

The Options Insider Radio Network
The Options Insider Radio Network
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
Mentioned books

Jul 30, 2025 • 29min
Options Boot Camp 349: Forget 0DTE...Let's Talk About L.E.A.P.S!!!
This episode dives deep into Long-Term Equity Anticipation Securities (LEAPS) and their strategic use, particularly in stock substitution strategies. Hosts Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli (Market Taker Mentoring) discuss the fundamental aspects of LEAPS, focusing on their sensitivity to volatility (Vega) rather than gamma, and explain how they can offer a more capital-efficient alternative to outright stock purchases. They elaborate on different strategies, such as using LEAPS for a synthetic covered call, or 'poor man's covered call,' to reduce the overall cost and risk. Additionally, they highlight the need for diligent management of these trades to avoid unwanted outcomes, like forced exercise of the option. 01:04 Welcome to Options Bootcamp 04:15 Basic Training: Learning Options Trading 07:52 Discussing Leaps: Long-Term Equity Anticipation Securities 16:57 Stock Substitution Strategy with Leaps 22:48 Poor Man's Covered Call Strategy 26:15 Conclusion and Next Steps

Jul 30, 2025 • 16min
The Hot Options Report: 07-30-2025
In this episode, key highlights include increased activity in VIX options, SPY options nearing their average daily volume, and notable trades in small caps (IWM) and Nasdaq (QQQ). The episode wraps up with in-depth analysis of individual stocks such as Microsoft, Meta, and Nvidia, examining their options activity amidst ongoing earnings announcements. 01:04 Welcome to The Hot Options Report 02:41 VIX Options Activity 03:50 SPY Options Highlights 04:24 S&P 500 (The SPX) Options Insights 05:06 Small Caps (IWM) Options Overview 05:40 NASDAQ (The Qs) Options Summary 06:06 Single Name Equity Options 14:17 Conclusion -------------------------------------------------------- All investing involves risk. Brokerage services for US listed securities, options and bonds in a self-directed brokerage account are offered by Open to the Public Investing Inc, member FINRA & SIPC. Not investment advice. Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all investors. Customers must read and understand the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before considering any options strategy. Options investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk, including the potential for losses that may exceed the original investment amount, and are only available for qualified customers. Index options have special features and fees that should be carefully considered, including settlement, exercise, expiration, tax, and cost characteristics. See Fee Schedule for all options trading fees. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade. Rebate rates vary monthly from $0.06-$0.18 and depend on the particular security, whether the trade was placed via API, as well as your current and prior month’s options trading volume. Review Options Rebate Terms here. Rates are subject to change. Go to public.com/optionsbrief to learn more.

Jul 29, 2025 • 17min
The Hot Options Report: 07-29-2025
In this episode of the Hot Options Report, Mark Longo dives into the latest trends and unusual activities in the options market as of Tuesday, July 29th. Key discussions include significant volume spikes in VIX options with over a million contracts, a detailed breakdown of active trades in SPY, S&P 500, small caps, and NASDAQ, and unusual large-volume trades in specific equities like Palantir, Alphabet, Apple, SoFi, Tesla, AMD, and Nvidia. Additionally, the episode spotlights some curious trades in United Health, including a notable 28,000 contracts of the January 2027 500 calls. 01:05 Welcome to the Hot Options Report 01:43 Today's Market Overview 02:44 VIX Options Activity 04:30 SPY and S&P 500 Options Insights 05:46 Small Caps and QQQs Analysis 07:01 Single Name Equity Options Highlights 07:16 Top 10 Options Movers 15:18 Conclusion -------------------------------- All investing involves risk. Brokerage services for US listed securities, options and bonds in a self-directed brokerage account are offered by Open to the Public Investing Inc, member FINRA & SIPC. Not investment advice. Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all investors. Customers must read and understand the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before considering any options strategy. Options investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk, including the potential for losses that may exceed the original investment amount, and are only available for qualified customers. Index options have special features and fees that should be carefully considered, including settlement, exercise, expiration, tax, and cost characteristics. See Fee Schedule for all options trading fees. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade. Rebate rates vary monthly from $0.06-$0.18 and depend on the particular security, whether the trade was placed via API, as well as your current and prior month’s options trading volume. Review Options Rebate Terms here. Rates are subject to change. Go to public.com/optionsbrief to learn more.

