The Option Block

4.1 (14)
INVESTING
UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

2D AGO

The Option Block 1470: The Swimsuit Issue of the Options Market

The 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.

57 min
6D AGO

The Option Block 1469: Feeding the AI Beast...Literally

Market 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.

58 min
MAY 11

The Option Block 1468: Everything Old Is New Again

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.

1h 3m
MAY 7

The Option Block 1467: Live from OIC 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.

1 hr
MAY 4

The Option Block 1466: The Strait vs. AI - Round 2

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.

1h 3m
APR 30

The Option Block 1465: Cutting a Fat Hog in the Butt with AI

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.

58 min
APR 28

The Option Block 1464: Everyone Gets a Peace Dividend!

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). tastytrade, named the Best Broker for Options by Investopedia. See for yourself at: tastytrade.com/podcasts

58 min
APR 23

The Option Block 1463: Crude, FIGS, and Medical Scrubs - Pick Your Poison!

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.

1 hr

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4.1

out of 5

14 Ratings

Great show. Informative. Educational. Entertaining.

12/23/2020

PLJ 2021

Highly recommended for new and experienced options investors
Options Block

01/06/2012

princk

Superb. Thoughtful, funny and wide ranging show for learning and understanding options trading.
Very disappointing

09/01/2012

Livhk

I am a relatively new listener, however i had to turn of the show after 5 minus - I am here to learn about option strategies, not to listen to Apple hating rhetorics. I get it you don't like Apple's platform but at least show you are not ignorant of Apple products if do decide to talk about it. All iPad - "Mac syncing requires a wire plugging into iTunes" - hello - have you heard of wireless syncing, iCloud sync for documents and apps ? and that the coming iPad Mini "is the stupidest idea they have come up with" - oh Really ? why ? I am fine if you hold a bearish outlook on Apple stock - I would love to hear your analysis on valuation, but a baseless claim that "3 years later the stock will definitely worth a a lot less then today ?" Such thoughtless comments leads me to seriously doubt the quality of the content on the main topic.
Great show for options traders.

07/29/2011

Loup Garou

I've been a fan of The Option Block for a long time. Now it finally has its own feed in Itunes. It's about time! This is the best options show around, bar none. These guys make options fun. They take material that can be pretty complex, and all too frequently boring as hell, and present it in a fun and entertaining way. This is my go-to show when I"m on the train to work in the morning. I only wish it came out more often than twice a week. If you trade options then you owe it to yourself to subscribe to this show.

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.