Imperfect Love Podcast By Dr. Carla Marie Manly cover art

Imperfect Love

Imperfect Love

By: Dr. Carla Marie Manly
Listen for free

The messy road of life is difficult to navigate alone, and it’s often tough to figure out the next best step. Hosted by psychologist and author Dr. Carla Marie Manly, the Imperfect Love podcast sheds light on the complicated, sensitive problems that affect us all. Dr. Carla responds to listeners’ real-life questions with a mindfulness-based approach. She delivers quality, nourishing advice on finding love and happiness by learning to embrace life's imperfections.

In supportive conversations with Dr. Carla, you’ll be inspired to cultivate inner joy and create the loving relationships you deserve. With her unique body-mind-spirit focus, she’ll help you create self-love and transform your challenges into growth opportunities. Each episode is an invitation to explore what does and doesn’t work for you. Collectively, the episodes will help you live the life you were meant to live—the life you want to live—right now.

Looking to grow and change for the better? Discover and hone the skills that will bring you fulfillment and success. Explore the shifts that will help you create the life of your dreams. Increase your self-esteem as you let go of the fear and perfectionism that feed everything from anxiety and body image issues to people-pleasing. Get unstuck and gain confidence by turning negative messages into fuel for change. Feel the transformation that comes from loving your wonderful, imperfect self.

Tired of unsatisfying love relationships? Learn how to attract “perfectly flawed” love that helps you feel seen and respected. Explore love’s highs and lows as you discover how to avoid pitfalls and build emotionally intimate relationships. Discover effective skills for cultivating boundaries, emotional intelligence (EQ), and communication skills to improve your dating life, marriage, or other romantic relationship. Delve into hot topics including narcissism, red flags, toxic patterns, sexuality, apologies, insecure attachment issues, situationships, conflict, trauma, and more.

Looking for genuine, supportive friendships? Get the tools you need to create connections with people who understand, accept, and appreciate you. Learn how to let go of unhealthy friends and discover how to build friendships with people who will respect your boundaries and value you for who you are.


Struggling with parenting, in-laws, siblings, or other family issues? Explore challenging family dynamics and attachment problems from multiple angles. Master communication strategies and discover how to shift dysfunctional family patterns with mindful love and empathy.

Feeling burned out or unsatisfied at work? Investigate the problems that make work feel like a depressing chore. Discover the power of workplace EQ and the importance of work-life balance. Learn to use self-care to avoid burnout and feel passionate about your job.

Yearning for respect, equality, and unconditional love? If you identify as a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community or other marginalized group and have been rejected because of who you are or who you love, you’ll find inclusivity and affirmation. Dr. Carla's platform is welcoming of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Above all, Imperfect Love creates a warm and accepting space for you to reconnect with your inherent goodness, wisdom, and spirituality. Discover the benefits of self-care and healthy mindset shifts to create positive patterns and internal abundance. Embrace effective stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, journaling, and breathwork to reduce anxiety, calm your mind, and take control of your emotions. Manifest the inner joy that allows you to be the very best version of yourself.

Enjoy Imperfect Love at http://DrCarlaManly.com.


Disclaimer: This podcast is purely educational and is not a replace for professional psychological support. In case of emergency, contact your nearest hospital or emergency hotline such as “911” (US), “999” (UK), or “112” (EU).

