Options Boot Camp Episode 373 explores two major themes shaping today's options market: the rapid rise of IBIT options volume and the most misunderstood options trading strategies.

Hosts Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli break down why strategies like cash-secured puts, long puts, straddles, butterflies, and iron condors are frequently misused by traders, often due to poor education and unrealistic expectations. The discussion explains why "being okay with assignment" is not the same as wanting assignment, and how that distinction can dramatically change trading outcomes.

The episode also examines how IBIT options rivaling VIX in volume has reshaped Bitcoin options trading, altered volatility skew, and attracted institutional and premium-selling participants to crypto markets.

Designed for traders of all experience levels, Options Boot Camp delivers practical options education, real-world examples, and clear explanations of complex strategies.

Produced by the Options Insider Radio Network.

Kick off the new year with a fresh set of options trading resolutions on this episode of Options Boot Camp. Hosts Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli dive into what traders should be focusing on in 2026 — from expanding your options strategy toolbox to managing risk, sizing trades properly, and knowing when not to trade at all.

With many traders coming off years of strong equity performance, the hosts explore whether it's time to rethink long-only strategies, reduce concentration risk, or introduce new approaches like stock substitution, LEAPS, downside hedging with puts, and portfolio diversification through options strategies. The conversation also covers why relying on a single options strategy can be dangerous, how to diversify your Greeks, and what newer traders often overlook when markets change.

This episode also looks ahead to potential options market trends in 2026, including zero-DTE options, 24-hour trading, prediction markets, crypto volatility, and global market opportunities. Along the way, Mark and Dan reference past Options Boot Camp episodes to help listeners build a deeper understanding of puts, volatility, and long-term strategy planning.

What a year it was for the options market! From the "unprecedented" volatility of April to a record-breaking 15 billion contracts traded, 2025 was anything but boring. In this special year-end extravaganza, your drill instructors Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli (Market Taker Mentoring) look back at the Top 10 Episodes of 2025 to see what resonated most with traders during this historic year.

Mark and Dan dive into the data to reveal the most downloaded topics of the year, spanning everything from high-intensity hedging strategies to the surprising winner of the #1 spot. Whether you are a veteran of "Liberation Day" or a newcomer looking to get into peak options trading shape, this countdown is the ultimate refresher on the strategies that defined the market this year.

In this episode, the "Dynamic Duo" discusses:

• The Top 10 Countdown: Which episodes took the crown? (Hint: Leaps and Covered Calls were heavy hitters).

• Volatility Redefined: Revisiting the historic spikes of April and the role of inverse volatility products like SVXY.

• Retail Power: How the 15-billion-contract milestone changed the landscape for retail traders.

• Strategy Deep Dives: Reflections on Gamma Scalping, Iron Condors, and the enduring popularity of "The Poor Man's Covered Call."

• The VIX Average: Dan breaks down the long-term average of the VIX and how anomalies skew the data.

• Holiday Fun: The definitive (and divisive) ranking of the best Christmas movies.

Special thanks to Tastytrade—named the best broker for options in 2024 by Investopedia. See why at tastytrade.com/podcasts .