The Option Block

In this episode, the hosts dive deep into various market activities and the options landscape. They kick off discussing VIX trends, with Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) anxiously monitoring for an all-time high in the S&P 500. Flowmaster Henry Schwartz (Cboe) analyzes unusual options activity in Rocket Labs, Sunrun, and Citi, giving insights into recent call buying patterns and market movements. Listener polls on VIX options and market reactions to the Middle East conflict are dissected, revealing diverse audience perspectives. The show wraps up with a look ahead to upcoming market events and strategies. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:04 Meet the Hosts and Special Guests 03:15 Market Updates and Trading Insights 04:39 Uncle Mike's Market Analysis 05:51 Flowmaster's Market Data Insights 06:44 Trading Block: Latest Trends and Trades 22:48 Single Name Volume and Earnings Highlights 29:42 Unusual Options Activity 30:26 Welcome to The Odd Block 31:05 Rocket Labs' Wild Ride 34:53 Sunrun's Solar Struggles 40:20 Citi's Financial Moves 44:38 Audience Mail Call 49:55 Market Predictions and Flex Options

In this episode of the Option Block, host Mark Longo and co-hosts "Uncle" Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi from Option Pit discuss the latest market trends and unusual options activity. The team delves into the market's reaction to U.S. involvement in a Middle Eastern conflict and debates its impact on volatility. They also analyze trading activity in names like Zeta Global Holdings, Appian Corp, and others, while offering strategies for managing these uncertain times. A special '80s trivia challenge takes place, adding a fun twist to the episode. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:28 Meet the Hosts and Co-Hosts 03:43 Trivia Challenge: 1980s Edition 06:42 The Trading Block: Market Analysis 07:10 Geopolitical Events and Market Impact 22:13 Energy Sector and Market Resilience 29:03 Palantir and Circle Internet Group Analysis 30:46 HIMSS and AMD Market Movements 32:18 Tesla's Self-Driving Taxis and Earnings Preview 33:22 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 34:06 Zeta Global Holdings and Appian Corp Insights 45:16 Strategy Block: Box Spread Explained 50:49 Around the Block: Market Watch and Predictions

This episode of the Option Block kicks off with the hosts Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management, and Andrew 'the Rock Lobster' Giovinazzi from The Option Pit discuss the impact of the recent Middle East conflict on the market. They note that markets are rallying despite the conflict, suggesting a 'fade the spike' approach might have been profitable. The show then delves into unusual options activities, including large trades in BEKE, ADM, and BILI, indicating bullish sentiments in Chinese equities. Uncle Mike provides a strategy segment focused on 'box spreads' and teases further exploration in the next episode. The episode concludes with the hosts sharing what they will be watching in the markets until the next show. 01:07 Meet the Hosts and Show Overview 03:05 The 80s Trivia Challenge 04:20 Trivia Challenge Results and Market Analysis 06:54 The Trading Block: Market Trends and Insights 10:07 Middle East Conflict and Market Reactions 14:04 Listener Interaction and Market Updates 27:35 GameStop's Struggles and Tech Bro Jokes 28:15 Top 10 Stocks: Intel, Amazon, and More 29:21 Meta Platforms and the AI Buzz 30:50 Tesla's Surprising Drop in Rankings 31:39 AMD's Surge and AI Optimism 32:34 Nvidia vs. Palantir: The Ratio Battle 34:00 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 34:39 China's Real Estate and Tech Stocks 47:52 Strategy Block: Understanding Box Spreads 52:21 Around the Block: Market Watch and Predictions

This episode of The Option Block dives deep into various facets of the options market. The hosts discuss the latest market trends, the impact of macroeconomic factors, and notable unusual options activity. Highlight segments include a debate on the preferred terminology of 'ratio spread' versus 'back spread' and the critical choice of the best asset in an apocalyptic scenario (gold, diamonds, Bitcoin, or bullets). The show also features discussions on recent significant trades in VIX, Rocket Companies, NuScale Power, and Oracle, and an intriguing revelation about a potential volatility death match involving the FlowMaster. 01:19 Meet the Hosts and Panelists 03:08 Kicking Off the Option Block 04:57 Introducing Today's Guests 07:13 Market Analysis and Trends 17:54 VIX and Trading Volume Insights 21:14 Single Name Options Activity 27:24 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 29:19 Rocket Companies Stock Analysis 30:33 Unusual Options Activity in Rocket Companies 32:53 Nuscale Power Corp Stock Surge 37:35 Oracle's Unexpected Call Options 42:19 Listener Mailbag and Poll Results 53:29 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

This episode of the Option Block covers a variety of topics in the options market. Hosts Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw and Andrew 'the Rock Lobster' Giovinazzi discuss the latest trends, including VIX fluctuations, significant moves in stocks like Nvidia and Palantir, and unusual activity in names such as Warner Brothers Discovery and Joby Aviation. Additionally, the show features a lighthearted 80s trivia segment, a strategy block focusing on diversification within a stock portfolio, and listener polling on current market sentiments. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:54 Upcoming Events and Special Announcements 04:15 The 80s Trivia Challenge 07:29 Market Analysis and Trading Block 17:08 VIX and SPY Insights 26:38 Market Rumors and Hood Discussion 27:14 Apple and Tesla Updates 28:28 Nvidia and Meme Stocks Buzz 29:48 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 30:29 Warner Brothers Discovery Analysis 36:44 Joby Aviation and Drone Stocks 41:28 Navitas and Chip Stocks 43:46 Strategy Block: Diversification in Portfolios 47:48 Around the Block: Market Watch and Polls 53:01 Show Wrap-Up and Upcoming Content

