Vol Stars
Join us as we try to answer the question of what’s really going on in the market and how can we use this to become better investors? This podcast is brought to you by Gammastrike, providing actionable market data to traders.
Episodes
53 - Slop As A Service
Recorded Date - October 11th, 2026We've got Producer Ron filling in for Gherk this week, so you know what that means? A very AI focused episode of course! Join us as we discuss the recent challenges AI is presenting in the field of Mathematics, and whether or not the concerns are overblown with software being reverse engineered and what that could mean for software providers.We also get into this
52 - The Year One Special!
Recorded Date - October 4th, 2026Woah! Somehow we made it to 52 episodes, meaning we've managed to put out a year of Vol Stars episodes! To celebrate we've got a great episode for you!Starting in the first half, we cover a recent article written by JFresh on X which asks fundamental questions about US debt and what it really mans for the market. We also cover the economic calendar and earnings for
51 - Forced Mañure
Recorded Date - September 27th, 2026In our latest episode of Vol Stars, JFresh, Gherk, and Dork pop the hood on the AI hype machine to reveal the dodgy accounting and wishful thinking. The gang breaks gets into Oracle's "force majeure" cop-out on its Project Jupiter buildout, exposing the bizarre world of off-balance-sheet shell companies, loop-holed "take or pay" contracts and a joke of a securit
50 - Episode 50 Extravaganza!!!
Recorded Date - September 20th, 2026Episode 50 is finally here! This week's episode starts off with discussion about the Fed's rate decision and how we're seeing it with other banks globally and what that means for the markets. We then get into discussing what a 23 hour trading day will look like, and just how much extra work the Gammastrike team will have on their plates for the next few months t
49 - Ron's unexpected CUT?!?!?
Recorded Date - September 13th, 2026Starting off this week, the gang gets into the Macro tug-of-war going on between Bessent and Warsh and what they think is going to happen there. Followed by discussing the recent delays in AI IPOs and what that may signal about a broader economy. It wouldn't be a good episode too without touching on the latest situation in Iran and oil as well! Followed by touch
48 - Astra Hebescunt
Recorded Date - September 6th, 2026I didn't think they could do it, but the boys delivered a sub 90 minute Labor Day Weekend episode to put take the summer out in style! This week's episode features the gang talking about the recent bond market troubles, the jobs report, and Trump's pressure on lowering interest rates and how that relates to the market. JFresh also gets into the latest in AI with
47 - Crude jokes aside...
Recorded Date - August 30th, 2026We're back with another packed episode, with this week our focus being on the tariff wars with Canada, followed by getting into the recent accelerating inflation in Japan and what that may spell for a BoJ rate hike!We then get into a little about what's going on at Jackson Hole and the gang discuss their thoughts on Warsh and what they think he's likely to do.We al
46 - Jackson's Ashen Hole
This week's episode of Vol Stars starts off with a breakdown on the recent actions by Bessent, we get into what he's trying to do, and how the market responded to it, and what that means for the Fed!Next we get into talking about tariffs, what's going on in Canada, and what about those refunds we keep hearing about?Looking at the calendar this week too we've got $NVDA reporting earnings and what t
45 - Schrödinger's Shipping Lane
This week, the gang went in trying to get the time down on our episode so that we wouldn't compete with a Peter Jackson movie length, and we've succeeded!This week's episode starts off with an update about oil and Iran, before getting into the prediction market and sports betting and what the gang's takes are on those markets. They then sharply pivot over to dividend stocks and talk about some of
44 - The Return of Absolute Surrender!
