Imperfect Love

By: Dr. Carla Marie Manly
  • Summary

  • 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 2023 | All Right Reserved | https://drcarlamanly.com/
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Episodes
  • Moving Beyond Betrayal, Blame, and Pain with Emmy®-Award Winning Couple Sean and Michele Kanan
    May 9 2025
    We often expect love and relationships to be easy--and perfect--but the best of relationships are much like a bountiful garden that needs regular doses of tender loving care. And, like the weeds that can strangle and overtake a healthy garden, issues such as blame, resentment, and chronic conflict can ruin even the most promising relationship. Over time, I've come to see that imperfections are a natural part of all relationships, and that it's how we handle the imperfections and stumbles that make all the difference. Today, I'm joined by an Emmy-award winning couple, Sean Kanan and Michele Kanan, who offer a guiding light through their new relationship books and deeply love-filled paradigm. With the mantra, "Two hearts. One soul," as their foundation, Sean and Michele bring an abundance of honesty, depth, wisdom, and vulnerability to this compelling episode.Topics discussed include betrayal, love, relationships, marriage, infidelity, affairs, extramarital affairs, adultery, dating, honesty, genuineness, self-development, self-awareness, rules, agreements, attachment theory, secure attachment, anxious attachment, insecure attachment, film, television, conflict, fighting, communication, trust, safety, security, healing, convenienceship, origin story, growth, curiosity, priorities, work, career, film, movies, Emmy® awards, Cobra Kai, Karate Kid, family, success, children, blended family, blended families, divorce, resentment, blame, shame, worthiness, self-love, inner strength, becoming, unbecoming, healing, authentic self, and forgiveness.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.Books 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 RelationshipsOracle decks by Dr. Carla Manly:EtsyAmazonConnect 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.carlamariemanly8543TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_carla_manlyBooks by Sean and Michele Kanan:Way of the COBRA Couples Way of the COBRA: Unleash Your Inner BadassWelcome to the Kumite: Way of the COBRA Connect with Sean and Michele Kanan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sean.kanan/Twitter/X: https://x.com/seankanan Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://drcarlamanly.com/
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    45 mins
  • The Joyful Life of Laughing More and Stressing Less with Professor Pete Alexander
    May 2 2025
    Do you know what magical action has the power to boost your mood, bolster your immune system, banish stress, lessen pain, and foster connection? If you guessed "laughter," you're on target. Research consistently shows that laughter truly is one of life's best medicines, yet our stress-filled lives tend to leave little space for self-care and the healing power that laughing brings. And especially if you tend toward perfectionism or depression, getting a good dose of laughter might be the furthest thing from your mind and even non-existent on your to-do list. But there are simple steps each one of us can take to foster more laughter--and reduce stress--each day. Join me and stress expert Professor Pete Alexander for a mindful exploration into the uplifting power of laughter. Topics discussed include mental health, physical health, perfectionism, stress, parenting, attachment, insecure attachment, secure attachment, diabetes, heart health, hospitalization, inflammation, cortisol, endorphins, neurochemicals, laughter yoga, yoga, EMDR, MER therapy, toxic perfectionism, stress relief, stress relief activities, work, burnout, mindset, play, joy, immune system, self-care, fulfillment, happiness, and balance. 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. Books 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 RelationshipsOracle decks by Dr. Carla Manly:EtsyAmazonConnect 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.carlamariemanly8543TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_carla_manlyBooks by Professor Pete Alexander:Lighten Your Day: Fast, Easy and Effective Stress Relief for When Sh*t Happens - Internet Marketing Tips for Busy Executives: Simple Ways to Improve Your Internet PresenceConnect with Professor Pete Alexander:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stressexpert/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petealexander/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHHO6IiWyn56aURq585fxVALove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://drcarlamanly.com/
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    49 mins
  • Discover the JOY of TRULY BELONGING with Renowned Expert J.F. Benoist
    Apr 25 2025
    We often believe that our given family--the ones we are connected to by birth--should be our greatest friends and allies. And it's normal for us to expect our family members to love us and keep us safe. Yet, in real life, many people discover that negative family dynamics affect them in the most troubling ways. If this resonates, you may have experienced the deep pain of feeling outcast or isolated by the very ones you love with all your heart. So, whether you feel as if you don't belong in your family, your friend group, work setting, or any other area of your life, you'll find wisdom, support, and comfort in this uplifting episode. Join Dr. Carla and mental health expert J.F. Benoist--author of the best-selling book, Addicted to the Monkey Mind, and his newest book, Avive la Vie--An Adventure in Belonging, for a powerful journey into self-discovering, self-growth, and the art of being free. Topics discussed include relationships, family, estrangement, disconnection, anxiety, fear, love, family dynamics, gaslighting, abuse, boundaries, self-care, self-love, self-growth, addiction, suicide, alcoholism, emotional safety, self-connection, correction, criticism, parenting, attunement, secure attachment, insecure attachment, anxious attachment, self-worth, lovability, friendship, friends, connection, community, pets, interconnection, and imperfection. Please note that this episode contains sensitive material including a mention of suicide; 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," "988" (Suicide and Crisis Hotline), or SAMSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Support/informational links are in the show notes.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.carlamariemanly8543TikTok: 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 RelationshipsOracle decks by Dr. Carla Manly:EtsyAmazonConnect with :Website: https://www.jfbenoist.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jfbenoist/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr0zvG3DruBIWT_esqixaBg/videosBooks by J.F. Benoist:Avive la Vie : An Adventure in BelongingAddicted to the Monkey Mind: Change the Programming That Sabotages Your LifeLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://drcarlamanly.com/
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins

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