What happens when paper trading meets the real world? On this episode of Options Boot Camp, Mark Longo is joined by Dan Passarelli (Market Taker Mentoring) and Matt Amberson (ORATS) to tackle one of the biggest challenges for premium sellers: why a single losing iron condor can wipe out weeks of steady gains. The discussion covers practical risk management techniques for credit spreads, when to take profits, how to manage losing trades, and why backtesting is just as important as paper trading. The panel also dives into the explosive launch of SPCX (SpaceX) options, including record-breaking volume, sky-high implied volatility, and why experienced traders approached the frenzy very differently. Finally, the crew answers listener questions about zero-DTE options, VIX term structure, calendar spreads, and whether the options market has fundamentally changed over the past few years. In this episode you'll learn: Why paper trading can create unrealistic expectations Managing iron condors before one trade wipes out multiple winners Profit-taking vs. stop-loss rules for credit spreads How backtesting can improve trading discipline What made the SPCX options launch historic Trading ultra-high implied volatility Have 0DTE options changed options trading forever? Managing calendar spreads during volatility spikes Why you still can't trade spot VIX

Is the 0DTE premium-selling boom finally running out of steam? Or are premium sellers still holding the winning hand? In this highly anticipated follow-up to one of our most popular episodes, Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli revisit the question: Should you stop selling 0DTE options? This time, they're armed with something they didn't have before—real intraday backtesting data. Joining the program is Matt Amberson, Founder of ORATS, who brings years of options analytics expertise and a treasure trove of intraday options data to the discussion. Together they dive deep into: The results of extensive 0DTE SPX backtesting Why short strangles continue to outperform in many market environments The surprising impact of trade timing on 0DTE profitability Why selling premium near the open may be far superior to waiting until midday The risks and rewards of short strangles versus iron condors Double calendars and other alternatives for traders seeking defined risk How ORATS built one-minute options data and intraday backtesting tools Whether the new generation of single-name 0DTE options (NVDA, TSLA, MSFT and more) changes the game

The markets are getting spicy! In this listener-driven episode, Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli break down the sudden return of volatility, wild 245-point S&P 500 swings, and the VIX crossing back over 20. Topics covered include: Buying Straddles: Is a massive market swing the right time to load up on options premium, or are you buying at the absolute top? Is It Too Late for Puts?: How to hedge when the market drops 4-5% off all-time highs and why the Cboe Skew Index is mostly obtuse for retail traders. The $30 Wheel Rule: Why Dan avoids running the Wheel Strategy on cheap stocks (and how bid-ask spreads quietly crush your profits). Vega vs. Theta: Can you make money if implied volatility (IV) explodes but the stock sits perfectly still? Plus, the guys dig into AI math failures and a massive cultural detour into the only correct way to order a Portillo's Italian beef sandwich (completely dunked!).

The traditional closing bell is officially on life support. In this episode of Options Boot Camp, Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli break down the seismic shift hitting the markets: the transition to 23/5 and 24/7 trading for equities and single-stock options. With Cboe securing SEC approval for 23/5 stock trading and launching extended-hours options trading for top names like Apple, Nvidia, Tesla, and Palantir, the guys discuss what this means for liquidity, overnight risk, and the psychological impact on retail traders. We also take a deep dive into the mailbag to answer a vital options theory question: When does theta decay stop helping options sellers? (Hint: Beware the Gamma Beast!)

Are prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket a rip-off for retail traders? In this episode of Options Boot Camp, drill instructors Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli break down the exact math behind prediction market fees and compare them directly to equity options commissions. They tackle the biggest complaints about event contract fees, payment for order flow, and why wide bid-ask spreads might actually be a bigger problem than the commissions themselves. The mailbag is also packed with listener questions covering the vertical integration of crypto brokers buying exchanges, handling tech stock crashes while running the Wheel Strategy, the fear of automatic option exercise on expiration Friday, and managing short premium positions. 🔥 EXCLUSIVE LISTENER PROMO: Want a powerful trading platform built by option traders, for option traders? Head over to tastytrade.com/insider to check out the latest listener promotions, maximize your trading edge, and take advantage of elite technology, rates, and support designed to help you succeed!

This week on Options Boot Camp, Mark and Dan tackle one of the biggest questions facing traders right now: Are markets underpricing geopolitical risk? They dive into valuation concerns, global uncertainty, and what traders should really be watching. Plus, they explore whether gamma exposure metrics are becoming essential tools or just another overhyped signal. The mailbag is packed with listener questions on the wheel strategy, Bitcoin volatility, crypto options growth, pattern day trading concerns, and broker tools for tracking wheel trades. And yes… the listeners are already building their next Deathmatch wishlists. Plus, hear details on the current tastytrade listener promo, including double rebates at tastytrade.com/insider.