Episode Record Date - 8/9/2026This week is a heavy hitter, coming in first talking about the SPX hitting new all time highs, and the question has to be asked, how much higher and for how much longer?!? Has AI gone too far, or is there still room to grow? The gang then touches on recent updates in Iran, which seem less than promising, and we then touch on the jobs report, and why it's not quite as
43 - The American Consumer: The Money Diode
Episode Record Date - 8/2/2026We've got another jam packed episode here for you! Because the guys clearly didn't eat before we started, they kick off with some important banter on pizza, as well as *ahem* bathroom manners in different cities. Then we get to the Fed's new chairman and how his first report landed. We get into the latest tech earnings, and AI Capex, along with the real costs of AI an
42 - Sally, The AI Robot
Episode Record Date - 7/26/2026The gang is back this week and is there a lot to cover! Starting off, we cover the latest in Iran and oil, and then get into looking at the market through google search history! We then talk about recent changes with SNAP benefits, Sam Altman's upcoming trip to Washington, as well as covering recent economic data, and upcoming earnings this week.In our second half, w
41 - Lettuce Solve A Mystery
Episode Record Date - 7/19/2026We've got a packed episode this week! Starting off, we cover the "resilient consumer" disconnect with retail earnings, and talk about the "k" shaped economy. We touch on the recent stronger Japanese Yen and how that's impacting US Tech stocks as well as the risk to the carry trade. We then pivot over to Small-Cap performance and rate expectations, and then close out
40 - Dork Spreads His Crack
Episode Record Date - 7/12/2026The gang is back following last week's holiday episode! Starting off, we cover the latest in Iran and the influence on oil, leading to Dork talking about the 3-2-1 Crack Spread and long term oil impacts. We also cover the latest in housing with the Affordability Bill and how that may work and what we as consumers may see from it. We also cover Kevin Warsh's Inaugural
39 - Happy Independence Day!
Episode Record Date - 6/30/2026This week's episode of Vol Stars was recorded in advance so that the gang could enjoy celebrating the United States' Independence Day! We went with a completely different format, but hope that you all will enjoy it! The first part has the gang looking at the contributions of the United States and what they hope to see in the future.The second part turns into
38 - Goosing the Eggconomy
Episode Record Date - 6/28/2026This week we kick off talking about the latest Tech and AI pullback behavior we've seen in the market, as well as lending some discussion about a possible unexpected indicator - how solvent a company is and the state of their break rooms!We get into talking about the price of oil dropping below $70 a barrel, and what should or shouldn't be read into it.We also briefl
37 - Dork's Hidey-Hole
Episode Record Date - 6/21/2026THIS is the episode you've been waiting for! The episode kicks off first highlighting the latest out of Iran, whether the Strait of Hormuz is opened, what's going on with the peace agreement, and then what's exactly going on in Geneva! All of this to say, we've got another week of waiting and Kushner most definitely is going back to Geneva!The gang talks about Warsh,
36 - Kushner Goes to Geneva!?
Episode Record Date - 6/14/2026The gang is back, and they're ready to start this week off by talking about a possible agreement in Iran, and whether or not it's likely to proceed and what the broader implications of it will be on global financial markets!Next, they dive into the SpaceX IPO, and specifically why it may not yet be considered a success. For our "Sports Ball" fans, the hosts even get
35 - Grandma's Robot
Episode Record Date - 6/7/2026We start this week's episode off by getting into Trump and recent tariff discussion, and then got into Bitcoin, Crypto, and how there's certainly some overlap going on with AI! We then talked a lot about how AI may be finally starting to experience some pressure and what a possible bailout could mean!Our second part of the episode gets largely into audience questions,
34 - Kushner Goes To Pakistan
Episode Record Date - 5/31/2026Our episode this week kicks off with a great jingle about an upcoming tv show mentioned in today's title! We start off this episode first with the latest in Iran and what's going on with oil. We then get into what's going on with American consumers and what recent data has to say, before talking about the specific impact oil is expecting to have in the near future in
33 - Stable Isotope Coin (SIC)
Episode Record Date - 5/25/2026With today's episode being recorded on Memorial Day, we wanted to start off our episode with an important message to honor those who have made the freedoms we have possible. Thank you.Today's episode largely picks up off of where we've been the past few weeks, looking into what's new in Iran, how oil prices are impacting markets, and of course we need to touch a litt
32 - Dork's Little Backhand
Episode Record Date - 5/17/2026After last week's delay, we're back on track with episode 32, and shockingly we've got Ron in for the first few minutes! This week we heavily cover the latest in AI leading into NVidia's earnings this week, along with covering Electric Vehicles, and data reports this week.After the break, we start back with "Trading with Gammastrike", "Audience Questions", and wrap u
31 - A Bear in Central Park
Episode Record Date - 5/11/2026In this week's episode, the gang starts off catching up on the latest in Iran, trying to learn about the Hanta virus, followed by getting into why there seems to be a disconnect between the market and recent data reports. We come back from the break and get into "Trading with Gammastrike", answer listener questions, and conclude with "Stupid Bets"!Make sure to check
30 - The Chairman Takes a Seat?!?
