Articles and Updates
August 2025
Industry Conversations: OIC Instructors x Tastytrade
Hosted by long-time trader and educator Jermal Chandler, the Tastylive show Engineering the Trade, explores the financial markets, volatility, and the realities of trading through in-depth conversations with industry professionals. OIC instructors Mark Benzaquen and Mat Cashman each joined the program to share their perspectives on options, the importance of education and the role of OCC and The Options Industry Council.
Cashman and Chandler dug into macro themes, volatility, and how indicators like the VIX fit into today’s short-dated trading environment. Cashman explained the differences between gold and silver as trading products, and why defined-risk strategies such as spreads and butterflies may be useful in managing uncertainty. He also highlighted the discipline trading requires — stressing the need for honesty, adaptability and resilience when navigating wins and losses.
When Benzaquen joined Chandler, their conversation focused on changes in the investor audience. He noted how younger generations increasingly turn to short, digital content, while many still value longer-form education. He shared how OIC is meeting both needs by producing animations and shorter formed videos while maintaining the depth and credibility investors expect.
OIC Instructor Mat Cashman
Cashman and Chandler dug into macro themes, volatility, and how indicators like the VIX fit into today’s short-dated trading environment. Cashman explained the differences between gold and silver as trading products, and why defined-risk strategies such as spreads and butterflies may be useful in managing uncertainty. He also highlighted the discipline trading requires — stressing the need for honesty, adaptability and resilience when navigating wins and losses.
Listen to the Conversation on tastylive.com
OIC Instructor Mark Benzaquen
When Benzaquen joined Chandler, their conversation focused on changes in the investor audience. He noted how younger generations increasingly turn to short, digital content, while many still value longer-form education. He shared how OIC is meeting both needs by producing animations and shorter formed videos while maintaining the depth and credibility investors expect.
Listen to the Conversation on tastylive.com