Copyright 2025 | All Right Reserved | https://drcarlamanly.com/
Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Spirituality
Episodes
  • Transforming Trauma and Anxiety with Mindfulness, Connection, and Love Featuring Dr. James Gordon
    Mar 20 2026
    Billions of people around the world are affected by trauma, and none of us are immune. Whether you've experienced trauma in childhood or adulthood, the impact can be pervasive and long lasting. And in today's divisive, unsettled world, traumatic experiences seem to be lurking at every turn. This often creates feelings of overwhelm, powerlessness, and anxiety. Yet I've found that hope and healing are possible when you have the right tools. To guide us on this journey, I'm joined by the amazing Dr. James Gordon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesgordonmd/), Harvard-educated psychiatrist, pioneer of mind-body medicine and integrative medicine, and Founder /CEO of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (https://cmbm.org/). Dr. Gordon is a clinical professor at Georgetown Medical School and former chair of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy under Presidents Clinton and G.W. Bush). He is the author of Transforming Trauma: The Path to Hope and Healing and other important works.Topics discussed include trauma, healing, connection, body-mind medicine, holistic medicine, integrative medicine, individual therapy, group therapy, population-wide trauma, political divisiveness, shamans, healers, physicians, and patient care.Sensitive Episode: Please note that this episode contains sensitive material; listener discretion is advised.Emergency Assistance Details: If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please call your emergency services. In the US, 24/7 help is available by calling "911," "988" (Suicide and Crisis Hotline), or SAMSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Online: https://mentalhealthhotline.org/ptsd-hotline/. As applicable, additional resources may be provided in the show notes.Non-Emergency Online Mental Health Information: https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationshipshttps://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsdIMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: No expert is offering medical or psychological direction or advice; the content is purely informational in nature. Please consult your physician or healthcare provider before undertaking any new regimen or procedure.Connect with Dr. Carla Manly:Website: https://www.drcarlamanly.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlamanly/Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/drcarlamanly/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcarlamanlyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-marie-manly-8682362b/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_carlamanly_imperfect_loveTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_carla_manlyBooks by Dr. Carla Manly:Joy From Fear: Create the Life of Your Dreams by Making Fear Your Friend (https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Fear-Carla-Marie-Manly/dp/1641701218)Date Smart: Transform Your Relationships and Love Fearlessly (https://www.amazon.com/Date-Smart-Transform-Relationships-Fearlessly/dp/1641704675)Aging Joyfully: A Woman’s Guide to Optimal Health, Relationships, and Fulfillment for Her 50s and Beyond (https://www.amazon.com/Aging-Joyfully-Optimal-Relationships-Fulfillment/dp/1641701412)The Joy of Imperfect Love: The Art of Creating Healthy, Securely Attached Relationships (https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Imperfect-Love-Creating-Relationships/dp/1641709057)Imperfect Love Relationship & Oracle Card Deck by Dr. Carla Manly:Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/listing/1757477615/imperfect-love-reflection-oracle-cards)Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Imperfect-Love-Reflection-Oracle-Cards/dp/B0D1Z5M4YK)Connect with Dr. James Gordon:Website: https://cmbm.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindbodymedFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindBodyMedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesgordonmd/, https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-center-for-mind-body-medicine/
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    51 mins
  • PARENTING WITH PRESENCE TO CONNECT AND HEAL!
    Mar 13 2026
    If you're a parent, you might expect yourself to automatically have the right skills and inherent ability to help your child thrive. Yet no matter your child's age, you've likely found that parenting is no easy task. As every child is unique, even the most well-prepared parents often find themselves struggling. If issues such as neurodivergence and trauma enter the picture, things can get even more challenging. And because there's no single tip that fits all situations, today's top expert, Dr. Debra Kessler, has an impressive array of research-backed strategies that can help children–and their parents–become more self-aware, resilient, and confident. Topics discussed include neurodiversity, ADHD, trauma, bullying, IFS, Internal Family Systems, dominant culture, parenting, attunement, healing, school, emotions, emotional intelligence, ruptures, repairs, compassion, confidence, resilience, self-awareness, emotional connection, children, empowerment, and well-being.Please note that this episode may contain sensitive material; listener discretion is advised.Emergency Assistance Note: If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please call your emergency services. In the US, 24/7 help is available by calling “911” or “988” (Suicide and Crisis Hotline). Support/informational links are in the show notes. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: No expert in this (or any episode) is offering medical or psychological direction; the content is purely informational in nature. Please consult your physician or healthcare provider before undertaking any new regimen or procedure.https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/Connect with Dr. Carla Manly:Website: https://www.drcarlamanly.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlamanly/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/drcarlamanly/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcarlamanlyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-marie-manly-8682362b/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_carlamanly_imperfect_loveTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_carla_manlyBooks by Dr. Carla Manly:Joy From Fear: Create the Life of Your Dreams by Making Fear Your Friend Date Smart: Transform Your Relationships and Love FearlesslyAging Joyfully: A Woman’s Guide to Optimal Health, Relationships, and Fulfillment for Her 50s and BeyondThe Joy of Imperfect Love: The Art of Creating Healthy, Securely Attached RelationshipsImperfect Love Relationship & Oracle Card Deck by Dr. Carla Manly:EtsyAmazonConnect with Dr. Debra Kessler:Website: https://drdebrakessler.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.dtkessler/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-kessler-17441012/Resources: https://drdebrakessler.com/resourcesLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://drcarlamanly.com/
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    50 mins
  • The Sexless Marriage: 9 Top Tips For Reigniting Your Sex Life With Host Dr. Carla Marie Manly
    Mar 6 2026
    Sex has always been a hot topic, and in today's world, it's getting even more attention. When we think of sex and relationships, romantic images often come to mind. We might think of intimacy, sexual play, and passion-filled nights. Yet many couples--whether married or not – come to a point where a lack of sexual intimacy becomes a major concern. Today, I'll explore this sensitive topic with you openly and in an honest way to help you reclaim and reignite the sexual connection in your relationship. Whether you're feeling unloved, rejected, angry, or resentful about being in a sexless marriage or sexless relationship, this episode will give you powerful tools for moving forward. Topics discussed include marriage, long-term relationships, sex, sexuality, sexual intimacy, libido, sex drive, dating, unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety, mental health, physical health, emotional health, neurochemicals, oxytocin, PEA, dopamine, communication, resentment, apologies, connection, touch, psychotherapy, self-work, vulnerability, safety, security, and attachment style. Sensitive Episode:Please note that this episode contains sensitive material; listener discretion is advised.Emergency Assistance Details: If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please call your emergency services. In the US, 24/7 help is available by calling "911," "988" (Suicide and Crisis Hotline), or SAMSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). As applicable, additional resources may be provided in the show notes.Non-Emergency Online Mental Health Information: https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/and https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: No expert is offering medical or psychological direction or advice; the content is purely informational in nature. Please consult your physician or healthcare provider before undertaking any new regimen or procedure.Connect with Dr. Carla Manly:Website: https://www.drcarlamanly.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlamanly/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/drcarlamanly/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcarlamanlyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-marie-manly-8682362b/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_carlamanly_imperfect_loveTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_carla_manlyBooks by Dr. Carla Manly:Joy From Fear: Create the Life of Your Dreams by Making Fear Your Friend Date Smart: Transform Your Relationships and Love FearlesslyAging Joyfully: A Woman’s Guide to Optimal Health, Relationships, and Fulfillment for Her 50s and BeyondThe Joy of Imperfect Love: The Art of Creating Healthy, Securely Attached RelationshipsImperfect Love Relationship & Oracle Card Deck by Dr. Carla Manly:EtsyAmazonLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://drcarlamanly.com/
    Show more Show less
    35 mins
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