Jul 28, 2025 • 38min
The Crypto Rundown 284: Buying Pizza on PayPal with Pudgy Penguins
In this episode, host Mark Longo dives into the dynamic world of crypto derivatives, focusing on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins. Joined by Bill Uliveri from Cenacle Capital Management, they discuss market trends, recent developments, and trading strategies. Key highlights include PayPal's enabling of Bitcoin payments, Ethereum's impressive resurgence, the evolving market cap rankings with XRP overtaking Tether, and Bill’s investment strategies using cash-secured puts in IBIT and Circle. The episode also touches on the exciting prospects for altcoins like Solana and Sui, while providing insights into the current state of volatility and skew in major crypto assets. The session concludes with listener questions and a look at the latest trends in the VIX and other intriguing trade opportunities. 01:05 Welcome to the Crypto Rundown 04:06 Bitcoin Breakdown 05:20 PayPal's Cryptocurrency Integration 06:26 Bitcoin Market Analysis 08:30 Volatility and Skew in Crypto Markets 17:47 Altcoin Universe 19:16 Top Cryptocurrencies by Market Cap 20:00 Ethereum's Resurgence 22:07 Wall Street's Influence on Crypto 24:42 Crypto Market Trends and Predictions 29:32 Listener Questions and Insights 29:59 Weekly Straddle Choices 32:58 Show Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

Jul 28, 2025 • 16min
The Hot Options Report: 07-28-2025
This episode of The Hot Options Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the most active options in the market. Key highlights include insights into VIX options with 25,000 of the August 18 puts traded, SPY options with 728,000 of the 638 calls, and QQQ options with 372,000 of the 568 calls. Discussions also cover notable options activity in individual stocks such as Amazon, Alphabet, Open, SoFi, Intel, Palantir, SMCI, AMD, Nvidia, and Tesla. The episode emphasizes the significance of options volume, the role of external events such as earnings, and market trends impacting these trades. 01:04 Welcome to the Hot Options Report 02:29 Exploring VIX Options Activity 03:48 SPY Options Insights 05:21 Small Caps and NASDAQ Highlights 07:14 Top 10 Options Movers 14:56 Conclusion and Stay Tuned --------------------------- All investing involves risk. Brokerage services for US listed securities, options and bonds in a self-directed brokerage account are offered by Open to the Public Investing Inc, member FINRA & SIPC. Not investment advice. Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all investors. Customers must read and understand the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before considering any options strategy. Options investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk, including the potential for losses that may exceed the original investment amount, and are only available for qualified customers. Index options have special features and fees that should be carefully considered, including settlement, exercise, expiration, tax, and cost characteristics. See Fee Schedule for all options trading fees. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade. Rebate rates vary monthly from $0.06-$0.18 and depend on the particular security, whether the trade was placed via API, as well as your current and prior month’s options trading volume. Review Options Rebate Terms here. Rates are subject to change. Go to public.com/optionsbrief to learn more.

Jul 28, 2025 • 57min
The Option Block 1394: Playing Cribbage and Slinging Options
In this episode, host Mark Longo along with his co-hosts Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) and "Uncle" Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) dive into the latest trends and activity in the options market. The hosts analyze feedback from their audience on recent trades and trends, including an in-depth look at options activity for names like MicroStrategy, Alphabet, Amazon, and more. They also examine recent earnings reports and make future predictions. The Odd Block segment features a deep dive into unusual options activity, focusing on specific trades like the Aug six puts in Itau Unibanco Holding SA. In the Strategy Block, Uncle Mike provides essential tips on safeguarding financial information against potential breaches. The episode concludes with a preview of key events and market movements to watch for the rest of the week. 01:56 Kicking Off the Week with Options Talk 02:15 Hot Options Report and Pro Trading 03:47 80s Trivia Challenge 06:59 Market Analysis and Trading Block 08:35 Remembering Hulk Hogan 11:22 Big Tech Earnings and Market Trends 16:48 Volume and Trading Activity 27:51 Tesla's Earnings and Market Reaction 29:44 Upcoming Earnings Reports 31:00 Boeing and SoFi Earnings Preview 32:03 EA and Other Tech Earnings 34:57 Options Activity Analysis 44:38 Security Measures for Financial Accounts 48:51 Around the Block: Market Watch

