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.
55episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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.
Transcribe →
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.
Transcribe →
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.
Transcribe →
The Option Block 1458: The Juice, The Kardashians, and the Bloody Battlefield of VRDN
Apr 600:57:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Option Block, Host Mark Longo and "Uncle" Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management dive into a wild Monday market. With "The Rock Lobster" hitting the slopes, the duo navigates a landscape filled with geopolitical headline risk, 80s sports trivia, and significant technical sell-offs. The Trading Block: The panel analyzes the "Monday Rally" following a weekend of geopolitical tension. We look at the VIX hanging near 24, the impact of non-farm payrolls on a closed market Friday, and the massive volume in Tesla (TSLA) as it dips below the $350 level. Plus, a breakdown of the top 10 most actives including Intel (INTC), Apple (AAPL), and Nvidia (NVDA). The Odd Block: It's a "blood-red" day for Veridian Therapeutics (VRDN). We examine the massive 22% drop and the suspicious put activity leading into May earnings. We also revisit Enovix Corp (ENVX) call buying and a "lose-lose" expiration scenario in Magna Corp (MAGN). Strategy & Mail Block: Uncle Mike discusses Strike Price Selection for covered calls in a high-volatility environment—should you go for the "juice" at-the-money or play it safe? We also reveal the results of our "Gun to your Head" poll: Microsoft (MSFT) vs. Micron (MU).
Transcribe →
The Option Block 1457: The Super Sexy World of Soup Options
Apr 200:57:25Tap to summarizeMarket volatility is mirroring the spring weather—swinging from 80 degrees to 40 in a flash. Host Mark Longo is joined by "The Flowmaster" Henry Schwartz of Cboe and Uncle Mike Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management to break down a record-shattering month in the options market and find out why everyone is suddenly trading... soup? On this episode, the crew dives into: The Trading Block: A look at a massive "Red Thursday." We recap the overnight sell-off fueled by geopolitical tensions and the surprising intraday recovery. Volume Records: March was a "banger." We break down the OCC numbers showing over 1.5 billion contracts traded—the spiciest month in history. The Odd Block: * Campbell Soup (CPB): Why is there aggressive call buying in a stock the CEO allegedly caught on a hot mic disparaging? Marathon Digital (MARA): Deciphering the massive roll in the 8.5 calls as crypto miners pivot to AI data centers. Replimune Group (REPL): A 300% IV biotech play that has "wild" written all over it. Around the Block: Predictions on the long-term market impact of Middle East conflicts and what to watch for in a truncated holiday week.
Transcribe →
The Option Block 1456: We're All Trading War Bonds Now
Mar 3000:58:27Tap to summarizeIs the treasury market the new "war bond" front? As conflict-driven volatility continues to grip the markets, the Option Block panel gathers to break down a Monday session defined by crushing vol, shifting correlations, and a flight to safety. Mark Longo is joined by Uncle Mike Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi from Option Pit to discuss whether we've entered a "sell the rally" regime reminiscent of the 1990s. In this episode, the team dives into: The Trading Block: Why the "Grand Conciliatory Gesture" rally failed early, and why small caps are getting rotated into oblivion. The Odd Block: Unusual activity in Palantir (PLTR), a strange call play in Zoom Info (GTM), and a massive historical "home run" trade in Bilibili (BILI). The Strategy Block: How to play a 30 VIX using covered calls—should you sell at-the-money for premium or go further out-of-the-money for the eventual relief rally? Around the Block: Predictions on the "Strait of Hormuz" effect and whether the Fed has officially entered "punt mode" for the rest of 2026.
