The Option Alpha Podcast

0DTE options are transforming the way traders approach opportunity and risk. This episode breaks down why these contracts are so powerful (and popular), why 0DTE volume has surged, and how you can trade them with clarity instead of chaos. We dispel common myths and highlight the real advantages of these short-term strategies, such as rapid time decay, high liquidity, and faster statistical learning cycles.You’ll also learn about the risks that traders often ignore, how psychology impacts intraday decisions, and why defined-risk spreads, proper sizing, automation, and backtesting are essential for consistent execution. This episode provides a grounded, practical framework for incorporating 0DTEs into a disciplined, long-term trading approach.See the full show notes here

In this episode of the Option Alpha podcast, Kirk sits down with his business partner and fellow founder, Jack Slocum, to share the full story behind Jack’s journey as a trader, developer, and entrepreneur. Jack talks about how he first turned to options trading to generate extra income for his family, how his early experiences “crashed and burned,” and why he has spent years since then learning as much as possible about markets and risk. Tune in now! How Jack First Got Into Options Trading:Jack says his options journey started as a father looking to make extra income to support his family.From Tech Builder to Trading:Before options, Jack’s primary background was in technology and building companies.He created a JavaScript framework originally called EXTJS, later part of Sencha, which allowed developers to build full web applications in the browser.The framework became widely adopted, with usage by 8 out of the top 10 financial institutions and over 70% of Fortune 500 companies.Jack emphasizes that the community was the strength of that project: developers shared what they were building and provided the core toolkit with their own “extensions.”Faith, Mindset, and Staying Inspired Through Drawdowns:He credits his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for his determination, passion, and success.He says this gives him a resilient state he can tap into no matter what is happening.Kirk shares a mindset he learned from Jack: instead of saying “we can’t,” ask “how could we?”Jack connects this to his belief that all things are possible for someone who believes.He says reframing problems this way opens the door to solutions instead of shutting them down.Key Trading Principles Jack Follows Now:Jack says the most important principle is never to enter a trade unless you are willing to take the maximum loss.In the past, he entered trades assuming he could always get out before max loss, which led to huge losses.He rarely uses stop losses as a guarantee because during big moves, spreads widen, and fills can be much worse than planned.An example of his opening range breakout bot, which sometimes risks $925 to make $75 and makes him uneasy.He prefers to run a mix of strategies, including both higher-probability, smaller payoff setups and lower-probability, larger-payoff setups.Jack says every trade should have a clear, logical reason behind it, and not be fear based.Using His Own Platform to Design the Future of Automation:At his old company, he would build a real app with new features before a release to find issues.Now, he trades daily on Option Alpha and uses that experience to see what needs to be added or improved.Watch the full interview here

Mat Cashman, a 20-year industry veteran and former market maker at the Options Industry Council, dives deep into the dynamics of gamma and 0DTE options. He explains how gamma influences market movements and the critical role of hedging in managing risk. Discover why 0DTE options are so 'gamma-rich' and how market makers use charms and convexity to navigate sharp shifts. Cashman also clarifies misconceptions around large put buys and examines how trading patterns create market memory. This insightful discussion equips traders with a better understanding of volatility and strategies.

Gamma is one of the most misunderstood yet powerful forces driving options markets. In this episode, Kirk sits down with Lex from Tradier to break down gamma exposure (GEX) — what it is, why it matters, and how it quietly shapes market movement. Together, they unpack how professional traders use gamma to stay delta-neutral, manage risk, and interpret shifting liquidity, while retail traders can use it to better understand price behavior and volatility.Lex explains the difference between long and short gamma, how “sticky strikes” form, and why SPX tends to act very differently from fast-moving names like GME. You’ll also learn how changes in open interest and volume can trigger sharp accelerations or reversals — and how to read these setups without getting buried in formulas. It’s a practical, eye-opening conversation about the hidden dynamics of gamma exposure and the edge it can give you in any options market.Watch the full interview here

Dive into the world of options trading with an insightful trader who mastered disciplined, probability-driven strategies. Discover the art of balancing long-term investments with quick trades through a dual-track approach. Learn about effective position sizing, the smart use of bots for automation, and the importance of managing emotions in trading. Hear about the mindset shifts that come after losses and get top-notch advice for new traders on humility and risk management. It’s all about sustainable success in the trading game!

In this comeback episode, I’ll catch you up on the biggest updates inside Option Alpha, the major shifts in today’s options market (hello, 0DTE), and what to expect from the show going forward.The options landscape has changed dramatically in the past year. From 0DTE dominating SPX volumes to a flood of new retail traders, the environment today looks nothing like when this show last aired. This reboot of the OA podcast recaps the biggest trends shaping options right now, explores the major updates we’ve released at Option Alpha, and previews what’s ahead for the podcast, including interviews, mini-series, and unique case studies.See the full show notes here

We're joined by Adam Cohn, Vice President and Head of Trading Operations at TradeStation, an award-winning trading platform known for its comprehensive trading tools, advanced charting capabilities, and extensive market analysis features. Adam brings a wealth of experience, not just from his role at TradeStation but also from his extensive background in options trading in the Chicago pits and as a market maker. His deep understanding of market structure and dedication to best execution have made him a trusted figure in the industry. In our conversation with Adam, we discuss trading operations, market structures, and the complexities of order execution. You’ll learn about order routing and execution, what factors determine fills, payment for order flow (PFOF), the role of market makers, and so much more. This episode is a must-listen for options traders looking for a deeper understanding of trading options!See the full show notes here

Navigating options expiration is essential for traders today. Discover the top automated tips for managing your portfolio effectively. Key strategies include adjusting exit options as expiration approaches and monitoring extrinsic value. Learn about the importance of using defined limit orders rather than market orders. Additionally, setting alerts for low liquidity conditions and critical levels between strike prices can optimize your trading performance. Enhance your skills with these practical insights!

Show Notes: https://optionalpha.com/show231This week we explore the latest and most pressing challenges emerging for investors who have embraced autotrading.As automation revolutionizes the financial markets, traders find themselves navigating uncharted psychological territory. From trusting bots and algorithms, coping with reduced decision-making control, and the novel complexities of autotrading that demand a new style of adaptation and resilience. With help from our team, I’ll peel back the proverbial onion on the evolving mindset of options traders and shed some light on these new psychological challenges popping up.See the full list hereObsessive-Compulsive Overriding (OCO)Strategy StraitjacketingCurrent Events FallacySweeping Conclusion AnxietyShiny Object Syndrome FreezeBot ScapegoatingFeature CreepEmotional HedgingVersion Control DisorderIdentity Panic Disorder

Show Notes: https://optionalpha.com/show230 This week I explore a deep and philosophical viewpoint into the world of automated trading and its inevitable rise for investors. I explore the evolutionary nature of human decision-making and its limitations in complex financial markets by examining cognitive biases and their impact on manual trading. I’ll also discuss the technological advancements driving this shift, risk management in autotrading, and the future trends and challenges in this rapidly evolving landscape. Get ready for a fresh perspective on the future of investing and why autotrading is poised to dominate.These are my 9 key takeaways