Jul 25, 2025 • 16min
The Hot Options Report: 07-25-2025
In this episode, the discussion focuses on the week's dominant options activities up to Friday, July 25th. The episode highlights notable low activity in VIX options due to seasonal quiet periods, other notable stock activities including SPY, IWM, Nasdaq, and several individual stocks like Robinhood, Alphabet, Apple, AMD, and Nvidia. Furthermore, there's an emphasis on Tesla's return to high trading volumes with over 5.5 million contracts. 01:04 Welcome to the Hot Options Report 01:44 Exploring Today's Options Market 02:41 Volatility and VIX Options Analysis 03:59 SPY and SPX Options Activity 05:30 Small Caps and NASDAQ Insights 06:50 Single Name Equity Options Highlights 08:04 Top Options Movers of the Day 14:24 Conclusion and Listener Engagement ----------------------------------------------------- All investing involves risk. Brokerage services for US listed securities, options and bonds in a self-directed brokerage account are offered by Open to the Public Investing Inc, member FINRA & SIPC. Not investment advice. Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all investors. Customers must read and understand the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before considering any options strategy. Options investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk, including the potential for losses that may exceed the original investment amount, and are only available for qualified customers. Index options have special features and fees that should be carefully considered, including settlement, exercise, expiration, tax, and cost characteristics. See Fee Schedule for all options trading fees. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade. Rebate rates vary monthly from $0.06-$0.18 and depend on the particular security, whether the trade was placed via API, as well as your current and prior month’s options trading volume. Review Options Rebate Terms here. Rates are subject to change. Go to public.com/optionsbrief to learn more.

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 25, 2025 • 56min
TWIFO 458: Shockingly Flat Skew in the Widow Maker
This episode of 'This Week in Futures Options' on the Options Insider Radio Network covers extensive details on various active commodities in the futures options market. The discussion begins with a breakdown of Nat Gas, analyzing its significant drop towards the three-handle and the activity around three puts and four calls. WTI's consistent trading around the 65 level and the potential implications are explored. Copper's tariff-driven surge and related options activity, including various put spreads, are examined. The show also touches on the behavior of Nasdaq during earning season and the rise of zero-day options in the futures market. Hosted by Mark Longo, with insights from Russell Rhoads, the episode dives into market sentiment, trading strategies, and key economic indicators shaping the futures options landscape. 02:41 Show Kickoff and New Network Edition 03:58 Guest Introduction: Russell Rhoads 04:50 Discussion on Retail vs. Institutional Trading 06:19 Movers and Shakers Report 11:56 Volatility Analysis 15:56 Energy Market Insights 26:00 Crude Oil Market Analysis 26:53 WTI and Nat Gas Volatility 27:26 Key Levels in Crude Oil 29:32 Put Options Activity in Crude 32:18 Copper Market Insights 42:01 Equity Indices During Earnings Season 48:16 Zero-Day Options and Market Sentiment 49:17 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Interaction

Jul 24, 2025 • 14min
The Hot Options Report: 07-24-2025
This episode of the Hot Options Report provides an in-depth review of the day's top options trading activity. The show highlights significant market activity for VIX, SPY, SPX, small caps, and NASDAQ. Listeners are informed about the most active options, including notable zero-day options and end-of-day summaries for various high-profile stocks such as Apple, Amazon, Intel, NVIDIA, and Tesla. Additionally, the episode discusses the surrounding market context, including earnings reports and ex-dividend movements driving volume in specific equities. This episode is sponsored by Public.com, emphasizing their cost-effective trading options. 01:05 Welcome to the Hot Options Report 02:32 Market Analysis: VIX Options 03:11 Market Analysis: SPY Options 04:07 Market Analysis: SPX Options 04:58 Market Analysis: Small Caps 05:38 Market Analysis: NASDAQ Options 06:17 Top 10 Equity Options of the Day 13:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts --------------------------------- All investing involves risk. Brokerage services for US listed securities, options and bonds in a self-directed brokerage account are offered by Open to the Public Investing Inc, member FINRA & SIPC. Not investment advice. Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all investors. Customers must read and understand the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before considering any options strategy. Options investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk, including the potential for losses that may exceed the original investment amount, and are only available for qualified customers. Index options have special features and fees that should be carefully considered, including settlement, exercise, expiration, tax, and cost characteristics. See Fee Schedule for all options trading fees. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade. Rebate rates vary monthly from $0.06-$0.18 and depend on the particular security, whether the trade was placed via API, as well as your current and prior month’s options trading volume. Review Options Rebate Terms here. Rates are subject to change. Go to public.com/optionsbrief to learn more.