

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 10, 2025 • 56min
The European Market Brief 5: A Deep Dive Into the DAX
This episode dives deep into the German derivatives markets, particularly focusing on the DAX index. Hosts and guests discuss the composition of the DAX, trading opportunities, and its significance to the European economy. The discussion includes insights from Tobias Inger of Eurex, who elaborates on the total return index and margin requirements. Morad Askar of Edge Clear shares his experiences and observations on trading the DAX, highlighting interest trends among US traders. Russell Rhoads provides comparative analysis with US markets, shedding light on near-dated options performance and market volatility. The episode also addresses listener questions about the impact of the Euro on FX trading and explores the implications for both European and global markets. 03:54 Meet the Guests 10:05 Continental Conversations: Focus on Germany and the DAX 12:09 DAX Market Insights and Trading Opportunities 22:16 DAX Futures and Options: Trading Strategies 28:30 DAX Margin Insights 31:07 Opportunities in the German Markets 31:38 European Derivatives Market Update 32:16 Trading Strategies and Client Perspectives 36:47 Micro and Mini DAX Contracts 44:16 Listener Questions: European FX Market 51:19 Conclusion and Resources

Jul 9, 2025 • 42min
The Futures Rundown 40: Dust Bowls and Defense Against the Dark Arts
In this episode of the Futures Rundown, listeners are welcomed back to explore the complexities of the futures markets with host Mark and guest Rich Excel from the University of Illinois Gies School of Business. The discussion kicks off with a recap of past episodes and recent market trends, including a notable dive into uranium and the latest in the futures market activities such as the performance of commodities, metals, and major indices. Rich discusses his recent educational trip to Europe, where he expanded the horizons of derivative students, covering key spots like Frankfurt, Zurich, and Vienna. The episode goes further into dissecting the top upside and downside movers in the futures market for the year and delves into Rich’s insights on global bond market attractiveness, especially focusing on Japan. The show wraps up with a playful yet divisive debate on the controversial issue of ketchup on hot dogs, reflecting listener sentiments and sparking lively interaction among the audience. 02:59 Welcome Back, Rich Excel 04:20 Diving into the Trading Pits 06:09 Market Movers and Shakers 11:32 Analyzing the Downside 15:11 Active Day in the Futures Market 22:36 Exploring the Japanese Market Angle 23:00 Mid-Year Market Trends and Insights 23:27 Top Performing Assets of the Year 26:40 Analyzing the Downside Movers 29:56 Futures Free for All: Q&A Session 34:00 The Great Ketchup Debate 38:05 European Derivatives Tour Highlights 40:18 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Jul 9, 2025 • 43min
Options Boot Camp 346: Boiler Rooms and SOES Bandits
In this episode of Options Bootcamp, hosts Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli delve into a series of forgotten trading terms submitted by listeners. Topics include terms from the movie "Boiler Room," scalping, stockbroker, SOES bandits, stock certificates, and more. They also discuss recent trading activities, such as the VIX July 17 puts and IBIT straddle trades. Listener questions about deep in-the-money options and thoughts on the new Pope from Dan’s neighborhood add a touch of humor and relatability. 01:04 Welcome to Options Bootcamp 02:31 Pro Trading Crate Giveaway 04:41 Listener Questions: Forgotten Trading Terms 20:01 The Nostalgia of Physical Stock Certificates 21:47 Forgotten Trading Terms: Round Turn 25:07 Listener Questions: Straddles and VIX Puts 30:43 Asset Class Predictions for the Second Half of the Year 35:30 Deep in the Money Options: Use Cases 37:55 The New Pope and Hot Dog Toppings 40:37 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Shows

Jul 7, 2025 • 39min
The Crypto Rundown 281: CRCL, IBIT Straddles and ETH Turning Points
Greg Magadini from Amberdata, a crypto market expert, joins Mark Longo to dissect the latest trends in digital assets. They explore a decline in Bitcoin volatility and the rising interest in Ethereum and altcoins. The duo discusses unique trading strategies like cash-secured puts and delta-neutral trades, particularly around the newly IPO’d Circle. Greg shares insights on leveraging Amberdata's tools for trading success, engaging with the audience through polls to unravel diverse trading sentiments in this fast-paced market.

