The Armed Stoic: Mindset, Philosophy, and Firepower The gun is just the tool. The mind is the weapon. Most firearms training focuses entirely on the hardware: the grip, the stance, and the trigger press. But in a high-stress encounter, mechanical skill is useless if your internal operating system crashes. The Armed Stoic explores the vital intersection of ancient philosophy and modern self-defense, teaching you that true protection begins before the weapon ever leaves the holster. Hosted by Alvin, a Maryland Certified Handgun Instructor and former Department of Homeland Security IT Specialist, this podcast treats your mind like software. Drawing on a background in Federal Law Enforcement families and the high-pressure environment of the DC Metro area, Alvin de-bugs the "legacy code" of ego and panic, replacing it with the discipline of Stoicism. Whether you are a new shooter looking for your Maryland Wear and Carry Permit, a seasoned carrier running a 2011, or someone seeking to master their own emotions, this show provides the patch notes you need. Expect deep dives into: The Stoic Mindset: Controlling the ego in traffic, de-escalation, and emotional regulation. The Hardware: Why metal-framed, hammer-fired pistols demand more precision than polymer. The "Operating System": How stress affects decision-making and how to prevent a "system crash" in a lethal force encounter. Local Reality: Navigating the specific challenges of being armed in the Maryland/DC/Virginia (DMV) area. Upgrade your internal software. Train your mind. Become an Armed Stoic.