Imperfect Love

Written 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
  • Discover Your Strong, Authentic Self with Abundance Expert Shauna Brittenham Reiter
    Jan 31 2025
    It's time to break free from fear and step into the power of your authentic self. Do you constantly read others to see if you're loved, safe, or seen? Do you feel anxious and emotionally compromised to the point where you feel unimportant, stuck, or chronically dissatisfied? We often settle for situations–and relationships–that work against our mental, spiritual, and physical well-being because we are afraid. Yet, I believe that within each one of us is a voice–an inner flame–that, once embraced, has the power to foster change. Join me and expert Shauna Brittenham Reiter for an inspiring journey into how you can create a free, fulfilling, and joy-filled life. Topics discussed include attachment, secure attachment, attunement, insecure attachment, avoidant attachment, ambivalent attachment, anxious attachment, preoccupied attachment, emotional health, powerlessness, helplessness, emotions, feelings, financial power, monetary power, self-empowerment, empowerment, trauma, wildfires, LA fires, children, relationships, home, family, triggers, breathing, wellness, emotional regulation, reactivity, nervous system, fight or flight response, intergenerational patterns, and co-regulation. Special Note: Segments of this podcast delve into the impact of the 2025 wildfires in the Los Angeles area and may be triggering for those who have experienced or been associated with a natural disaster; listener discretion is strongly 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:Date Smart: Transform Your Relationships and Love FearlesslyJoy From Fear: Create the Life of Your Dreams by Making Fear Your Friend Aging 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 Relationships 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_manlyBook by Shauna Brittenham Reiter:You Are the Boss of You: Cultivate the Mindset and Tools to Live Life on Your TermsConnect with Shauna Brittenham Reiter:Website: www.helloshauna.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaunabrittenhamreiter/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-brittenham-reiter-679814246
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    50 mins
  • Free Yourself from Chronic Anxiety and Stress with Top Mindfulness Tips from Expert Dr. Pete Economou
    Jan 24 2025
    Do you feel stressed and anxious more often than not? Could mindfulness be the key to feeling better? Do you wish you could find a few simple strategies to help you get off the hamster wheel of anxiety and find greater ease, balance, and joy? Dr. Carla Manly has found that many people feel chronically overwhelmed by the internal and external pressures–and expectations–that have become part of today's busy world. And she’s here to let you know that a few simple, mindful changes can help shift your life for the better. Positive changes are waiting for you in this life-changing episode with Dr. Carla and Dr. Pete Economou, psychologist, renowned Rutgers University professor, author, and performance consultant. Topics discussed include mindfulness, acceptance, imperfection, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), attachment theory, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), relationships, stress, anxiety, stress reduction, Zen, meditation, change, neurobiology, balance, well-being, and journaling. 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). Additional links are in the show notes. Books by Dr. Carla Manly:Date Smart: Transform Your Relationships and Love FearlesslyJoy From Fear: Create the Life of Your Dreams by Making Fear Your FriendAging 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 Relationships 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_manly Books by Dr. Pete Economou:Mindfulness Workbook for Beginners: Exercises and Meditations to Relieve Stress, Find Joy, and Cultivate GratitudeMeditation Journal for Anxiety: Daily Meditations, Prompts, and Practices for Finding Calm Connect with Dr. Pete Economou:Website: https://officialdrpete.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialdrpete/Twitter: https://x.com/officialdrpeteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-j-economou-4b4000a/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttLuWm8DMiD8Vt--lOPhZg/featuredTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialdr.petePodcast: https://wheneastmeetswest.us/Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://drcarlamanly.com/
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    52 mins
  • Create Inner Calm and Reduce Anxiety with Self-Care Expert Dr. Nekeshia Hammond
    Jan 17 2025
    Are you exhausted by chronic mental gymnastics, those anxiety-inducing, topsy-turvy cognitive gyrations that get in the way of what you want to be thinking and doing? Dr. Carla Manly has found that people are increasingly plagued by obsessive or negative thought patterns that foster anxiety, depression, and stress that can lead to severe burnout. The secret to creating a healthy mindset--and the positive changes that follow–can be found in the art of gently training your mind to intentionally choose thoughts and behaviors that work for you–rather than against you. Join Dr. Carla and self-care expert Dr. Nekeshia Hammond for a delightful journey into learning how to create thought patterns that reduce anxiety while also boosting inner peace and joy! Topics discussed include mindsets, awareness, holistic self-care, emotions, secure attachment, insecure attachment, anxious attachment, preoccupied attachment, burnout, burnout prevention, self-care, spirituality, support, feelings, obsessive thoughts, ruminations, breathing, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), thought replacement, thought stopping, thought leaning, neuroplasticity, neurobiology, fight or flight, sympathetic nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system, breathing exercises, and panic attacks. Please note that this episode contains sensitive trauma-related 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). Additional links are in the show notes. Get the help you need:https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd Books by Dr. Carla Manly:Date Smart: Transform Your Relationships and Love FearlesslyJoy From Fear: Create the Life of Your Dreams by Making Fear Your FriendAging 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 Relationships 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_manly Book by Dr. Nekeshia Hammond:Mindset Training: Conquer Your Mind and the Rest Will Follow Connect with Dr. Nekeshia Hammond:Website: https://drnekeshiahammond.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnekeshiahammond/Twitter: https://twitter.com/dr_hammondFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNekeshiaHammond/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnekeshiahammond/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/drnekeshiahammond
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    50 mins

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