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.
32episodes
Episodes
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The Option Block 1468: Everything Old Is New Again
1w ago01:02:41Tap 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
2w ago01:00:03Tap 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
2w ago01:03:24Tap 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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The Option Block 1465: Cutting a Fat Hog in the Butt with AI
3w ago00:58:07Tap to summarizeAI spending is moving the needle on the US GDP, and the Option Block panel is here to break down the massive capital allocation driving the markets. In this episode, Mark Longo is joined by Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz from Cboe and Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management to discuss whether the market is "cutting a fat hog in the butt" with these record AI expenditures or if we're witnessing a historic capital misallocation. In this episode: The Trading Block: A deep dive into the mega-cap earnings sweep. From Meta's spending spook to Alphabet's cloud success and Microsoft's mixed bag, the team analyzes how AI CapEx is now a primary driver of market sentiment. The "Fat Hog" Trade: Mike Tosaw explains his covered call strategy in Qualcomm (QCOM) and why sometimes making a 6% premium in a month still feels like leaving meat on the bone. The Odd Block: Unusual activity in Blue Owl Capital (OWL), Imperial Petroleum (IMPP), and a "palette cleanser" trade in Levi Strauss (LEVI). Around the Block: Predictions for Apple earnings, the upcoming OIC conference, and why the "buy the dip" mentality persists in the face of macro uncertainty.
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The Option Block 1464: Everyone Gets a Peace Dividend!
3w ago00:58:25Tap to summarizeIs the market pricing in a "Peace Dividend" before the peace actually arrives? Host Mark Longo is joined by "Uncle" Mike Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi of Option Pit to break down a market that refuses to quit. Despite geopolitical tensions, the S&P 500 is flirting with all-time highs—is this a "Peace Dividend" or just aggressive momentum? In this episode, the panel dives into: The Trading Block: A look at the "drifting" market, VIX cash levels, and the massive rally in tech. Why are algos and retail traders buying the dip with both hands? Earnings Palooza: Preparing for the "mother of all earnings weeks" with Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Intel on deck. Plus, a look at the wild volatility haircut in Amazon's straddle. The Odd Block: Unusual activity in Vila Silver Corp (VZLA), a massive pre-earnings play in NOV Inc (NOV), and the explosion (and subsequent implosion) of Poet Technologies (POET). Strategy Block: Uncle Mike shares a "low-risk entry" strategy using SPY call diagonals to capture double leverage with limited downside. 80s Trivia: A heated battle over science and geography that leaves the panel questioning everything (including the color of a Chow Chow's tongue). tastytrade, named the Best Broker for Options by Investopedia. See for yourself at: tastytrade.com/podcasts
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The Option Block 1463: Crude, FIGS, and Medical Scrubs - Pick Your Poison!
4w ago01:00:08Tap to summarizeIf you think the market makes sense right now, you haven't been paying attention. This week on the Option Block, host Mark Longo is joined by Dan Passarelli (MarketTaker Mentoring), Brian Overby (The Options Playbook), and Kevin Carter (Cboe Global Markets) to navigate a market that is equal parts predictable and head-scratching. On the Docket: Trading Block: A look at the surging price of crude and why semiconductors are carrying a "tired" market. The Odd Block: We investigate massive call buying in FIGS (Medical Scrubs) ahead of earnings. Is it a retail frenzy or institutional positioning? Plus, unusual flows in Hasbro (HAS) and Comcast (CMCSA). Strategy Session: Brian Overby breaks down his recent trade in Netflix and explains the mechanics of a back ratio spread to repair a stock position (The "Covered Call on Steroids"). Volatility Watch: Discussing why the VIX remains largely "hunched" despite a sea of red on the screens and geopolitical bullets flying. Mail Block: Listeners ask about the updated SKU index and the tactical use of high vol.
