market Overview and Volatility Trends 11:39 Earnings Season Insights 15:44 VIX Futures and Options Analysis 25:52 Russell's Weekly Rundown 33:47 VIX Options Tsunami 34:03 Hot Options of the Day 34:24 Jan 20 Threes Analysis 36:23 AUG 16 Puts and Ratio Spreads 41:12 Inverse Volatility Products 45:01 Volatility Voicemail 45:47 Listener Questions and Flash Polls 54:28 Crystal Ball Predictions 57:14 Show Wrap-Up and Announcements

Jul 18, 2025 • 59min
Volatility Views 640: Death of The Loggins and A Terrible VIX Trade
On this episode of Volatility Views, the hosts dive deep into various volatility trading strategies and notable market developments. Mark Longo is joined by 'Dr. Vix' Russell Rhoads and Andrew 'Rock Lobster' Giovinazzi as they discuss the enduring interest in deep put spreads, including a perplexing trade involving December 200 puts, which leaves the hosts questioning the trader's rationale. The show includes a review of weekly volatility trading activities, analysis of the volatility surface, and a discussion on upcoming events that could affect the vol space. They also engage with listener questions and poll results about premium harvesting and future outlooks for various assets. The panelists share insights into their trading strategies, with Russell revisiting his UVXY versus SVXY weekend play and Andrew providing market scenarios involving VXX erosion. The episode wraps up with predictions for next week's volatility. 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 01:52 Current Market Overview 02:08 New Shows and Hot Options Report 05:18 Volatility Review 15:35 Volatility Surface Analysis 25:11 Weekly Trades and Notable Moves 33:01 Evaluating the VIX Trade 34:40 Unpacking the Ratio Spread 35:29 VIX Options Activity Breakdown 41:33 Volatility ETPs Update 46:40 Listener Questions and Insights 51:05 Crystal Ball Predictions

Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 2min
Volatility Views 639: The Great VIX Volume Debate
In this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo, Russell Rhoads (Kelley School of Business - Indiana University), and Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) return after the July 4th holiday to delve into recent market volatility. The discussion covers the impact of tariff announcements on Brazil and Canada, leading to increased volume in VIX futures and options. Key highlights include significant trades like the Aug 25/35 vertical spread, the activity in the July 17 puts, and the unusual million-contract VIX options day amid dropping volatility. They also discuss the term structure of VIX futures, significant contango, and volatility ETPs such as SVIX, VXX, and UVXY. The episode wraps up with predictions for the VIX index for the coming week. 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 01:54 Post-July 4th Market Recap 05:46 Volatility Review 06:58 Market Reactions and Trade War Impact 09:35 VIX Analysis and Predictions 18:06 Historical VIX Patterns and Future Projections 27:58 Russell's Weekly Rundown 32:57 Analyzing Recent Trades 34:28 VIX Options Activity Breakdown 36:34 High Volume Day Analysis 46:14 Mentorship and Market Reactions 50:55 Volatility ETPs Overview 54:42 Crystal Ball Predictions 01:01:17 Closing Remarks and Resources

Jun 27, 2025 • 60min
Volatility Views 638: Paying the Iron Price for VIX Futures
In this episode, Mark Longo and his guests, Russell Rhoads (Kelley School of Business - Indiana University), Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit), and Matt Amberson (ORATS) delve into a week characterized by remarkable market movements and surprising fluidity in volatility levels. The panel discusses specific options trades, the broader economic implications of recent events, and their own strategic trading insights. Punctuated by sharp analyses on macroeconomic indicators and a look-ahead towards earnings season, the hosts engage in rich discussions encapsulating the volatile yet intriguing landscape of the current trading environment. 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 01:52 Market Recap and Volatility Insights 03:24 Special Guests and Discussions 06:18 Volatility Review 21:42 Earnings Volatility Report 25:24 Volatility Surface Analysis 32:33 VIX Options Activity Overview 33:02 VIX Top 10 Contracts 35:22 Russell's Weekly Rundown 35:44 Monday's Block Trades 37:37 Tuesday's VIX Trades 39:18 Wednesday and Thursday VIX Trades 46:14 VIX ETPs and Market Analysis 51:38 Crystal Ball Predictions 55:39 Show Wrap-Up and Announcements

Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 2min
Volatility Views 637: A Volatility Triumph for the Ages!
In this episode of Volatility Views, the show kicks off with a recap of the Volatility Death Match, discussing the dynamics, competitors, and outcomes of the event. With Mark Longo hosting, the episode features contributions from Jim Carroll, Andrew Giovinazzi, and Russell Rhoads, who analyze recent VIX movements, the impact of geopolitical events, and market trends. They discuss the landscape of VIX options, shifting trading strategies, and the implications of recent market behavior, including a look at ETPs like SVXY and UVXY. This comprehensive discussion provides listeners with valuable insights into volatility trading strategies and market forecasts. 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 02:18 Volatility Death Match Recap 10:01 Volatility Review 31:42 VIX Options Overview 32:59 Top 10 VIX Positions Breakdown 35:14 Russell's Weekly Rundown 37:30 Bearish and Bullish VIX Trades 49:16 Inverse Volatility Products Discussion 55:16 Crystal Ball Predictions 01:00:36 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Volatility Death Match: Dr. VIX vs. The Vixologist
There can be only one! Two men will enter the cage...but only one will emerge victorious. Who will it be? Tune in to find out as Dr. VIX battles the Vixologist to the death on your favorite volatility topics including: Do after-hours VIX prints obscure what's really happening in the marketplace? Should you ignore them when trading VIX? How should you use constant-maturity futures in your VIX trading? What is the TRUE over/under level for VIX that you need to pay attention to in your trading? What levels really matter and which are just marketing hype? Can you use technical analysis in your VIX trading? Should you? What is the point of VYLD? How should you incorporate VIX 9D into your volatility trading? and much more...

