
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.
Latest episodes

May 16, 2025 • 1h 2min
Volatility Views 632: Overly Complacent and Eerily Spooky
In this episode of Volatility Views, the hosts Mark Longo, Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit), Russell Rhoads (Indiana University), and Matt Koren (Eurex) discuss fluctuations in the VIX and VSTOXX futures, along with a look into new volatility ETPs. The episode begins with an overview of the VIX term structures — highlighting the recent flatness in the term structure and its implications. The conversation also explores the significant volatility movement on Monday and its influences. Other discussions include the re-emergence of VIX ETPs and their complexities, how geopolitical events like the potential resolution of the Ukraine war are affecting volatility indices, and a listener's question regarding the relevance of VYLT. The show concludes with the Crystal Ball segment, where the hosts predict the VIX and VSTOXX levels for the upcoming week. 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 01:35 Deep Dive into Volatility 02:09 Host Introduction and Pro Membership Benefits 03:13 Guest Introduction: Russell Rhodes 04:37 Guest Introduction: Andrew Giovinazzi 05:25 Guest Introduction: Matt Koren 05:48 Volatility Review 06:34 Market Trends and Analysis 13:36 International Volatility Review 19:35 VIX Futures and Term Structure 27:41 VIX Options Activity 30:18 Russell's Weekly Rundown 33:51 Reflecting on Past Trades 34:05 Volatility and VIX Trades 36:14 Weekly Trade Highlights 37:36 Analyzing Market Activity 39:04 Top Contracts and Market Trends 44:40 Inverse Volatility and ETPs 53:08 Predicting Future Volatility

May 15, 2025 • 1h 12min
TWIFO 450: Addicted to Long Gamma in Nat Gas, Gold and more
In this special 450th episode Mark Longo is joined by veteran guests Dan Gramza (Gramza Capital Management) and Nick Howard (Bantix Technologies and QuikStrike) to break down the complex world of futures options trading. The team dives into the movers and shakers in the futures options market, covering key sectors like gold, crude oil, and natural gas. They discuss the latest trends in these sectors, analyzing options trading volumes, their impacts, and future predictions. The episode also explores the tools available on QuikStrike, including the newly updated CVOL tool and its potential for volatility trading. The discussion wraps up with detailed analyses from Gramza and Howard, providing insights into the nuances of equity options trading in the current market. 01:22 Welcome to This Week in Futures Options 03:57 Episode 450 Special Guests 05:38 Movers and Shakers Report 09:53 Exploring the CVOL Tool 17:20 Deep Dive into Gold Options 30:44 Analyzing Nat Gas Trends 34:10 Natural Gas Market Dynamics 35:32 Nat Gas Volatility and Market Sentiment 42:17 WTI Crude Oil Market Analysis 53:12 Equities Market Insights 01:04:13 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

May 15, 2025 • 58min
The Option Block 1378: Forever Calls and the Revenge of the Quantum?
This episode of The Option Block delves into recent trends in options markets, including a massive surge in volume during April and the notable activity in quantum computing stocks such as D-Wave Quantum. The discussion also covers the rise and fall of various sectors, key activities in names like American Eagle Outfitters and United Health, and the state of volatility in the markets. Additionally, the hosts engage the audience with polls on VIX trades and options strategies, discuss the unpredictable nature of the current market, and share insights from recent industry conferences. 03:15 Kickoff: The Option Block Show Begins 05:44 Market Overview and Trading Insights 07:57 Uncle Mike Tosaw's Market Observations 11:48 Kevin Carter's Market Analysis 14:32 April Options Market Performance from OCC 18:37 Zero-Day Options Trading 23:22 Single Name Stocks and Market Movers 29:05 Market Panic and Put Options Strategy 30:13 Tesla and Nvidia Stock Analysis 31:02 Hot Earnings Action This Week 33:22 The Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 38:31 Quantum Computing Stocks: D-Wave Quantum Inc. 43:05 Open Door Technologies and Long-Term Calls 46:03 VIX Polls and Market Predictions 51:23 Around the Block: Market Leaders and Bonds

May 14, 2025 • 42min
The Futures Rundown 34: Battered, Bruised and Dangerous
In this episode of the Options Insider Radio Network, Mark Longo and Carley Garner from DeCarley Trading discuss the volatile futures markets with detailed analysis and expert predictions. The show highlights recent market movements, including a surprising rebound in Ethereum and significant changes in commodities like crude oil and gold. Carley provides insights into potential future market trends, including a bold prediction of gold prices possibly dropping below $2000. They also explore the impact of these movements on other assets like silver, and offer practical advice on trading strategies during such volatile times. Carley also shares thoughts on potential future developments in micro and mini futures contracts amid evolving market demands, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of current and future market dynamics. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:08 Exploring the Futures Rundown 04:51 Welcome Back Carley Garner 05:37 Market Movements and Analysis 09:03 Downside Movers in the Market 14:45 Upside Movers and Surprises 20:06 Most Active Contracts This Week 20:37 Top Contracts of the Week 22:02 Analyzing the 10-Year Note 24:25 Year-to-Date Movers: Upside 26:33 Year-to-Date Movers: Downside 28:20 Futures Free for All: Q&A 29:37 Market Predictions and Strategies 36:44 The Future of Mini and Micro Contracts 39:34 Conclusion and Contact Information

