The Hidden Cost of Selling Your Trauma

Is having a purpose worth the pain?

Jordan Corcoran has been on the front lines of youth mental health for over a decade. Now, on a brand new Thought Liters, she helps us answer that deeply personal question while reflecting on the emotional courage it took to step back from the very mission that defined her.

Video (premiering now!!) below:

Jordan knows a thing or two about courage. Her organization Listen, Lucy took seven years to pick up steam. (That stat was crazy to me. Be honest: would you last that long without success? I don’t know that I could.)

She spent those years fighting to get her message into schools, often "selling her trauma" only to be told it wasn't enough.

Then, just as her work was hitting a major upswing, the pandemic erased everything overnight. All of her contracts, all of her speaking engagements…gone.

In our conversation, Jordan shares the incredible story of that pivot: transforming her PR skills into a new, thriving business, The Corcoran Collective. She also makes a vulnerable announcement: after 12 years, she's stepping back from the school assemblies that built her reputation to protect her own mental health. It’s a powerful lesson in redefining success for the long run — sometimes, you make difficult choices to protect your well-being, even if it means letting go of what once defined you.

Also, look out for Jordan’s breakdown of the formula for survival in the entrepreneurial race — grit, tenacity, and a touch of delusion. (I think we can all relate to that.)

If you’re enjoying these videos, I’d like to ask you a favor:

• Like the video and stick around for a while. Jordan’s story is more than enough reason to watch. But a little bit of watch time regardless really helps the channel.

• And, if you’re in Pittsburgh, and know of another founder / CEO / entrepreneur who would like this format: intro them to me!! Always down for recommendations.

BTW, and ICYMI, I wrote a Q2 2025 investor letter to break down the business of this whole thing and preview where the show’s headed.

As ever, thank you for reading along and supporting the show. I’ve made it an unofficial mission to make Thought Liters the best, most comprehensive business content in Pittsburgh (and eventually, beyond) — and every reader is a massive help.

Adam