Transcribe →
The Option Block 1455: Headline Risk and Suspicious Merger Paper
Mar 2701:00:22Tap to summarizeThe markets are seeing red this Thursday, but the action in the pits is heating up. Join Mark Longo, Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, and "Uncle Mike" Tosaw as they break down a wild session dominated by geopolitical tension, spiking energy prices, and some very curious "unusual activity." In this episode, the panel dives into: The Trading Block: A look at the "Blood Red Thursday" playbook. With the S&P, Dow, and Nasdaq all sliding, why are VIX puts seeing massive volume? Plus, a look at the "Mag 10" and why small caps are finally feeling the heat. Suspicious Paper: The team revisits last week's look at Brown-Forman (BF.B). Was it luck, or did someone know something? The stock exploded 15% on merger rumors exactly as the unusual call activity predicted. Odd Block: Henry highlights unusual bullish flow in Momo (MOMO) and the high-juice world of Bit Deer (BTDR). Is it time to sell covered calls on crypto miners? Earnings Insight: Why "Love Sack" (LOVE) is the surprise winner of the day and what's expected for Nike's upcoming move. Mail Block: The listeners weigh in—will the Fed actually cut rates this year? The results are closer than you think.
Transcribe →
The Option Block 1454: The Big Bounce Back?
Mar 2301:01:05Tap to summarizeThe markets are shot out of a cannon this Monday! Host Mark Longo is joined by Uncle Mike Tosaw and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovanizzi to break down a wild "Bounce Back" session driven by shifting geopolitical headlines and "weekend risk" reversals. On this episode, the panel dives into: The Trading Block: A massive reversal in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. Is the "Taco Trade" back in play? Plus, a look at VIX cash flirting with 26 and a surge in April 30 calls. Odd Block: Unusual activity in a newcomer—TetraTech (TTEK)–and a potential "rubber rebound" in Goodyear Tire (GT). Strategy Block: Uncle Mike shares a "tool for the toolbox" for covered call writers caught in a downtrend. Mail Block: The panel debates: Will the Fed actually cut rates again in 2026? Plus, find out if you know what a "somnambulist" is in our 80s Trivia Challenge!
Transcribe →
The Option Block 1453: Getting Drunk on Crude and Coal
Mar 1900:58:46Tap to summarizeThe "Thursday Effect" strikes again as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East send markets tumbling and volatility spiking. Host Mark Longo is back in the Chicago studio to break down a "Blood-Red Thursday" alongside "Uncle" Mike Tosaw and Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz. The panel dives into the massive VIX rolls, the curious lack of a "flight to quality" in bonds and gold, and why the S&P 500 is struggling to hold the 6500 level. Plus, we look at why traders are suddenly piling into coal and spirits. In this episode, we discuss: The Trading Block: Market reaction to Middle East escalations, surging oil, and the VIX hitting 25. VIX Watch: A massive 250,000-contract roll in May/August 47.50 calls. The Odd Block: Unusual activity in Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP) and a speculative flurry in Brown-Forman (BF.B). Mail Block: What's keeping traders up at night? Geopolitical risk vs. sky-high valuations. Around the Block: What to watch as we head into the weekend, including FedEx earnings and the "Oil VIX" (OVX).
Transcribe →
The Option Block 1452: Beaker's Revenge
Mar 1600:56:27Tap to summarizeMarket volatility is feeling a bit like a Muppet Lab experiment gone wrong. In this episode, Mark Longo is broadcasting from the "Southern Studio" to join "Uncle" Mike Tosaw and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi for a deep dive into a green Monday that still feels a bit shaky. On the Docket: The Trading Block: A look at the green start to the week, the S&P 500 vacillating around 6,700, and why the VIX is holding steady at 24. Plus, the panel discusses the impact of Middle East tensions and oil supply on the broader markets. The Odd Block: Why did someone bail on a massive long-term call position in KE Holdings (BEKE) after only two days? Also, a look back at a "cemented" winner in Cemex (CX). The Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses "Neutral-ish" strategies and how to get creative with strike selection and call spreads when your favorite stocks are underperforming. Around the Block: Predictions for Nvidia earnings, Fed speak, and the "lotto ticket" 30-strike VIX calls expiring this week.
Transcribe →