May 14, 2025 • 40min
Options Boot Camp 338: The Wild World of the Options Conference
In this episode of Options Boot Camp, hosts Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli (from Market Taker Mentoring) discuss a variety of topics related to options trading. They begin by discussing the resurgence of trading floors, specifically a new one in Miami by MIAX, and the potential for more 24-hour trading sessions in options markets. The hosts also delve into recent developments from the Options Industry Conference, including NASDAQ’s pilot program for zero-day options on certain high-volume stocks. Also, they tap into current market dynamics, including a 25% rise in trading volumes driven by trade war uncertainties, and cover the administrative challenges of contra exercise orders, especially in light of potential new zero-day options. Listener questions about VIX versus VXX and opinions on the current market rally are also addressed. 01:04 Welcome to Options Bootcamp 01:34 Education Wednesday and Market Updates 02:42 Live Video Component and Studio Updates 03:55 Options Drills and Strategies 04:53 Insights from the Options Industry Conference 06:38 Discussion on Zero-Day Options Pilot Program 12:15 24-Hour Trading and Market Making 14:56 New Trading Floor in Miami 17:07 April Trading Volume Highlights 18:50 Market Volatility and Trading Strategies 19:25 Index Options and Equity Options Trends 20:30 Listener Mail Call 21:25 Market Taker Question of the Week 21:34 Understanding VIX and VXX 23:28 Listener Questions on VIX and Market Trends 29:18 Contra Exercise and Broker Practices 34:24 Remembering Alex 'The Viceroy' Jacobson 36:27 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Content

May 14, 2025 • 56min
The European Market Brief 1: Tariffs, Trump & Turmoil: Decoding Market Impacts on European Volatility
In this inaugural episode of The European Market Brief, Mark Longo, from The Options Insider Radio Network, along with guests from EUREX, Interactive Brokers, and SimCorp, delve into the complexities of the current European derivatives markets. The episode covers how European markets have responded to recent tariff developments, with a specific focus on trading strategies, market insights, and volatility trends. Notable guests include Matt Koren from EUREX, Steve Sosnick from Interactive Brokers, and Melissa Brown from SimCorp, discussing everything from the impact of tariffs to the distinctions between US and European indices, and the importance of diversification in current markets. This episode also explores the potential longevity of the current trade detente and what investors should monitor moving forward. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 00:53 Welcome to the European Market Brief 01:58 Inaugural Episode Kickoff 03:59 Meet the Experts 04:36 Understanding EUREX and European Markets 09:16 Impact of Tariffs on European Markets 22:09 Volatility in Global Markets 26:03 Navigating Market Volatility 27:07 Impact of Trade Wars on Volatility 28:33 Understanding VSTOXX and Its Market Impact 32:17 Retail Investors' Reactions to Market Changes 33:48 Comparing VIX and VSTOXX 37:35 Future Market Outlook and Diversification 47:45 Conclusion and Resources

May 13, 2025 • 40min
The Crypto Rundown 276: Buying the Dip
In this episode of The Crypto Rundown, host Mark Longo introduces the latest updates from The Options Insider Radio Network. Special guest Bill Ulivieri from Cenacle Capital Management joins to discuss his successful trades, the current state of the Bitcoin market, and his cautious approach towards recent aggressive market activities. The episode also delves into the volatility and skew in various crypto markets, focusing on Bitcoin and Ethereum's recent performances. The duo explores the implications of traditional financial institutions like Visa integrating blockchain technology, bringing attention to the Block V token (ticker VEE). Discussions extend to altcoins like Solana, which has shown a significant rally, and XRP, which has seen favorable movement, especially to the delight of Ulivieri's wife. The episode wraps up with insights into options trading in crypto markets and notable moves in other altcoins such as Doge, Litecoin, and Polkadot. 01:05 Welcome to the Crypto Rundown 02:23 Diving into Crypto Derivatives 04:00 Special Guest: Bill Ulivieri from Cenacle Capital Management 04:51 Bitcoin Breakdown: Market Trends and Analysis 09:18 Exploring Bitcoin Volatility and Skew 18:27 Altcoin Universe: Beyond Bitcoin 20:16 Ethereum's Market Performance 21:47 Volatility and Skew Analysis 23:22 Ethereum's Future and Competitors 26:17 Solana's Rapid Growth 29:01 XRP and Other Altcoins 31:04 Visa's Blockchain Integration 34:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

May 13, 2025 • 56min
The Option Block 1377: Fighting the Bull Market with Collars
This episode of the Option Block dives into the latest developments in the options market, driven by the news of a potential detente on the US-China trade war front. The host Mark Longo and co-hosts Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) discuss the impact of this news on various market indices, individual stock movements, and volatility instruments like VIX. Key topics include substantial spikes in major tech stocks such as Amazon, Facebook (Meta), and Nvidia. The episode also explores unusual options trades in stocks like Kosmos Energy, Commscope Holding, and Centrus Energy, and features a reflection on the late Alex "The Viceroy" Jacobson's impact on the options education landscape. The show wraps up with Uncle Mike Tosaw's Strategy Block focusing on the year of the collar and what to watch for in the markets towards the end of the week. 01:27 Meet the Hosts and Co-Hosts 01:54 Kicking Off with 80s Trivia Challenge 06:42 Trading Block: Market Analysis and Trends 26:31 Unusual Options Activity: The Odd Block 27:25 Remembering Alex "The Viceroy" Jacobson 27:55 Kosmos Energy Trade Analysis 34:32 Commscope Holding Company Insights 37:11 Centrist Energy Corp. Trade Discussion 40:19 Uncle Mike Tosaw's Strategy Block: The Year of the Collar 46:04 Around the Block: What to Watch Until Next Episode 51:58 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Shows

May 9, 2025 • 60min
Volatility Views 631: Kinky Contango
In 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 Activity 31:05 Weekly VIX Options Recap 31:56 Top VIX Positions Analysis 35:29 Weekly Rundown and Trade Insights 45:32 VIX ETPs Discussion 51:17 Volatility Voicemail and Predictions 56:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

May 8, 2025 • 15min
TWIFO 449: Live from OIC 2025
This 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