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The Option Block 1462: The Twin Mysteries of PBI and South Dakota
Apr 2000:59:52Tap to summarizeJoin Mark Longo, Mike Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management, and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi as they break down a head-scratching Monday open. Despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and firing in the Straits, the markets remain resilient. Why is capital still fearlessly flowing into equities? In this episode, the panel dives into: The Trading Block: A look at the "Green Day" phenomenon, VIX levels, and why "AI magic" seems to be offsetting interest rate jitters and geopolitical unrest. Odd Block: A deep dive into unusual activity in Pitney Bowes (PBI)—a name that hasn't surfaced on the network in nearly 20 years—and the recovery play in Coursera (COUR). Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw explains why "Dudes gotta be dudes" in your covered call portfolio and how to categorize your stocks like a football roster to maximize performance. Earnings Season: Previews for Tesla (TSLA), Boeing (BA), United Airlines (UAL), and the "Sneaky Fins" at Nokia. Trivia: Test your geography skills—do you know the capital of South Dakota and the "Pierre vs. Pier" pronunciation debate? Visit tastytrade.com/podcasts to see why Investopedia named them the best broker for options."
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The Option Block 1461: Wizards, Drones, and Massive Relief Rallies
Apr 1700:59:20Tap to summarizeIs this the "Golden Age" of derivatives trading, or are we just off the rails? In this episode, Mark Longo and the "All-Star Panel" break down an explosive week that saw the S&P 500 rally nearly 700 handles off the lows. With the VIX coming back to earth and new all-time highs on the horizon, the team explores whether the market has finally exhausted the bears. On the Block: The Macro View: A look at the 10% gain in the S&P 500 since late March and why the "Dudes" (Big Tech names like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft) are leading the charge. RMC Recap: Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz returns from the Cboe Risk Management Conference with insights on the state of the industry and retail vs. RIA flow at Schwab. Zero DTE Debate: Is selling zero-day options becoming too crowded, or is there still a "free weekend" to be had? The Odd Block: Merlin, Inc. (MRLN): A newcomer specializing in AI-powered autonomous flight (drones). Why is the stock up 300% from its lows? Compass Therapeutics (CMPX): Massive volume in biotech. Is someone betting on a binary event? Lucid Group (LCID): While the rest of the market rallies, the EVs are getting shellacked. We look at the bearish flow and potential "line in the sand" puts.
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The Option Block 1460: Stealthy U-Boats and Sneaky Finns
Apr 1300:57:57Tap to summarizeMarkets shrug off geopolitical chaos yet again as the Option Block crew dives into stealthy U-boats, sneaky Finns, and surging stocks. Mark Longo, "Uncle" Mike Tosaw, and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi break down the latest action in equities, volatility, earnings season, unusual options flow, and strategy in today's volatile environment. In this episode: U-Boat trivia sparks another heated 80s challenge battle Markets rally despite escalating Middle East tensions VIX slips below 20 while traders pile into downside puts Goldman Sachs earnings reaction and major financial earnings preview Unusual options activity in Coupang (CPNG) and Nokia (NOK) Intel, Tesla, Palantir, Oracle, and CoreWeave heating up Strategy Block: How to trade elevated volatility with covered calls and vertical spreads Around the Block: What to watch into the next session tastytrade — the brokerage built for active options traders, featuring low commissions, powerful analytics, and education for traders of all levels.
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The Option Block 1459: Rallies for Days
Apr 1000:57:36Tap to summarizeIs the market finally out of the woods, or is this just a massive relief rally? On this episode of The Option Block, Host Mark Longo is joined by "Uncle Mike" Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management for "Uncle Mike Spotlight Week." The panel breaks down a market that seems determined to buy every dip following the de-escalation of hostilities in the Persian Gulf. In this episode, we dive into: The Trading Block: The S&P 500 eyes the 6,845 level as it nears positive territory for the year. We analyze the "truth" found in the charts versus the news cycle and look at the VIX as it exhales toward the 20 handle. The Odd Block: A deep dive into unusual activity in Photronics (PLAB) with June 55 calls, a massive swing for the fences in Satellogic (SATL) April 9 calls, and a post-mortem on the heavy volume in Terawulf (WULF). Big Tech Breakdown: Momentum shifts in Amazon (AMZN) and Meta, a surge in Intel (INTC), and why Palantir (PLTR) is seeing red despite the broader market green. Mail Call: We review the "Question of the Week" regarding the long-term market impact of Middle East conflict and settle the debate: Microsoft (MSFT) vs. Micron (MU). Around the Block: What to watch for as we approach the weekend, including WD-40 (WDFC) earnings and the critical technical resistance levels for the major indices.
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