• 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
  • Options Boot Camp 389: Live from OIC 2026
    May 11 2026

    The drill instructors are going mobile! This week, Options Boot Camp is reporting for duty live from the 2026 Options Industry Conference (OIC). Host Mark Longo is joined on-site by the "black-hatted one" himself, Dan Passarelli of Market Taker Mentoring, to break down the hottest trends and most controversial topics buzzing on the conference floor.

    From the rapid evolution of 0DTE (Zero Days to Expiration) options in single names to the looming reality of 24/7 equity and options trading, Mark and Dan pull back the curtain on where the industry is headed. They also dive into the "everything old is new again" trend of event contracts and prediction markets, the potential pitfalls of tokenizing Apple shares, and whether AI chatbots will soon be the ones recommending your next iron condor.

    In this episode, we cover:

    • The 0DTE Explosion: A look at how single-name zero-day options became a reality despite industry skepticism.

    • The 24-Hour Market Push: Is 24/7 trading an inevitability, and what does it mean for liquidity and "circuit breaker" rest?

    • The "Wheel" Strategy: Dan discusses the ROI metrics you need for the Wheel and why brokers still struggle to track this strategy holistically.

    • AI and the Virtual Pit: Can a registered chatbot truly understand your personal risk tolerance?

    • Event Contracts & Litigation: Why the next big boom in binary options might lead to a billion-dollar battle between states and exchanges.

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    33 mins
  • Volatility Views 679: OIC Surprises, Upside Crashes and Evil Hanses
    May 9 2026

    In this episode of Volatility Views, host Mark Longo checks in from the road at the Options Industry Conference (OIC) to break down a week of relentless market rallies and "upside crashes." Joining the show is Hans Albrecht from Option Pit, who steps into the hot seat to discuss why volatility isn't dropping despite the S&P 500 blowing past 7,300.

    The duo explores the shifting market structure—from the rise of 0DTE (Zero Days to Expiration) options to the looming world of 24-hour options trading and AI-powered brokers. Plus, a look at the "Evil Hans" trope in fiction and why giving yourself "time to be wrong before you're right" is the ultimate trading edge.

    Key Highlights Include:
    • The OIC Briefing: Predictions for 18 billion contracts in 2024 and the legal battle over "trades vs. bets" in prediction markets.

    • The Upside Crash: Why the VIX is staying bid even as markets hit all-time highs—and the parabolic moves in names like Micron.

    • Market Structure Shifts: The impact of CTAs, vol-targeting funds, and leveraged ETFs on daily closing imbalances.

    • Volatility Term Structure: A deep dive into the contango/slope and why the October "midterm" futures are worth watching.

    • VIX Options Flow: Analyzing the massive activity in June 65 calls and the unwinding of May upside verticals.

    Special Offer: Join TastyTrade today and earn a double commission rebate up to $3,000 total on your stock and ETF option trades for 30 days. Visit tastytrade.com/insider for more info.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • TWIFO 496: Live from OIC 2026
    May 8 2026

    To make your workflow as smooth as possible, I've tailored these specifically for the requirements of each platform. The Libsyn version focuses on readability for mobile podcast apps, while the YouTube version is optimized for search visibility and video engagement.

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    TWIFO 496: Live from OIC 2026 | Equity Surges & Volatility Shocks

    Live from the Options Industry Conference (OIC) 2026 in Palm Beach, Florida, host Mark Longo brings you a special "Just the Facts" edition of This Week in Futures Options.

    The markets are hitting a fever pitch as we balance a 50/50 split between "light side" gainers and "dark side" laggards. We break down the massive institutional volume at CME Group, from the surprising rally in Rough Rice to the heavy retreat in the Energy complex.

    On the Docket:

    • Movers & Shakers: A look at the NASDAQ 100, Bitcoin, and Silver gains vs. the sharp drops in Brent, WTI, and RBOB.

    • Equity Spotlight: The E-Mini S&P 500 is "kissing strikes" we've never seen. We analyze the 3.3 million contracts on the tape and the massive 0DTE (zero day) flow.

    • NASDAQ Analysis: Why traders are eyeing the 26,000 puts for a potential near-term reversal.

    • OIC 2026 Trends: Brief insights on 24-hour trading, crypto, and AI from the conference floor.

    Resources:

    • CME Group Data: Check the reports for yourself at cmegroup.com/twifo

    • Go Pro: Get exclusive Q&A sessions and live access at theoptionsinsider.com/pro

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    16 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
  • Wide World of Options: Demystifying AI in Options Trading
    May 7 2026

    Artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of options trading but what does that actually mean? In this episode of Wide World of Options, host Mark Benzaquen welcomes Financial AI founder and CEO, Pouya Taahol, as he breaks down how investors are using machine learning, predictive analytics, and automation, and explores the questions every trader should be asking. Whether you're new to options or a seasoned investor, this is your guide to understanding one of the biggest shifts happening in financial markets today.

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    37 mins
  • 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.

    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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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • The Hot Options Report: 05-01-2026
    May 2 2026

    It was a high-volume "May Day" on the options tape as massive action flooded the market to wrap up a blockbuster earnings week. Mark Longo breaks down why fading the initial move in $AAPL was the trade of the day and how $INTC finally cleared a historic milestone.

    On Today's Report:

    • The $AAPL Rebound: Apple shakes off a shaky after-hours start to surge back past the strike zone.

    • $INTC Makes History: Breaking the century mark with massive volume as Intel hits new all-time highs.

    • $TSLA Steals the Crown: Moving millions of contracts to edge out $NVDA for the top spot.

    • The One-Year Low Scan: A look at the names hitting the floor, including $FUJHY and $GGLS.

    • Rapid Fire: Volume alerts for $MSTR, $MU, $NOK, $AMD, $MSFT, and $AMZN.

    Visit TheHotOptionsReport.com to run your own scans!

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    12 mins