Jun 14, 2025 • 57min
Volatility Views 636: Death Match Censorship and Mystifying VIX Stupids
In this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo and Russell Rhoads delve into the recent shifts in the volatility landscape. With geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the VIX spiking to new levels, and market reactions to recent economic events, this episode is a crucial listen for anyone in the volatility trading scene. The discussion also touches on notable trades in VIX options, the peculiarities of the VIX term structure, and the impact of these events on various volatility ETFs. Russell shares his insights on current market activities and to provide an in-depth analysis of recent significant trades. This episode also revisits the heated and recently held VIX Death Match, offering an engaging mix of expert analysis and lively debate. 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 02:23 Volatility Death Match Recap 07:50 Volatility Review: Market Analysis 22:17 VIX Options and Futures Rundown 29:19 Analyzing Weekly Futures and Roll Trades 30:23 Deep Dive into VIX Options Strategies 32:42 Evaluating Trade Decisions and Market Impact 35:19 Personal Trading Strategies and Market Observations 37:32 Big VIX Options and Market Activity 43:44 Inverse Volatility Products and Trading Insights 49:41 Crystal Ball Predictions and Market Speculations

Jun 6, 2025 • 60min
Volatility Views 635: Is It D-Day for The Steep Vol Surface?
This episode of Volatility Views dives deep into the world of volatility trading. Hosted by Mark Longo of Options Insider, the show features guests Russell Rhoads, aka Dr. Vix, and Andrew Giovinazzi, aka the Rock Lobster. The episode covers various aspects including VIX futures, VIX Options trading activities, and the current state of volatility markets. They discuss the current trading week, the performance of inverse volatility products like SVXY and UVXY, and detailed trade analyses. A notable segment involves Russell and Andrew debating the outlooks and trends in the volatility landscape. The episode also sets the stage for an upcoming special battle royale episode between Russell and the renowned Vixologist, Jim Carroll, on a special podcast next week, adding an exciting twist for the listeners. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 02:05 Meet the Hosts 04:49 Volatility Review 07:15 Market Analysis and Trends 14:40 VIX Futures and Options Discussion 30:50 Standard Expiration and Weekly Trades 31:48 Holiday Week Trading Strategies 32:23 VIX Settlement and Trade Analysis 33:28 Bullish Trades and Risk Assessments 35:20 VIX Options Activity Rundown 44:23 Inverse Volatility Products Discussion 51:58 Volatility ETPs and Trading Strategies 53:06 Crystal Ball Predictions and Closing Remarks

May 30, 2025 • 1h 2min
Volatility Views 634: VIX is Breaking Bad
In this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo, Andrew Giovinazzi & Russell Rhoads dive deep into the current state of the volatility market. They discuss the day's market movements influenced by unpredictable tweets from Trump and their impact on volatility indices like VIX. The episode covers the rare occurrence of contango in VIX futures above a 20 handle, current VIX call and put positions, and weekly VIX options activity. The hosts also explore the performance and strategies involving inverse volatility products like SVIX. Listener engagement includes a debate on zero-day options and popular TV shows like 'Breaking Bad' vs. 'The Sopranos.' 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 02:02 Meet the Hosts 04:24 Volatility Review 04:57 Market Reactions and Analysis 13:02 Volatility Futures Discussion 26:26 VIX Options and Trading Strategies 31:17 Top VIX Strikes and Market Sentiment 32:01 Russell's Weekly Rundown 32:24 Weekly VIX Options Analysis 41:09 Inverse Volatility Products Discussion 52:59 Listener Polls and Questions 55:37 Crystal Ball Predictions 58:36 Show Wrap-Up and Contact Information

May 23, 2025 • 1h 5min
Volatility Views 633: Secret Weekend Domination
In this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo and Russell Rhoads discuss the latest movements in VIX, including a surprising spike and its impact on VIX options. They delve into the performance of the secret UVIX weekend trade, revealing an impressive average profit that defies its expectations. Listener questions about the potential introduction of zero-day options in the MAG 7 stocks are addressed, along with the audience's mixed response. The show concludes with crystal ball predictions for the upcoming week and an exploration of intriguing market trades. 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 03:54 Market and Volatility Analysis 09:49 VIX Futures and Options Insights 16:48 Weekly Rundown and Trade Highlights 33:28 Inverse V Strategies and Market Sentiments 34:57 Put Spreads and Risk Management 36:42 UVIX Weekend Strategy Insights 45:00 VXX and Volatility ETPs Analysis 50:12 Listener Polls and Zero-Day Options Discussion 58:50 Volatility Predictions and Closing Remarks