The Business of Us

Cameron Madill and Jamie Born

The Business of Us tells the stories of entrepreneurs and their relationships. In our podcast, we focus on what it means to be a couple when one or both partners own a business, the science around committed partnerships and entrepreneurial personalities, and specific actions you can take today to improve your relationship.

  1. 09/11/2025

    Climbing the 3 Mountains of Love and Partnership

    In this episode, Cameron and Jamie introduce the Three Mountains Framework (partnership, purpose, and passion) as a way to understand the universal relationship challenges entrepreneurs and their spouses face across a lifetime. Drawing from personal stories, research, and therapeutic insights, they explore how couples can use these inevitable moments of strain to deepen intimacy, resilience, and connection. Key takeaways The Three Mountains Framework: Relationships evolve through three recurring challenges—How do we make it work (partnership)? What comes next (purpose)? Who are we now (passion)? Zooming Out for Perspective: Stepping back to see challenges as part of a larger journey can reduce shame, resentment, and disconnection. Turning Points that Strengthen Relationships: Borrowing tools from business (clear roles, accountability), prioritizing rituals of quality time, and seeking outside perspective can help couples thrive under strain. Beyond Goal Achievement: Success doesn't inoculate couples against disorientation; recalibration and open conversations about shifting identities and priorities are essential. Preparing for the Empty Nest: As career and parenting become less important, intentional planning for shared joy and individual meaning is essential so couples can grow together in their later years. The Business of Us is brought to you by Jamie Born and Cameron Madill. Music is provided by our friends at Marmoset, and our theme song is "Kenton" by Dr Crosby. We always love hearing from our audience what you'd like to listen to next; please drop us a line at BusinessofUsPodcast@gmail.com to share what's on your mind.

    32 min
  2. 07/14/2025

    From Resentment to Resilience: Dorcas Cheng-Tozun on Loving an Entrepreneur

    Dorcas Cheng-Tozun knew early on that she was marrying an entrepreneur, but what she didn't realize was how profoundly that choice would shape her life and marriage. In this vulnerable and honest conversation, Dorcas shares how the demands of entrepreneurship strained intimacy, sparked deep resentment, and nearly unraveled her sense of self—especially after becoming a parent. She offers insights on how spouses can reclaim their identity, foster connection, and survive the rollercoaster of startup life without losing themselves in the process. Key takeaways from today's episode: Why understanding your partner's entrepreneurial mindset before marriage is critical for long-term connection. The hidden cost of not discussing paradigm differences: loneliness, resentment, and emotional distance. How to navigate the jealousy and frustration that can emerge when "the business" feels like a third party in your marriage. Strategies for maintaining your identity and resisting the pressure to define yourself by your partner's success. A candid look at what happens when couples do "make it"—and why success doesn't always equal happiness. The Business of US is brought to you by Jamie Born and Cameron Madill. Music is provided by our friends at Marmoset, and our theme song is "Kenton" by Dr Crosby. We always love hearing from our audience what you would like to listen to next; please drop us a line at BusinessofUsPodcast@gmail.com to share what's on your mind. Until the next time, we wish you the best of luck in making your relationship intentional and remarkable.

    38 min
  3. 05/19/2025

    The Emotional Labor of Entrepreneurship

    Entrepreneurship isn't just a career—it's an emotional rollercoaster. The Business of Us dives into the mental health realities of entrepreneurs, exploring how pre-existing conditions can be exacerbated and, in some cases, entirely induced by the high-stakes world of business ownership. With 38% of entrepreneurs facing at least one mental health condition, we examine the personality traits that make founders thrive—and the emotional labor that comes with it. From the isolation and sleepless nights to the drive for achievement, we'll unpack how business owners can protect their well-being without sacrificing their ambition. Key takeaways from today's episode: Entrepreneurship demands massive emotional labor—understanding it is the first step to managing it. Mental health struggles aren't uncommon in entrepreneurship; the highs and lows of the journey can amplify or even create them. Founders benefit from prioritizing mental well-being—sleep, social support, outdoor time, and self-care matter as much as strategy. The "Entrepreneurial Emotional Labor Union" mindset: you're not alone, and you don't have to carry the burden in silence. Be a realist: don't pretend things are great when they aren't, and remember to set goals beyond just business success. Entrepreneurship can be addictive—balance ambition with personal well-being. Always love something as much as you love your company. The Business of US is brought to you by Jamie Born and Cameron Madill. Music is provided by our friends at Marmoset, and our theme song is "Kenton" by Dr Crosby. We always love hearing from our audience what you would like to listen to next; please drop us a line at BusinessofUsPodcast@gmail.com to share what's on your mind. Until the next time, we wish you the best of luck in making your relationship intentional and remarkable.

    42 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Business of Us tells the stories of entrepreneurs and their relationships. In our podcast, we focus on what it means to be a couple when one or both partners own a business, the science around committed partnerships and entrepreneurial personalities, and specific actions you can take today to improve your relationship.