Volatility Views

Hosted by The Options Insider Radio Network

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722

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Volatility Views is the premier radio program for volatility traders. With leading industry guests and detailed analysis of volatility products, this program takes you inside the world of volatility trading like never before. If you are an experienced options trader looking to expand your understanding of volatility, or if you are simply curious about VIX and other volatility products, then this is the program for you.

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June 12, 2026Episode 68454 min

Volatility Views 684: SpaceX Caps Off a Wild Week in Volatility

A truly wild week in the markets culminated in the historic SpaceX IPO, sending shockwaves through the trading landscape. In this episode, host Mark Longo is joined by special guest Henry Schwartz (The Flow Master, Cboe) and Mark Sebastian (OptionPit) to break down a massive week of intraday swings and shifting volatility structures. The panel dives deep into the market mechanics behind the $75B SpaceX debut, exploring its staggering $2.2 trillion valuation, retail distribution frenzy, and what to expect when SpaceX options officially launch next Tuesday. Will implied volatility open 20–25% too rich? Could risk reversals yield massive credits for long holders? Plus, they analyze the macro picture: a potential Middle East peace deal, plummeting oil prices, shifting bond allocations, and why VIX cash flirted with a 22 handle before settling back down. The episode wraps up with a breakdown of VIX options flow (including heavy action on the June 18 puts) and a highly contested two-week Crystal Ball prediction that sees the panel split by over six points.

June 6, 2026Episode 68356 min

Volatility Views 683: Revenge of Dr. VIX

After months of warning that volatility was being ignored, Dr. VIX finally gets a little revenge. With the Nasdaq suffering its worst selloff of the year, VIX surging back toward the 20 handle, and volatility returning to the market, Mark Longo and Russell Rhoads break down what sparked the move and whether this is just another dip-buying opportunity or the beginning of a larger shift in sentiment. The hosts explore the impact of stronger-than-expected jobs data, shifting interest rate expectations, rising concerns about massive AI infrastructure spending, and why companies may soon have less cash available for stock buybacks. They also examine what these developments could mean for equity valuations and volatility traders heading into the summer months. In this episode: VIX surges toward the 20 level Nasdaq suffers its worst decline of the year Is the AI spending boom becoming a problem? Why buybacks may be slowing down VIX futures and volatility term structure analysis Unusual activity in VIX options UVIX, UVXY and VXX trading activity Russell's Weekly Rundown Crystal Ball predictions for next week Is this finally the comeback Dr. VIX has been waiting for, or will the bulls once again ride to the rescue?

May 29, 2026Episode 6821 hr 6 min

Volatility Views 682: Stupid VIX Trades and SVIX Outrage

Volatility continued its retreat this week as equities marched higher and the VIX flirted with the 15 handle. On this episode, Mark Longo, Russell Rhoads, and Mark Sebastian break down the latest volatility landscape, including unusual VIX weekly trades, the ongoing debate around SVIX options liquidity, heavy put buying in semiconductor ETFs, Robinhood's AI-fueled rally, and what changing day-trading rules could mean for options volume. The crew also examines VIX term structure, volatility ETP opportunities, and whether a billion-contract options week is closer than many traders think. Plus, another round of Russell's Weekly Rundown and the Crystal Ball. Looking for a new brokerage? Volatility Views listeners can earn a double commission rebate of up to $3,000 on stock and ETF option trades for 30 days. Learn more at tastytrade.com/insider.

May 22, 2026Episode 68156 min

Volatility Views 681: Urban Legends and Sexy Volatility

The markets keep rallying, volatility keeps fading, and traders keep asking the same question: what could possibly go wrong? This week on Volatility Views, Mark Longo, Russell Rhoads (Dr. VIX), and Jim Carroll of Ballast Rock Private Wealth dive into the "don't worry, be happy" market regime, VIX refusing to break higher, massive VIX weekly call activity, surprising market resilience in the face of geopolitical risk, and whether traders are underpricing uncertainty. Plus: • The rise of "Sexy Volatility" (VSXY) • Urban legends, Bobby McFerrin, and market complacency • Historic VIX weekly options activity • Spot-up / vol-up behavior • SVIX vs UVIX performance • Crystal Ball forecasts and more Brought to you by tastytrade: Open an account today and earn a double commission rebate up to $3,000 total on stock & ETF options trades for 30 days. Visit tastytrade.com/insider. Offer expires May 31, 2026. Terms apply.

May 15, 2026Episode 6801 hr 1 min

Volatility Views 680: Wet, Hot Volatility Summer!

Summer has officially arrived in the vol markets. In this episode, Mark Longo and Russell Rhoads break down a week where the markets seemed to ignore everything from Middle East conflict to hot inflation numbers—until a Friday sell-off finally brought a splash of red to the screen. The guys dive deep into the curious case of the "Unchanged Universe," where SVIX, UVIX, and VXX are sitting almost exactly where they were a week ago. Is this the start of a long, quiet "Volatility Summer," or is the market underestimating the impact of a new Fed regime? Inside This Episode: The Volatility Review: A look at the VIX cash spike to 18.50 and the rare "smile" skew appearing in the NASDAQ and Russell 2000. China Sojourns & Tech Skew: Was there front-running ahead of the tech CEO trip to China? VIX Option Flow: Analyzing massive positions in the June 65 calls and an intriguing August 1x2 ratio spread. The "Unched" Report: Why SVIX and UVIX haven't moved in two weeks and what that means for your overriding strategies. Crystal Ball: Mark and Russell place their bets on where vol heads as we approach the Memorial Day holiday. PROMO: 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. Offer expires May 31st, 2026.