Episode Record Date - 5/3/2026Shorter episode this week, but still full of the usual fun with the gang covering the latest in Iran, earnings reports, and analysis into recent and upcoming financial data reports. The gang also bids farewell to chairman Powell and talks about what we may see with Warsh's transition.We then dive into Trading with Gammastrike, where this past week everyone did well, b
29 - AI, Even HARDER!
Episode Record Date - 4/26/2026We've got a real special episode here! Starting off we cover the latest updates in Iran, cover why the S&P and NASDAQ are at new all time highs again, then we get into "Earnings Season" with 5 of the Magnificent 7 stocks reporting in the upcoming week.Remember how I said this episode was special? JFresh has brought his fury and provides a special section dedicate
28 - The Hormuz Lightning Lane
Episode Record Date - 4/19/2026In this week's episode, we start off covering the latest in Iran and what's going on in the Strait of Hormuz, what we should expect out of peace talks, and how's all of this impacting oil and consumer goods. The gang then gets into the record highs we've seen in the S&P and NASDAQ and how that seems so disconnected, but why there's mechanics that may be driving i
27 - Absolute Surrender!?!?
Episode Record Date - 4/14/2026After our break last week, the gang is back! This week we start by covering the latest in Iran, with further focus on where the market is going as the situation unfolds, and the delicate balance with oil and other goods and commodities that are seeing impact. The gang also covers this week's calendar and earnings, before diving back into "Trading With Gammastrike", a
26 - Dork's Punji Pit
Episode Record Date - 3/29/2026Wow! A half a year of Vol Stars already! This episode kicks off with a recap on the latest news out of Iran and last week's dramatic sell offs. Of course we have to touch on AI and Meta's recent court case around addictive UI and what that might mean for the broader tech industry. The gang also gets into the much wider spread impact of sustained higher priced petrole
25 - The Gang Learns The Alphabet
Episode Record Date - 3/22/2026Episode 25 starts off with covering the latest in Iran, and how it's sending ripples in the economy and causing wider spread concerns across stocks, bonds, and even gold! They then dive into the price of gas, and Elon Musk's recent announcement about TeraFab and the recent news about his recent legal troubles. Our second half covers the economic data from last week a
24 - Too Much To Cover, Not Enough Oil
Episode Record Date - 3/15/2026Episode 24 starts us off discussing the latest updates in Iran, and how the US and global markets are reacting to anticipated supply crunches. The gang gets into a topic many listeners have asked about, which is the Japanese Yen Carry trade, as we're seeing the price of the Yen dropping, and pressure on Japan to act and what this would mean to the broader market. Thi
23 - One Does Not Simply Ship Through The Straight of Hormuz
Episode Record Date - 3/8/2026This week's episode has to start with the latest updates on the situation in Iran. We talk about the broader impact the shipping lane of the Straight of Hormuz being effectively shut down has on the broader economy through the increased volatility in the price of oil and what the current spike means for the broader economy. We dive into last week's concerning job numb
22 - Iran, we had to go there!