In this episode of The Option Block, the hosts delve into the recent trends and record-breaking volumes in the options market. Mark Longo, Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, and "Uncle" Mike Tosaw discuss the remarkable 1.17 billion contracts traded in May 2025 and the factors behind this surge. They analyze trading activity in companies like Unity Software, Kraft Heinz, and Chipotle, highlighting notable options trades and market movements. The episode also explores Tesla's downside activity and the implications of macroeconomic factors on market volatility. Additionally, the hosts address listener questions about the highest volume days and weeks in options trading history. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:04 Meet the Hosts and Co-Hosts & Kicking Off the Option Block Show 06:02 Market Analysis and Trends 14:51 Trading Volume and Market Activity 27:00 Apple Trade Poll Results 27:17 Palantir's Market Impact 28:51 Amazon's Cloud Investment 30:01 Tesla's Market Movements 30:27 Analyzing Tesla Puts 34:01 Unity Software's Volatility 39:34 Kraft Heinz Market Analysis 41:45 Kratos Defense Insights 44:19 Chipotle's Market Performance 47:43 Mail Block: Listener Questions 50:14 Around the Block: Market Watch

In this episode, host Mark Longo is joined by co-hosts "Uncle Mike" Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management and Andrew "the Rock Lobster" Giovanazzi from Option Pit. They discuss various aspects of the current options market, including unusual activity alerts, market analysis, and strategies. The show kicks off with a lively and contentious eighties trivia challenge, setting a spirited tone for the episode. Key topics include a detailed look at the AI phenomenon affecting tech stocks like Google Class A, Amazon, and Nvidia. They also delve into specific trades in stocks like UnitedHealth and their broader implications. Uncle Mike discusses the importance of having a plan when dealing with high-volatility trades and explains his cautious approach despite being a noted bull. The episode finishes with a preview of upcoming earnings, including household names like Dollar General and Cracker Barrel, and a thorough examination of ongoing options activity. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Information 01:25 Meet the Hosts 03:13 80s Trivia Challenge 07:26 Market Analysis and Trading Insights 09:22 Drone Stocks and Market Reactions 15:20 Energy and Technology Sector Highlights 19:24 VIX and Single Stock Options Activity 25:44 Tech Stocks Performance Overview 26:09 Meta's AI Announcement and Market Reaction 26:52 Core Weave Deal and AI Dominance 27:47 Apple and Other Tech Giants 28:43 Palantir vs. Nvidia: A Market Poll 29:59 Earnings Highlights and Market Trends 31:24 Unusual Options Activity: The Odd Block 44:01 Strategy Insights: Hedging and Market Volatility 49:18 Market Watch and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Mark Longo, Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) and Henry Schwartz (Cboe Global Markets) delve into a wide array of topics affecting the options markets. Discussions include an analysis of Nvidia's earnings report and its impact on the market, unusual activity in Unity Software Inc. and Kraft Heinz, and significant put buying in Trump Media. The episode also explores audience opinions on speculative trades like the VIX July 50 calls and the potential listing of zero DTE options on major tech stocks. The episode wraps up with a look at what to watch in the market for the upcoming days. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:19 Meet the Hosts and Co-Hosts 05:50 Market Updates and Analysis 08:08 Trading Block Insights 18:11 Single Name Options Activity 27:47 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 30:22 Massive Call Option Trades on Unity 31:54 Analyzing Unity's Historical Call Spikes 33:46 Kraft Heinz: Short-Term Call Spikes 37:40 Trump Media: High Volatility and Big Put Positions 41:49 Lyft: Bullish Call Sweeps Amid Market Fluctuations 44:41 Listener Polls and Market Sentiment 54:23 Final Thoughts and Market Watch

In this episode of the Option Block, host Mark Longo and his co-hosts Henry Schwartz (Cboe) and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) analyze the most interesting and unusual options market activities, including the standout performances of lesser-known stocks like Core Weave, GameStop, and D-Wave Quantum. The discussion also covers significant topics such as the expansion proposal of zero-day options by Nasdaq, the impacts of macroeconomic factors like interest rates and bonds, as well as insightful observations on trading strategies. 03:15 Thursday Edition Kickoff 03:40 OIC Conference Highlights 04:18 Pro Trading Crate and Giveaways 04:38 Welcome Back, Flowmaster 07:18 Market Analysis and Trends 12:18 Interest Rates and Market Sentiment 18:41 Unusual Options Activity 33:04 Peloton's Rollercoaster Ride 34:25 Massive Call Buying in Peloton 37:13 Par Pacific Holdings: A Comeback Story 42:31 Compass: Real Estate Brokerage Insights 45:32 Listener Mailbag and Flash Poll 48:10 Debating Zero-Day Options 58:03 Around the Block: Market Watch

This episode of The Option Block delves into recent trends in options markets, including a massive surge in volume during April and the notable activity in quantum computing stocks such as D-Wave Quantum. The discussion also covers the rise and fall of various sectors, key activities in names like American Eagle Outfitters and United Health, and the state of volatility in the markets. Additionally, the hosts engage the audience with polls on VIX trades and options strategies, discuss the unpredictable nature of the current market, and share insights from recent industry conferences. 03:15 Kickoff: The Option Block Show Begins 05:44 Market Overview and Trading Insights 07:57 Uncle Mike Tosaw's Market Observations 11:48 Kevin Carter's Market Analysis 14:32 April Options Market Performance from OCC 18:37 Zero-Day Options Trading 23:22 Single Name Stocks and Market Movers 29:05 Market Panic and Put Options Strategy 30:13 Tesla and Nvidia Stock Analysis 31:02 Hot Earnings Action This Week 33:22 The Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 38:31 Quantum Computing Stocks: D-Wave Quantum Inc. 43:05 Open Door Technologies and Long-Term Calls 46:03 VIX Polls and Market Predictions 51:23 Around the Block: Market Leaders and Bonds