Podcast
The Option Block
Hosted by The Options Insider Radio Network · EN
The Option Block All-Star Panel breaks down the latest developments in the options market, analyzes unusual options activity, explains cutting-edge options strategies, answers listener questions and much more. Whether you're an active options trader or just getting started in the options market, The Option Block will keep you informed and entertained.
39episodes
Episodes
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The Option Block 1475: Skeletor's Revenge on the Markets
2d ago00:54:49Tap to summarizeBy the power of volatility! The markets unleashed their inner Skeletor this week as traders grappled with a sharp Friday selloff, renewed Middle East tensions, surging volatility, and another furious round of AI-fueled stock action. Host Mark Longo welcomes Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) and Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) for a wide-ranging discussion covering everything from He-Man trivia and Masters of the Universe nostalgia to Broadcom, Micron, Nvidia, Intel, Apple, SpaceX, VIX, and the relentless AI trade. The panel debates whether Friday's selloff was simply a healthy pullback after a historic rally, examines the latest volatility action, breaks down unusual options activity in Equinox Gold (EQX) and American Battery Technology (ABAT), and explores how traders may use options to approach the highly anticipated SpaceX IPO. In this episode: Skeletor's impact on modern markets Friday's selloff and Monday's rebound VIX, volatility, and market sentiment AI valuations and the semiconductor trade SpaceX IPO expectations Unusual options activity in EQX and ABAT Nvidia, Tesla, Apple, Intel, Micron, and more Listener favorites and market outlook Can the bulls reclaim all-time highs, or is Skeletor just getting started? Tune in and find out.
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The Option Block 1474: Rise of the Phone Zombies
6d ago00:57:47Tap to summarizeZombie phone brands are back from the grave. This episode of The Option Block dives into the surprising resurgence of Nokia and BlackBerry as traders chase AI-fueled momentum, while Broadcom suffers one of the largest market-cap wipeouts in history. Mark Longo, Henry Schwartz (Cboe), and Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) break down the latest options activity, unusual trades, market rotation, volatility trends, and the continuing explosion in options volume. You'll also hear discussion on: Broadcom's post-earnings collapse Nvidia's latest rally Micron's wild ride above 1,000 Nokia and BlackBerry's AI-fueled comeback Record-setting options volume in May Small-cap and Russell 2000 strength The end of the Pattern Day Trader rule Unusual activity in NextNav, BlackBerry and 10X Genomics SpaceX IPO excitement and what it could mean for options traders
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The Option Block 1473: Exploding Space Stocks
1w ago00:56:49Tap to summarizeThe S&P 500 hits fresh all-time highs while options traders unleash record-setting volume across the market. On this episode of The Option Block, Mark "The Voice of Options" Longo, Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi and "Uncle" Mike Tosaw examine the resurgence in software stocks, the speculative boom in space-related names, massive moves in Micron, Oracle, Microsoft, Palantir and Nvidia, plus unusual options activity in Virgin Galactic and Taseko Mines. The team also discusses VIX below 16, new highs in the market, earnings season, copper demand, AI-driven rallies and the elimination of the Pattern Day Trader rule. Other topics in this episode included: 🔹 Record options volume 🔹 Space stock speculation 🔹 AI and software resurgence 🔹 Micron options frenzy 🔹 Virgin Galactic unusual activity 🔹 VIX analysis 🔹 Earnings preview 🔹 Strategy Block with Uncle Mike
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The Option Block 1472: SPACEX, SHIELDS AND Weird OI Anomalies
2w ago00:57:24Tap to summarizeThe market is hitting brand new all-time highs, but the options landscape is flashing some highly unusual signals. In this episode of The Option Block, Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw, and Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz break down the wild, speculative environment driving the latest sea of green. The panel dives deep into the upcoming, historic SpaceX IPO—discussing what traders can expect from its highly anticipated options debut, potential volume records, and the structural listing criteria. Plus, the team breaks down a massive, inexplicable 1.55 million contract open interest anomaly in the Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD), and a massive post-earnings call option explosion in Snowflake (SNOW). On the Docket: The Trading Block: The market pushes north of 7,500 while VIX and VVIX get their legs cut out from under them. What does an inverted put/call skew in 55% of tech names tell us about current market frothiness? The SpaceX Countdown: Anticipating the June IPO. Will SpaceX options instantly usurp Tesla and Nvidia at the top of the volume charts? The Odd Block: Massive call buying and vertical spreads in Snowflake (SNOW) ahead of its monster 40% post-earnings move. Weird OI Anomalies: Breaking down a multi-million contract data glitch in the Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and heavy bullish rolls in ASP Isotopes (ASPI). Around the Block: Flatlining put demand in the SPX, a look at silver (SLV) channeling at the 70 level, and why Mike is keeping a close eye on his massive Palantir (PLTR) holdings.