May 9, 2026Episode 6791 hr 0 min

Volatility Views 679: OIC Surprises, Upside Crashes and Evil Hanses

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.

May 2, 2026Episode 67859 min

Volatility Views 678: Damn The Vol Torpedoes...Full Speed Ahead!

The bulls are charging, and volatility is getting "taken to the woodshed." Join Mark Longo, Russell Rhoads (the "Volatility Closet" resident), and Mark Sebastian (the "Greasy Meatball") as they break down a massive week in the markets. From the "mother of all tech earnings weeks" to the generational spending on AI, the crew explores why the VIX remains under pressure despite global geopolitical turmoil and a hawkish-leaning Fed. In this episode, the team dives into: The Volatility Review: A post-mortem of the April markets, the impact of the FOMC meeting, and how mega-cap tech earnings are reshaping the volatility landscape. VIX vs. VVIX: Russell analyzes the relationship between the VIX and the "Vol of Vol," and whether the current divergence is the ultimate fade signal. Russell's Weekly Rundown: A look at the weird and wild trades hitting the tape, including a "penny" VIX binary and a 21-19-17 put fly. The Crystal Ball: The guys place their bets on where the VIX cash will settle next week. Pro Trading Crate: Announcing the April winner and the debut of Dan Passarelli's brand-new book. Ready to trade the vol? 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. (All applicable regulatory exchange and clearing fees still apply. Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Offer expires May 31st, 2026. Tastytrade, Inc. is a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA, NFA, and SIPC.)

April 24, 2026Episode 6771 hr 1 min

Volatility Views 677: Geopolitical Turmoil and the Death of Vol Conferences

Is the traditional volatility conference a dying breed? This week on Volatility Views, host Mark Longo and the "Once, Future, and Present Dr. VIX," Russell Rhoads, dive into the shifting landscape of institutional trading events—from the legendary "swag mazes" of the CBOE Risk Management Conference (RMC) to the distinct lack of retail-friendly education in the space. The duo breaks down a week of head-scratching market action where the S&P 500 hits new all-time highs while the VIX remains surprisingly "spicy" due to geopolitical uncertainty and ceasefire extensions. Highlights include: The RMC Swag Report: Russell reviews the high-end gear at this year's conference and the curious absence of electronic swag. The VVIX/VIX Ratio: A deep dive into using this relationship as a hard trading indicator. VIX Options Flow: Analysis of massive prints in the May and June cycles, including a rare 15,000-lot weekly trade that caught Russell's eye. The "Hair Dryer" Hedge: A wild look at betting markets and a Polymarket trader who allegedly rigged a weather-based bet. Crystal Ball: Mark and Russell place their bets on the VIX handle for next week. "Genius Loves Company—visit tastytrade.com/podcasts to see why Investopedia named them the best broker for options for the past three years."

April 17, 2026Episode 6761 hr 4 min

Volatility Views 676: Are these Bizarro Markets?

Is it "opposite day" in the financial markets? In this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo is joined by Russell Rhoads (Dr. VIX), Andrew Giovinazzi from Option Pit, and Scott Nations from Nations Indexes to deconstruct a wild week where bad news for the world seemingly became fuel for a massive equity rally. The team dives deep into the "Bizarro" nature of the current landscape—where a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz resulted in a market surge and a ceasefire triggered explosive upside momentum. Key topics include: The Volatility Review: A look at VIX Cash levels, the collapse of VVIX, and the surprising lack of "flight to quality" in gold and treasuries. Bizarro Markets: How the S&P 500 reached new highs despite crude oil remaining significantly elevated. RMC Insights: Russell Rhoads shares his top-level takeaways from the latest Risk Management Conference (RMC), including the shift toward buffered ETFs and the latest research on VIX futures reactions to spot. VIX Options Flow: A breakdown of massive volume in May and June strikes, including a look at the "Scott Nations Special" deep out-of-the-money calls. The Crystal Ball: The team peers into the future to predict where the VIX and Volley will land next week. Check out tastytrade - Named as the best broker for options in 2025 and 2026 by Investopedia and StockBrokers.com.

April 10, 2026Episode 67557 min

Volatility Views 675: Did the Ceasefire Kill Volatility?

On this episode, Mark Longo, Russell Rhoads (the "Dr. VIX"), and Andrew Giovinazzi of Option Pit dive into a wild week in the vol markets. After a massive relief rally triggered by ceasefire headlines, the crew explores whether the "guns going silent" has permanently dampened the VIX or if we're just in a "hurry up and wait" market. In this episode, we cover: The Ceasefire Surge: How the S&P 500 roared back past 6,800 and what it meant for VIX cash and Volley. Volatility Review: A breakdown of the 10-point VIX drop in two weeks and the "spicy" CPI numbers hitting the tape. The Weekly Rundown: Russell breaks down a "Hall of Fame" trade—turning 9 cents into $1.60—and the rise of deep-in-the-money put spreads. Futures & Curves: Is the return of contango an opportunity or a trap? Plus, a look at the October "Midterm Vol" and the front-month April futures. The Crystal Ball: The team places their bets on where the VIX will land next week. Will we see a sub-20 handle or a weekend reversal? Check out more from the Options Insider Radio Network: * Pro Q&As and Exclusives: TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro Trading Tools: Tastytrade.com/podcasts