Imperfect Love cover art

Imperfect Love

Imperfect Love

By: Dr. Carla Marie Manly
Listen for free

About this listen

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
  • Artificial Intelligence--Friend or Foe? Best AI Practices for Kids, Parents, and Older Adults

    Artificial Intelligence--Friend or Foe? Best AI Practices for Kids, Parents, and Older Adults
    Apr 10 2026
    AI--artificial intelligence--has upsides, but many people are increasingly concerned about the very real downsides that come with the overuse or misuse of AI. Parents are increasingly worried about the impact on children's cognitive abilities and social skills. And even adults who embrace AI have questions about what's really safe and what's not. And when we look at AI and how it might harm not just the young but those who are older, there's a lot to consider, and a great deal to learn. To walk us through some of these vital issues, I'm joined by Stephen Balkam, founder and CEO of FOSI (Family Online Safety Institute), an international nonprofit devoted to making the online world safe for everyone.Topics discussed include artificial intelligence, computers, screentime, online safety, AI friends, AI friendships, cognitive skills, emotional skills, relational skills, children, teens, older adults, aging adults, elderly, elderly population, loneliness, isolation, friendship, social skills, parents, cyberbullying, Grok, ElliQ, xAI, Anthropic, attachment, resilience, tolerance, and emotional attachment.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-relationshipsIMPORTANT 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 Date Smart: Transform Your Relationships and Love Fearlessly Aging Joyfully: A Woman’s Guide to Optimal Health, Relationships, and Fulfillment for Her 50s and Beyond The Joy of Imperfect Love: The Art of Creating Healthy, Securely Attached Relationships Imperfect Love Relationship & Oracle Card Deck by Dr. Carla Manly:Etsy AmazonConnect with Stephen Balkam:Website: https://fosi.org/, https://www.stopbullying.gov/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbalkam/Twitter/X: https://x.com/StephenBalkamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbalkamTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fosiLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://drcarlamanly.com/
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Healing the Parent-Child Relationship with Grace with Hilary Mae

    Healing the Parent-Child Relationship with Grace with Hilary Mae
    Apr 3 2026
    Despite our hopes and dreams, the mother-daughter relationship isn't always easy or free of troubles. In fact, if you are a daughter--or have one--it's likely that you've had your share of challenges along the way. Yet, by breaking intergenerational patterns that hold us back from the type of connection we yearn for, we can pave the way toward healthier, more attuned relationships with those you love. If you're seeking more emotional safety, repair, and reconnection, you'll enjoy this heartfelt conversation with a top therapist, Hilary Mae, who focuses on boosting healthy love. With thoughtful tips that apply to mother-daughter, mother-son, parent-child, and family relationships in general, this episode has the power to foster healthy connections in every area of your life. Topics discussed include communication, mother, daughter, mother-daughter relationship, mother-son relationship, parenting, adult children, family, healthy communication strategies, intergenerational patterns, accountability, love, listening, empathy, attunement, attachment, connection, repair, understanding, emotional safety, abuse, boundaries, healthy dynamics, unhealthy dynamics, and self-growth. 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:EtsyAmazonConnect with Hilary:Website: https://www.hilarymae.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/motherdaughtertherapistFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/hilarymaeco Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://drcarlamanly.com/
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Attachment Style Reset: 9 Steps to Secure Love

    Attachment Style Reset: 9 Steps to Secure Love
    Mar 27 2026
    You've likely heard a lot about attachment styles and how they impact your life and your relationships. Yet you might not have had a chance to dive into the details that will help you understand, heal, and even change your own attachment style, whether it's anxious, avoidant, disorganized, or somewhere in between. As a clinical psychologist and attachment theory expert, I'm consistently stunned by the immense power a person's attachment style plays in the health and quality of their relationships--and their overall wellness. Today, we'll explore attachment theory and the nine key steps you can take to create secure attachment and boost the quality of your relationships and your life. Topics discussed include attachment theory, secure attachment, insecure attachment, dismissive attachment, avoidant attachment, anxious attachment, ambivalent attachment, disorganized attachment, unresolved attachment, attunement, safety, security, romantic relationships, marriage, family, friendship, communication, feelings, emotions, I messages, reflective listening, mirroring, wounds, triggering, emotional wounds, repair, rupture, love, healing, psychotherapy, and self-love.Resources: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4085672/https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14616734.2024.2342665#d1e464Sensitive 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/https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationshipsIMPORTANT 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 Date Smart: Transform Your Relationships and Love Fearlessly Aging Joyfully: A Woman’s Guide to Optimal Health, Relationships, and Fulfillment for Her 50s and Beyond The Joy of Imperfect Love: The Art of Creating Healthy, Securely Attached Relationships Imperfect Love Relationship & Oracle Card Deck by Dr. Carla Manly:Etsy Amazon
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.