Episode Summary:

The gun is just the tool. The mind is the weapon.

In this debut episode of The Armed Stoic, host Alvin breaks down why mechanical skill on the range is useless without emotional discipline. Drawing from his background in Department of Homeland Security IT Support and a childhood in a Federal Law Enforcement household, Alvin explains why human beings "crash" under stress—and how to fix it.

We discuss why the Maryland/DC (DMV) area requires a higher level of mental processing, why Alvin prefers metal-framed 2011 pistols over polymer, and how to apply the ancient philosophy of Stoicism to modern self-defense.

If you are looking to upgrade your internal software and become a safer protector, this episode is your first patch.

In This Episode:

• [00:00] Origin Story: Growing up in Forestville, the influence of Robocop, and the reality of violence in the Forest Creek complex.
• [03:15] What is an "Armed Stoic"? Debunking the myth that Stoics are emotionless robots. The "Road Rage" test.
• [06:30] The Operating System Metaphor: Lessons from DHS Desktop Support. Why stress causes "user error" and system crashes in a gunfight.
• [09:45] Hardware Talk: Why Alvin shoots hammer-fired, metal-framed pistols (2011s) for honest feedback and precision.
• [13:00] The DMV Context: Navigating the "High-Traffic Network" of Silver Spring and I-495 without losing your cool.
• [15:30] Debugging the Skeptic: Why investing in training is the ultimate system upgrade.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Philosophy: Epictetus ("Men are not disturbed by things...")
• Gear: 2011 Platform, Hammer-fired vs. Striker-fired triggers.
• Concept: The Dichotomy of Control.

🔴 TRAIN WITH ALVIN

Are you ready to build the proper mindset and get legal? Alvin is currently enrolling students for Maryland Wear and Carry Permit courses and private instruction.

👇 CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CLASS SCHEDULE 👇
https://thearmedstoic.com/shop/

• Maryland Wear & Carry Classes: Get the training required by the state, backed by the mindset required by reality.
• Private Instruction: One-on-one coaching to refine your mechanics and debug your flinch.
• HQL Training: The first step for Maryland gun owners.

Connect with The Armed Stoic:

• Website: https://thearmedstoic.com
• Instagram: @thearmedstoic
• Email: Alvin@thearmedstoic.com

Disclaimer: The Armed Stoic podcast is for educational purposes only. Always follow local, state, and federal laws regarding firearms ownership and use.