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The Option Block 1471: Forget AI…It's All About Cheese Balls!!!
3w ago00:58:31Tap to summarizeNVDA earnings are in the books… and the market barely blinked. The crew breaks down the post-earnings reaction, volatility collapse, VIX drifting lower, bond market swings, fuel cell madness, Hyperliquid upside, and unusual options activity lighting up names like PURR, BLDP, UTZ and more. Plus: Is the market still running on AI hype… or has the great pivot to cheese balls officially begun?
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The Option Block 1470: The Swimsuit Issue of the Options Market
3w ago00:56:43Tap to summarizeThe indices might be flashing red, but the Option Block crew is bringing the heat. In this episode, Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw, and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi dive into market weekend head-fakes, the tech vs. energy sector tug-of-war, and why a certain famous swimsuit issue used to flood the trading floors like clockwork. 🔥 EXCLUSIVE LISTENER PROMO: Want a trading platform built by option traders, for option traders? Join TastyTrade, Investopedia's Best Platform for Options Trading 2026! Open and fund a new account using code DOUBLE2026 by May 31st, 2026, and earn a Double Commission Rebate up to $3,000 total on your stock and ETF options trades for your first 30 days. Head to tastytrade.com/insider to claim your rebate! The guys break down massive volume spikes in the QQQs, an explosive earnings season sitting at a 130% straddle outperformance, and unusual activity cooking in some wild single-name tickers. On The Docket: The Trading Block: Analyzing a volatile Monday open, VIX hovering near 18, and how the markets are digesting the ongoing Middle East tensions. The Hot Seat: Massive volume in the tech space—tracking giant movement in NVIDIA, Tesla, Apple, and Alphabet, plus a look at Micron's massive whipsaws. The Earnings Block: Sneak peeks at what to expect from upcoming prints including Home Depot, Lowe's, Target, Walmart, and the highly anticipated NVIDIA report. The Odd Block: Pulling back the curtain on unusual option activity in AmpliTech Group (AMPG), Petrobras (PBR), and newcomer T1 Energy (TE). The Strategy Block: Uncle Mike revisits the underrated power of utilizing put spreads to neutralize vega, manage theta, and efficiently hedge your portfolio.
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The Option Block 1469: Feeding the AI Beast...Literally
4w ago00:58:01Tap to summarizeMarket volatility remains stubbornly persistent even as the S&P 500 blows past 7500 and the Dow hits 50K. In this episode, Mark Longo and the all-star panel break down why the "Thursday Curse" has officially become a "Thursday Blessing." The team dives deep into a massive day for single-name options, including a jaw-dropping pivot from Aramark (ARMK) into the AI data center space. Plus, Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz breaks down the unusual upside call kinks, "Uncle" Mike Tosaw discusses the isolated nature of this rally, and the panel analyzes the "dumpster fire" that is Ford finally finding a new spark. On this episode, the panel discusses: The Trading Block: S&P 7500, Dow 50K, and the curious resilience of the VIX despite all-time highs. Flowmaster Insights: Henry Schwartz explains why 44% of liquid stocks are showing inverted call skew. The Odd Block: Why is Aramark (the cafeteria people) suddenly an AI play? Plus, a look at Hyperliquid (PURR) and FIRMI. Portfolio Strategy: Mike Tosaw on managing covered calls during an explosive bull run. Earnings Watch: Previewing the heavy hitters still on the deck, including the big NVIDIA print.