Episode Record Date - 3/1/2026Kicking things off this week, we have to first start with talking about the recent news in Iran and what that means for the market. We then get into the recent decline seen in the S&P as well as NASDAQ and broader market health. We also dig into Jamie Dimon's recent commentary on AI. We also visit audience questions and touch on some from last week's episo
21 - Iran, Tariffs, and Golden Biscuits
Episode Record Date - 2/22/2026This week the gang explores the current state of the markets, focusing on recent tariff updates and their implications for consumers and trade. They dig into the impact of tariffs on the economy, consumer prices, and the stock market, as well as the role of the Federal Reserve in managing inflation. They also touch on recent geopolitical tensions, particularly with I
20 - It's Over 50,000!!!
Episode Record Date - 2/16/2026We're back in our 20th episode this time discussing recent volatility in the tech industry, talking about gold and silver, as well as broader international monetary policy and flow discussion too and the impacts to the markets. We also dive into some great audience questions and we return to Dork's Chili recipe and figure out just how offensive chili can be!
19 - Where's Dork?!?
Episode Record Date - 2/9/2026In this episode, we discuss the intersection of AI and various sectors, including medicine, finance, and technology. Looking into the implications of Google's recent debt issuance, the volatility in tech stocks, and the perception of AI in advertising. The conversation also touches on the potential impacts of a government shutdown on aviation, the state of preciou
18 - Market Dynamics: Insights and Anecdotes
Episode Record Date - 2/1/2026In this episode, Gherk, JFresh, and Dork discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal anecdotes to current market dynamics, including oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and economic indicators. They delve into the implications of recent commodity price movements and the ongoing government shutdown, while also previewing upcoming earnings reports and their potenti
17 - Subway Jousting
This week's episode covers a lot, between providing further coverage on geopolitical tensions and a likely additional US shutdown, there's plenty to talk about. The team also gets into the Japanese Yen Carry Trade and how that relates to the broader market (make sure to check out Gherk's X post linked below for more insights as well). Finally, they cover this week's earnings and so
16 - Market Madness: Tariffs, Tech, and TACOs
This week's episode focuses on the NASDAQ's recent performance and the implications of political events on market volatility. Gherk, JFresh, and Dork get into the potential impact of tariffs on European allies and broader implications for global trade, especially in light of the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and various countries. The hosts also explore the dynamics of the banking sect
15 - Greenland: The New Frontier for Billionaires?
In this episode, the Gherk, JFresh and Dork dive into the intricate world of geopolitics and its impact on global markets. From the tensions between Trump and the Federal Reserve to the implications of tariffs and the independence of the Fed, the discussion hits on things from many angles. Check us out on Reddit:https://reddit.com/r/volstars
14 - Let's talk about Venezuela
In this episode, our hosts delve into various aspects of the current market landscape, discussing economic data, inflation, and the labor market. They explore the implications of financial plumbing on market stability and the complexities surrounding Venezuela's oil situation in the context of U.S. foreign policy. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding economic indicators
13 - The Holiday Episode
It's time for some holiday cheer, and so we're kicking off our very first holiday special of Vol Stars. Of course we'll start off by talking about the market conditions headed into the end of the year, and then veer off into talking about the holidays and what our hosts like and dislike about the holidays! On behalf of team that creates Vol Stars, we wish you all happy holidays!Feel fr
12 - Datacenters In Space
In this episode of "Vol Stars," we dive into the dynamic world of markets and the people who shape them. Join us as we explore the intriguing intersection of AI and human storytelling in brand engagement, the evolving landscape of global B2C brands. We also tackle the latest market trends, from interest rate discussions to the impact of inflation on consumer goods. We also do our best to
11 - NVIDIA's Role in Market Dynamics