The "Pattern Day Trading" (PDT) era is officially coming to an end! In this episode, Dan Passarelli and Mark Longo break down the massive regulatory shift coming on June 4th—which some are calling "Trader Independence Day." FINRA is moving away from the rigid $25,000 account minimum for active traders, but as the old saying goes: be careful what you wish for. In this episode, the drill instructors discuss: The Death of PDT: What the removal of the "four trades in five days" rule means for small accounts. The New "Dynamic" Risk Models: Why your broker might be watching you closer than ever. The Rise of Margin Calls: Is the trade-off for freedom a more aggressive liquidation environment? Zero-Day Options (0DTE): How the explosion of same-day expiration forced the regulators' hands. Implementation Timelines: Why some legacy brokers might keep you under the old rules until October 2025. Plus, we answer listener questions about the impact of this change on stock volatility and the potential for "call skews" to get bid up by a new wave of retail traders.

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.

The rise of Zero Day to Expiration (0DTE) options has completely transformed the retail trading landscape, but has the market finally "squeezed the juice" out of premium harvesting? On this episode of Options Boot Camp, Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli dive deep into a "back-of-the-napkin" analysis of 0DTE SPX straddles. They explore whether the massive influx of sellers has pushed premiums so low that it actually makes more sense to be a buyer. Plus, Dan discusses his latest book reaching the Amazon bestseller lists and tackles listener questions on tracking covered call rolls and the future of 0DTE equity options. On this episode, we break down: The 0DTE Shift: Are we giving away the "weekend decay" for free? Statistical Deep Dive: A look at SPX straddle performance over the last 45 and 80 days. Intraday vs. Close-to-Close: Why path dependency is the secret to 0DTE profitability. The Complexity of Backtesting: Why traditional backtesting models fail in the current 0DTE environment. The "Wheel Death Match": Managing covered calls and tracking roles effectively. Go to  tastytrade.com/podcasts to see why genius loves company and how you can take advantage of their industry-leading education and support team.

The Wheel Strategy is often touted as the ultimate "income generator," but most traders get it wrong because they lack the right mindset. In this episode, Mark Longo is joined by Dan Passarelli to discuss his brand-new book, Build Consistent Wealth with Options. They go beyond the basic mechanics to explore the three pillars of the Wheel, why most retail traders fail when they actually get assigned, and how to "rewire your brain" for probabilistic investing. Whether you're a passive investor or an active trader looking for an edge, this deep dive into the "Cycle-Recycle" method will change how you view covered calls and cash-secured puts forever. In this episode, we cover: The Three Pillars: Mindset, Objectives, and Methodology. The "Cycle-Recycle" Trade: Why the Wheel only works as a continuous system. The "Skate" vs. "Trade" Objective: How to decide if you actually want the stock. The PAS Indicator: Dan's custom tool for finding the "sweet spot" in premium. Alpha & Taxes: Maximizing your edge while managing the "silent killers" of wealth.

It's Tax Day on the network! Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli tackle the most requested topic of the season: how to keep the IRS out of your options profit. From the simplicity of the IRA "end run" to the mathematical beauty of 60/40 tax treatment on Section 1256 contracts (like SPX), the drill instructors break down how to optimize your tax bill. In this episode, we cover: The IRA Advantage: Why tax-deferred accounts are an options trader's best friend. Section 1256 Contracts: How to get long-term tax rates on short-term trades. The Complexity of Basis: Why multi-leg spreads can become an accountant's nightmare. Double Calendars: Dan clarifies the "Friday-Monday" spread strategy discussed in previous episodes. Defending The Wheel: Dan responds to critics who call his favorite strategy "garbage." Listener Mail Call: Binging 13 years of options education and overcoming the "overwhelming" start. Check out tastytrade - named best broker for options trading. Genius loves Company.

Can you handle the Double Calendar? In this episode of Options Boot Camp, the drill instructors tackle a strategy never before discussed on the network. Mark Longo is joined by the "Calendar King of Chicago" himself, John Kmiecik from Market Taker Mentoring (MTM), to break down the Double Calendar Spread. John reveals how the addition of Monday and Wednesday expirations for heavy hitters like Nvidia, Apple, and Tesla has completely shifted the risk-reward profile of time spreads. The guys also dive into the "Viceroy Special"—the definitive answer to when you should stop trading options and just buy the stock. On the Drill Floor: The Double Calendar: How to trade two ranges at once with lower cost and risk. The Mid-Week Edge: Leveraging new Monday/Wednesday expirations to your advantage. Spicy Volatility: Strategies to lean into (and which to avoid) when the VIX hits 30. The Rate Cut Debate: Is the market pricing in a pivot or more pain? Whether you're looking to harvest premium or survive a market whipsaw, this episode turns complex concepts into actionable drills. Genius Loves Company: See why Investopedia named Tastytrade the best broker for options in 2024. Get low pricing, elite education, and a support team that actually gets how traders trade at tastytrade.com/podcasts .