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The Option Block 1468: Everything Old Is New Again
May 1101:02:41Tap to summarizeIs "Old Tech" the new shiny toy? Mark, Uncle Mike Tosaw, and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi break down a market where legacy names are exploding and the "magical letters" of AI are breathing new life into forgotten tickers. From all-time highs in the S&P 500 to volcanic eruptions in semiconductor names, the panel navigates the latest trends, unusual activity, and protective strategies for this high-flying environment. On this episode, the team discusses: The Trading Block: A look at the S&P 500 hitting north of 7,400, VIX hovering near 18, and the "Everything Old is New Again" theme driving Apple, Intel, and Qualcomm. Single Name Surge: Breaking down the massive volume and price action in Nvidia, Tesla, Intel, Micron, and AMD. Plus, what's behind the resurgence of Nokia? The Odd Block: Unusual options activity in Sony Group (SONY), the minerals and geosciences play Ivanhoe Electric (IE), and the earnings-driven flow in Plug Power (PLUG). The Strategy Block: Uncle Mike explains how to use a 1x2 ratio put spread to get paid for buying stocks you want at a lower price while hedging for a potential pullback. Around the Block: Predictions for the rest of the week, the upcoming Nvidia earnings, and why now might be the time to look at protective puts.
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The Option Block 1467: Live from OIC 2026
May 701:00:03Tap to summarizeThe All-Star Panel is back together—mostly in person! Mark Longo and Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz are reporting live from the floor of the Options Industry Conference (OIC) 2026. Joining them from the (slightly) quieter confines of St. Charles is Uncle Mike Tosaw. In this special episode, the crew breaks down a blistering week in the markets where all-time highs are becoming the daily norm. Henry Schwartz shares exclusive insights from his "State of the Industry" presentation, revealing a massive surge in contract volume and the future of the options exchange landscape. On the Docket: The Trading Block: S&P 500 hitting 73.5? The panel discusses the "madness" of the current bull run, the Middle East geopolitical impact, and why Apple is being rewarded for its AI patience. State of the Industry: Henry drops the data on why we're on track for 18 billion contracts in 2026. Plus, the evolution of 0DTE (Zero Days to Expiration) and the rise of event contracts. The Odd Block: Unusual activity in Gambling.com (GAMB), the "Hype" token tracking stock (PURR), and a massive reaching-for-the-stars call buy in Cognizant (CTSH). Around the Block: Predictions for the summer doldrums (or lack thereof) and why the VIX isn't budging despite minor pullbacks.
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The Option Block 1466: The Strait vs. AI - Round 2
May 401:03:24Tap to summarizeThe market is caught in a tug-of-war between geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the relentless AI spending boom. In this episode, Mark Longo, Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, and "Uncle Mike" Tosaw break down why the indices are shaking off war jitters to focus on massive server farm investments. The panel explores the "post-ceasefire" volatility environment, the surprising resilience of Mag Seven earnings, and the massive $700 billion projected spend on AI infrastructure. Plus, a deep dive into unusual activity in names you haven't heard in years—including a legacy giant's attempt to pivot to AI. On the Block: The Trading Block: VIX cash flirts with an 18 handle, while Nokia and Caterpillar become unexpected AI plays. The Odd Block: Unusual options activity in Aurora Innovation (AUR), a "Viceroy Special" in Xerox (XRX), and haptic tech plays in Immersion Corp (IMMR). The Strategy Block: Uncle Mike breaks down Timeframe Selection—the pros and cons of daily vs. monthly covered calls and how to maximize time decay. Mail Block: Listener questions on rising gas prices, EV interest in Tesla and Rivian, and the panel's take on the new Hulk Hogan documentary. Featured Partner: Join TastyTrade today and earn a double commission rebate of up to $3,000 on your stock and ETF options trades for 30 days—visit tastytrade.com/insider for details.
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