

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 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

Jun 29, 2025 • 18min
OIC 2025 Conversations: Delisting Foreign Companies For National Security
On this episode we are joined in the Southern Studio during the Options Industry Conference by: Jim Toes, President & CEO, Securities Traders Association Jim and Mark discuss: The nuances involved in deslisting foreign companies in the name of national security. His thoughts on the 0DTE Mag 7 proposal - does it make sense for the options markets? Do we have to worry about transaction taxes making a comeback? What's on the docket for the STA National Convention in D.C.? and much more...

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 27, 2025 • 40min
TWIFO 455: Shocks and Surprises in Small Caps
In this episode Mark Longo dives deep into the ever-changing futures options landscape. Key topics include the performance analysis of tradable products such as gold, crude oil, and soybeans, with an emphasis on the volatility and top trades in these markets. Additionally, the episode features a special guest, Catherine Yoshimoto from FTSE Russell, who discusses the upcoming Russell Reconstitution. She provides insights into the changes in the market cap breakpoint, the shift of some 'Mag Seven' stocks partially into the value category, and the move to semi-annual reconstitution in 2024. The podcast also touches on various aspects of the Russell 2000 index, including recent trading trends, volatility movements, and notable trading activity. The episode concludes with a detailed explanation of the scheduling and methodology changes coming to the Russell indices. 01:03 Welcome to This Week in Futures Options 04:24 Movers and Shakers Report 12:45 Deep Dive into Equities with Catherine Yoshimoto 13:45 Russell Reconstitution Insights 29:00 Russell 2000 Options Analysis 34:24 Conclusion and Upcoming Events