Happy April Fool's Day! In this special "Options Fool's Day" edition of Options Boot Camp, Mark Longo is joined by guest instructor John Kmiecik from Market Taker Mentoring (filling in for Dan Passarelli, who may or may not be riding donkeys in Santorini). While the spirit of the day is lighthearted, the lessons on what NOT to do are very real. The duo dives into a "too good to be true" scenario involving high-ratio spreads, exploring the seductive but dangerous world of "free lunch" trading. We also have a bit of fun with some "breaking" (and completely fabricated) OCC volume numbers to see if the golden goose of options trading is finally cooked. In this episode, we cover: The March Pro Trading Crate Giveaway: We crown our latest winner! The "Infinite Return" Myth: A deep dive into ratio spreads, 1x4 lopsided trades, and why "zero outlay" usually comes with a massive hidden price tag. Market Satire: Analyzing the (fake) cracks in options volume and what the real state of the industry looks like. Education vs. Pranks: Distinguishing between sound strategy and the "nonsense" that can lead a small account to ruin. Disclaimer: This episode contains April Fool's satire. Please do not attempt 1x4 net short ratio spreads at home unless you enjoy financial ruin!

Is the "Wheel Strategy" making you nervous in a high-volatility market? In this episode, Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli field listener questions about navigating black swan fears, the "Greeks" you should watch when the market moves fast, and whether the AI narrative in Nvidia still has legs. Dan also prepares for his upcoming trip to Greece by getting some questionable advice from Mark about riding donkeys in Santorini and ordering "Euros" at the local taverna. Key topics covered in this episode: The Wheel Strategy vs. Credit Spreads: Is it time to cap your downside when the VIX hits 22? Vega and Gamma Focus: How your attention should shift between Greeks in a fast-moving market. Nvidia (NVDA) Outlook: Dealing with underwater bull call spreads after the GTC conference. 0DTE Expansion: Will we see more zero-day contracts added to the roster this year? UVIX vs. SVIX: A deep dive into leveraged and inverse VIX products and how to use them to hedge "weekend risk."

Fall in, recruits! Mark Longo is back in the Chi-Town studio, braving the cold to get you into peak options trading shape. With the energy markets in a state of high alert and WTI futures seeing massive volume, your drill instructors are here to break down the complex world of oil. In this week's Options Drills, Mark and Dan Passarelli explore: Going to the Source: The benefits of trading WTI and Brent futures for pure, one-to-one correlation. The USO Dilemma: A deep dive into the much-maligned US Oil Fund. We discuss the "Negative Oil" ghosts of 2020 and the impact of negative roll yield. Equity Surrogates: Using XLE (Energy Select Sector SPDR) and individual giants like Chevron (CVX) as portfolio proxies. The Volatility Play: How to view geopolitical crises through the lens of VIX, UVIX, and SVIX. Whether you're looking to generate income or hedge against $100+ crude, this is your tactical briefing.

To maximize your reach, I've tailored these descriptions to how people actually find content on each platform. For Libsyn, the focus is on scannability for podcast apps and Google search. For YouTube, the focus is on "Watch Time" signals, Chapters, and keywords that trigger the video algorithm. 1. Libsyn Show Description (RSS & Podcast Apps) Focus: Clear summary, scannability, and high-value links. Options Boot Camp 381: We've Got Two Questions...One for Each of Ya! Is the "Wheel" turning against you? Are you obsessing over direction while the pros look elsewhere? In this episode of Options Boot Camp, your drill instructors Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli tackle a rapid-fire mail call to help you navigate the complexities of the options market. From the viability of the Ratio Stock Repair strategy to the psychological divide between beginner and veteran traders, we break down the tactics you need to survive and thrive. We also dive deep into the changing landscape of Crypto Options, specifically how the explosion of IBIT (BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF) has shifted market skew to look more like traditional equities—and what that means for your income-generating strategies. In This Episode: The Wheel Strategy: Is Ratio Stock Repair the best escape hatch for a losing wheel trade? Beginner vs. Pro: Why novices fixate on Delta while experts prioritize Volatility and Time. 0DTE Popularity: Analyzing the massive liquidity surge in equity zero-days. The 90% Myth: Debunking the classic "options expire worthless" statistic. Time Spreads (Calendars): The one thing most traders get wrong about Volatility Term Structure. Bitcoin Evolution: How IBIT has "democratized" Bitcoin options and changed the skew. Check out more from the Options Insider Radio Network: Pro Trading Crate: theoptionsinsider.com/pro Education & Brokerage: tastytrade.com/podcasts Advanced Training: markettaker.com