Jul 7, 2025 • 57min
The Option Block 1388: CORZ Craziness and Big ETH Boosts
In this episode, Mark Longo, Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) delve into the latest happenings in the options market. The show covers a variety of segments including unusual options activity, such as the sizable trades in Clover Health Investments and Bit Digital. The discussion spans market trends, notably the recent market pullback likely influenced by tariff news and possible market reactions to political maneuvers. Uncle Mike shares a strategy block focused on the careful selection of covered calls. The episode also touches on listener polls and questions, including opinions on assets with the most upside potential in the second half of 2025. 03:08 Show Kickoff and Recent Updates 05:36 80s Trivia Challenge 07:43 Market Analysis and Trading Block 12:20 Political Commentary and Market Reactions 20:57 VIX and Single Stock Analysis 27:36 Tesla's Market Impact 28:29 June's Hot Numbers from OCC 30:58 Unusual Options Activity: Clover Health 35:59 Unusual Options Activity: Bit Digital 41:03 Unusual Options Activity: Core Scientific 44:15 Strategy Block: Covered Call Selection 48:55 Mail Block: Listener Questions and Polls 52:00 Around the Block: Market Watch 53:31 Conclusion and Upcoming Content

Jul 4, 2025 • 12min
Mid-Year Options Trends Update: Surprises and Shakeups Galore!
In this episode, Mark Longo provides a comprehensive midyear analysis of Google Trends data related to the options market. The discussion covers key terms like 'options trading', 'call options', 'covered calls', 'cash secured puts', and 'put options'. Surprising insights include the peak interest times for these terms, the top states showing interest, and notable spikes and declines. Key dates discussed include April 8th and June 8th. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to suggest other search terms for future analyses. 01:03 Midyear Checkup on Google Trends for Options Market 01:26 Interest in Options Trading Over the Past Year 02:49 Top Regions for Options Trading Interest 03:29 Interest in Call Options 04:57 Interest in Volatility 06:04 Interest in Covered Calls 07:43 Interest in Cash Secured Puts 08:35 Interest in Put Options 10:40 Conclusion and Call for Listener Input

Jul 3, 2025 • 34min
The Option Block Special: VIX and The Spice Girls - A Mid-Year Options Update
This episode provides a comprehensive midyear update on various trading topics and audience polls from 2024 through mid-2025. The discussions include insights into asset classes with potential upside in 2025, audience preferences on trading volatility, crypto, equities, and fixed income. The episode also covers detailed poll results on various specific trade setups involving VIX, specific stocks like Palantir, Nvidia, Apple, and some niche trades in lesser-known stocks. The episode explores the impact of geopolitical events on volatility and audience sentiment about market trends, along with some fun questions and polls about popular culture and unconventional assets. Additionally, the episode invites the audience to follow, interact, and ask questions on multiple platforms like Twitter, StockTwits, and Facebook. 01:01 Midyear Update: 2025 Asset Class Predictions 01:44 VIX and Crypto: Year-to-Date Performance 02:43 Listener Polls: VIX Options and Market Sentiment 05:22 February Market Insights: VIX and Palantir 08:02 March Madness: VIX, SPY, and Crypto Debates 11:55 April Showers: VIX, Palantir, and Nvidia 21:17 May Highlights: VIX, Quantum, and TV Show Polls 24:35 June Recap: VIX, Apocalypse Assets, and Oracle 32:23 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Jul 3, 2025 • 35min
Wide World of Options: Tales from the Road: The Evolution of Retail
Join the Wide World of Options show on the road as host Mark Benzaquen welcomes JJ Kinahan and Jermal Chandler of IG North America (better known to investors as TastyTrade) as they talk about key challenges and opportunities for the retail trader and how technology is driving market growth.

Jul 2, 2025 • 20min
The Futures Rundown 39: What's the Deal With the Uranium Market?
This episode explores the challenges and intricacies of trading uranium futures. Mark Longo and Dan Gramza discuss a listener question about the viability and current status of uranium futures listed on CME, revealing the lack of volume, industrial participation, and official dissemination. They suggest alternatives such as trading uranium-related ETFs, stocks, and even blockchain options. The hosts emphasize the importance of liquidity and risk management, providing listeners with insights into the broader implications of trading in esoteric and illiquid markets. 01:07 Introduction to Futures Markets 02:10 Exploring Uranium Futures 03:47 Challenges in Trading Uranium Futures 08:15 Alternative Uranium Investment Options 16:21 Final Thoughts and Resources

Jul 2, 2025 • 27min
Options Boot Camp 345: Covered Call Surprises and Bad Mid-Market Fills
In this episode, hosts Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli (Market Taker Mentoring) delve into various aspects of options trading, starting with a discussion on the current conflicts in the Middle East and their potential impact on volatility indices like the VIX. Listener questions are addressed on topics ranging from early call assignments to the appropriate time to venture into calendar spreads. The hosts also explain the concept of risk premium and the importance of liquidity when trading options. Useful advice is given for enhancing options trading strategies, emphasizing the significance of understanding market conditions and the nuances of different trading instruments. 01:04 Welcome to Options Bootcamp 02:40 Listener Mail Call 06:41 Market Taker Question of the Week 09:37 Understanding Risk Premium 13:12 Transitioning to Calendar Spreads 17:27 Handling Early Option Exercises 21:10 Midpoint Order Execution Challenges 25:07 Conclusion and Future Content


