Imperfect Love Podcast By Dr. Carla Marie Manly cover art

Imperfect Love

Imperfect Love

By: Dr. Carla Marie Manly
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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/
Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Spirituality
Episodes
  • Stop People-Pleasing, Self-Gaslighting, and Fawning with Expert Dr. Ingrid Clayton
    Jul 18 2025

    We often hear about the "fight - flight" response, that instinctive reaction to a fear-inducing situation. In fact, you've likely witnessed or responded to an actual or perceived threat with protective aggression or a fearful escape. Yet two other hardwired responses--freezing and fawning--are also part of our instinctual repertoire. And while such responses are intended to keep us safe and alive when in danger, they can actually hamper self-esteem, self-worth, and interpersonal relationships when they become our default. Today, we'll take a look at how an overactive fawn response--that tendency to appease and please--can make you lose your identity as you sacrifice yourself--your core identity--to make others happy and keep the peace. Join Dr. Carla Manly and renowned psychologist and trauma expert Dr. Ingrid Clayton for an empowering journey into healing from fawning--and reclaiming your voice and your life.

    Topics discussed include fawning, appeasing, fight-flight response, trauma, relational trauma, complex trauma, abuse, domestic violence, gaslighting, self-gaslighting, intergenerational trauma, intergenerational patterns, support groups, people-pleasing, self-compassion, healthy love, external validation, support groups, boundaries, healthy boundaries, flexible boundaries, healthy relationships, self-love, and self-growth.

    Please note that this episode contains 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," "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.


    Books by Dr. Carla Manly:

    Joy from Fear: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Fear-Carla-Marie-Manly/dp/1641701218

    Date Smart: https://www.amazon.com/Date-Smart-Transform-Relationships-Fearlessly/dp/1641704675

    Aging Joyfully: https://www.amazon.com/Aging-Joyfully-Optimal-Relationships-Fulfillment/dp/1641701412

    The Joy of Imperfect Love: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Imperfect-Love-Creating-Relationships/dp/1641709057


    Oracle decks 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



    Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://drcarlamanly.com/

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    49 mins
  • Free Yourself from Toxic Relationship Patterns with Expert Sanaiyah Gurnamal
    Jul 11 2025
    Are you trapped in negative relationship cycles that make you feel stuck and even a little crazy? Do you and your partner have toxic patterns--bouts of fighting, shutting down, or tuning out--that leave you feeling upset, unheard, and unloved? Although we often expect our intimate relationships to be naturally healthy and smooth, unhealthy dynamics can take over--or be present even from the start. But take heart--you don't have to stay stuck. Even destructive habits that seem permanently etched in the fabric of a relationship can be changed when genuine motivation and deep love are at work. Today, I'm joined by a relationship expert who is known for her magic touch in transforming past experiences—especially the not-so-shiny ones—into pure relationship gold. Topics discussed include healthy love, communication, relationship dynamics, toxic patterns, toxic dynamics, marriage, emotional connection, Runaway Bride, people pleasing, caretaker, fear of commitment, commitment phobia, self-love, self-care, relationship coach, power of attraction, manifestation, relationships, healthy relationships, attachment, secure attachment, insecure attachment, avoidant attachment, anxious attachment, love blocks, and self-growth.Please note that this episode contains 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," "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 Sanaiyah Gurnamal:Website: https://www.sanaiyahgurnamal.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanaiyahgurnamal/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanaiyahgurnamal/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanaiyahgurnamal/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SanaiyahGurnamalTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sanaiyahgurnamal?lang=en
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    51 mins
  • Jealousy, Betrayal, Sex, and Healthy Love with Relationship Expert Dr. Joli Hamilton
    Jul 4 2025
    Feelings of jealousy and envy often bring up a sense of shame or insecurity. Yet both jealousy and envy arise even in early childhood as we vie for parents' attention, desire a sibling's toy, or jockey for a positions in friend groups. And, as feelings of romantic love come into our lives, it's the big emotion of jealousy than can have a way of creeping deeper into our relationships. If left unchecked, jealousy can foster anxiety, tension, resentment, and worse. But I've found that if we step back to see jealousy as a teacher--a signal that we're feeling threatened or are unsafe in some way--this often unsettling emotion can be channeled into both self-growth and relationship growth. Today, I'm joined by Dr. Joli Hamilton, research psychologist and relationship expert, who will take us on a deep dive into the heart of love and jealousy. Topics discussed include sex, sexuality, monogamy, nonmonogamy, betrayal, love, relationships, fidelity, infidelity, consensual nonmonogamy, polyamory, jealousy, envy, compersion, emotions, feelings, discussion, honesty, explicit agreements, implicit agreements, secure attachment, insecure attachment, anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, fear, insecurity, anxiety, archetypes, individuation, alchemy, personal growth, and healthy relationships.Please note that this episode contains 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," "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 Dr. Joli Hamilton:Website: https://www.jolihamilton.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjoli_hamilton/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.joli.hamilton/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joli-hamilton-phd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz8_u_0Z6omnIJKqklSNVVwTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjoli_hamilton?lang=enBook by Dr. Joli Hamilton:Project Relationship: The Entrepreneur’s Action Plan for Passionate, Sustainable LoveLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://drcarlamanly.com/
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    50 mins
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