Fall in, recruits! Today, we're taking one of the most classic range-bound strategies and putting it through the 0DTE (Zero Days to Expiration) ringer. Is the Iron Condor the ultimate strategy for the current market environment, or a recipe for disaster? Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli break down the "Great Iron Condor Renaissance." We move past the basic definitions and get into the "drills," applying this strategy to the new Monday and Wednesday weekly options in the Mag 7. In this episode, we cover: The Iron Condor Refresher: A deep dive into the mechanics—selling strangles vs. selling spreads. 0DTE Strategy: Why these are getting hot again and how to pick your "danger zone." The Apple ($AAPL) and Nvidia ($NVDA) Experiments: We look at real-time 0DTE setups to see where the "juice" is hiding. Strike Selection: Why Dan prefers support and resistance over standard deviation in the 0DTE world. Pro Trader Crate: We announce this month's lucky winner! Check out more from the Options Insider Radio Network: Pro Membership: theoptionsinsider.com/pro Education & Brokerage: tastytrade.com/podcasts Dan's Training: markettaker.com/reg

In this episode, the "drill instructors" Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli return for Round 3 of their battle against the machines. With Nvidia (NVDA) earnings taking center stage, they put a premium AI model to the test: can a chatbot actually teach you how to trade the "volatility crush," or is it just repeating bad habits? In this episode, you'll learn: The AI Framework: Analyzing the 6-step checklist for earnings success. The Volatility Crush: Why buying "cheap" weekly calls is often a trap. Strategy Showdown: Comparing Iron Condors and Credit Spreads vs. Long Straddles. Risk Management: Why the 1% to 3% rule is the only way to survive earnings season. Ready to trade options and futures yourself? Go to https://tastytrade.com/podcasts to get on the tastytrade site and start trading today.  

On this episode of Options Boot Camp, hosts Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli break down the real-world price tag of portfolio protection. Using current market examples, they walk through what it costs to hedge SPY with puts across different strikes and timeframes, why "insurance" isn't free, and how volatility levels can dramatically change the math. They also tackle the evergreen debate: SPY/SPX puts vs VIX calls—and why VIX products may behave more like a speculative "kicker" than a true one-to-one hedge. Plus, a listener-driven roundtable on hedging with gold and metals, the clash between 0DTE and potential 24/5 trading, and a practical primer on volume vs open interest (and why the bid/ask spread often tells the real story). Key topics include: The real cost of hedging SPY (near-term vs longer-dated puts) Strike selection, "deductibles," and the insurance analogy How elevated volatility impacts hedge pricing VIX calls as a hedge (and why timing matters more than ever) Hedging with metals: correlation, pros/cons, and when it fails 0DTE vs 24-hour trading: are these trends incompatible? Volume vs open interest for liquidity (and what to check first) Hosts: Mark Longo (The Options Insider Media Group) & Dan Passarelli (Market Taker Mentoring) This episode is brought to you by tastytrade — check them out for powerful options trading tools, education, and low pricing at tastytrade.com/podcasts.

Are 0DTE (Zero Days to Expiration) options a retail revolution or a "gamma circus"? In this episode of Options Boot Camp, Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli dive deep into the explosion of short-dated equity options and what they mean for your portfolio. From the surge in volume for Tesla and Nvidia to the rise of intraday dispersion trading, the "drill instructors" break down the data and the drama behind the newest craze in the options market. In This Episode: 0DTE Data Crunch: We analyze the massive flow in new single-name daily expirations. Is 35% of Tesla's volume really concentrated in one-day options? Intraday Dispersion: How retail traders are now using 0DTE equity options against index products—and if this marks a new level of market sophistication. The "Crack" Comparison: We share listener feedback on the 0DTE movement, including those who equate it to high-risk habits and those waiting for the "gamma circus" to leave town. Strategy Revamp: Is it time to redo every option strategy through a 0DTE lens? We discuss the viability of daily iron condors and 0DTE butterflies. Digital Gold vs. Bitcoin: A deep dive into whether Bitcoin actually serves as a "digital gold" or if the correlation is a myth. Market Taker Question of the Week: Strike Selection: Dan explains the best ways to set your strikes for covered calls and cash-secured puts depending on whether you want to "skate" or get assigned. "Liquidity begets liquidity. People will spread in and out, and the net volume is only going up from here." — Dan Passarelli Get More Options Education: Visit The Options Insider Check out Market Taker Mentoring Explore Tastytrade