Join JFresh, Gherk, and Dork as they discuss various market trends, including the debated Santa rally, NVIDIA's investments, and the implications of zero DTE options. They explore the volatility expected around upcoming Fed decisions and Japan's economic influence on global markets. The conversation also touches on rising healthcare costs, inflation, and the changing landscape of capital a
10 - T(hanksgiving) +3
In this episode of Vol Stars, the hosts discuss various market dynamics, including the mixed results of Black Friday sales, the bifurcation of consumer spending, and the anticipated Santa rally. They analyze the housing market's price cuts and the rising prices of silver and gold, while also addressing Bitcoin's volatility. The conversation wraps up with insights into upcoming earnings rep
9 - GammaStrike Unleashed: Revolutionizing Retail Trading
In this episode of "Vol Stars," hosts JFresh, Gherk, and Dork dive into the intricacies of market dynamics, exploring the launch of Gammastrike and its potential impact on retail traders. They discuss the evolving landscape of AI, the volatility of Bitcoin, and the complexities of GDP forecasts. With a mix of humor and insight, the trio navigates through the week's market events, off
8 - Navigating Market Volatility: AI, Nvidia, and Global Finance
In this episode we dive deep into the volatile world of markets and trading. Join hosts JFresh, Dork, and Gherk as they dissect the latest trends in data centers, Nvidia's earnings, and the impact of geopolitical tensions on tech giants. With the right mix of humor and insight, they explore the intricacies of the AI bubble, the role of Japanese rates in global finance, and the ever-evolving la
7 - The Longest Shutdown: Impacts on Markets and Policies
In this episode of Vol Stars, we navigate the stormy seas of market dynamics amidst the longest government shutdown in history. Discover how SNAP benefits are more than just a safety net—they're a lifeline for market liquidity. Dive into the world of AI as we scrutinize OpenAI's bold financial maneuvers and their ripple effects across the tech industry. With earnings reports revealing unex
6 - Navigating Market Dynamics: Insights on the Mag-7
In this episode, the hosts discuss the current state of the markets, focusing on insights from the Federal Reserve regarding inflation and employment risks. They analyze recent inflation trends, including core and headline inflation, and how these affect the market. The conversation shifts to earnings reports and significant layoffs across various sectors, attributing some of these layoffs to over
5 - Market Trends: Netflix, Tesla, and Beyond
In this episode, the hosts discuss various market trends and earnings reports, focusing on Netflix and Tesla's recent performances. They explore the implications of AWS outages, the airline industry's recovery, and the growing concerns surrounding private credit markets. The conversation also touches on the importance of rare earth minerals in global trade and the shifting dynamics of cons
4 - Tech Supply Chains: Challenges Ahead
In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of the financial markets, including bank earnings, the tech industry's supply chain challenges, and the implications of US-China trade relations. They delve into market volatility, cryptocurrency trends, and the strategies employed by market makers in response to changing conditions. The conversation also touches on Federal Reserve policies an
3 - Market Dynamics: Speculation and Reality
In this episode, the hosts discuss various market dynamics, including the impact of OpenAI's speculative agreements, the ongoing government shutdown, and the Federal Reserve's data dependence. They explore inflation predictions, consumer credit trends, and the implications of the debt ceiling on fiscal policy. The conversation also touches on the rising demand for gold, recent earnings rep
2 - Government Shutdown: Initial Reactions & Impact
In this episode of "Vol Stars," we dive deep into the complexities of market dynamics amidst a government shutdown. Join hosts JFresh, Gherk, and Dork as they explore the economic impacts, the role of central banks, and the intriguing movements in gold and tech stocks. With a mix of humor and insight, they tackle the nuances of Gammastrike risk management and the evolving strategies in today's vol
1 - Pilot
In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of the current market dynamics, including macroeconomic trends, volatility, and the impact of economic indicators. They delve into the challenges posed by supply chain issues and tariffs, the oil market's influence on inflation, and the implications of proposed changes in earnings reporting. The conversation also covers market maker strategies, li
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