Episodes

  • The Option Block 1468: Everything Old Is New Again
    May 11 2026

    Is "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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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • The Option Block 1467: Live from OIC 2026
    May 7 2026

    The 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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    1 hr
  • The Option Block 1466: The Strait vs. AI - Round 2
    May 4 2026

    The 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.

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • The Option Block 1465: Cutting a Fat Hog in the Butt with AI
    Apr 30 2026

    AI 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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    58 mins
  • The Option Block 1464: Everyone Gets a Peace Dividend!
    Apr 28 2026

    Is 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).

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    58 mins
  • The Option Block 1463: Crude, FIGS, and Medical Scrubs - Pick Your Poison!
    Apr 23 2026

    If 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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    1 hr
  • The Option Block 1462: The Twin Mysteries of PBI and South Dakota
    Apr 20 2026

    Join 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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    1 hr
  • The Option Block 1461: Wizards, Drones, and Massive Relief Rallies
    Apr 17 2026

    Is 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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    59 mins