Podcast

Explore the messy, imperfect road of life with Dr. Carla while you exercise, relax, and go about your daily routine.

“I deeply appreciate Dr. Carla’s Imperfect Love podcast. As I drive home in traffic from Los Angeles, rush hour becomes wise hour. Instead of being frustrated, I am in the good doctor’s wise, caring, and compassionate company.”

–Wendy

Imperfect Love Podcast

Tired of striving to be perfect? Looking to find perfect love or trying to give perfect love? Let go of the impossible! No one is perfect. It’s giving and receiving our very best imperfect love that brings joy, success, and fulfillment.

Join Dr. Carla Marie Manly on the Imperfect Love podcast and discover how to transform love’s struggles and flaws into uplifting growth. Dr. Carla, renowned psychologist, author, and self-fulfillment expert, guides you with wit and ease using her empowering, loved-based approach. Each episode leaves you stronger and more capable of accepting your imperfections and those of others while you grow from these challenges. Find the power to break free from whatever holds you back. Discover how to channel your worries and self-criticism into positive energy. Give and receive the love that is right for you–with all its human imperfections.

No subject is off-limits including boundaries, dating, red flags, toxic dynamics, dead-end relationships, emotional intelligence (EQ), hookup culture, sex, attachment issues, emotional health, self-esteem, body image, anxiety, depression, infidelity, betrayal, marriage, divorce, LGBTQIA2S+, situationships, parenting, empty nesting, grandparenting, burnout, shame, conflict, and everything in between.

Welcome Imperfect Love into your life by tuning in now at https://www.drcarlamanly.com.

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

Send Your Confidential Podcast Questions to Dr. Carla

Helping Families Be Happy

With help from guest authors, experts, and community and business leaders, the Familius Helping Families Be Happy podcast explores topics and issues that connect families to the nine habits of a happy family: love, play, learn, work, talk, heal, read, eat, and laugh together.

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Blog Episodes

The Secret to Unshakable Inner Confidence and Self-Worth

Are you exhausted from over-giving and over-doing? Do you tend to look to others for validation or lean into people-pleasing behaviors? If so, you’re…

Beyond Betrayal: Untangling the Post-Infidelity Trauma Loop

Betrayal by a loved one–especially sexual infidelity–can be one of the most traumatic events a person experiences. And if you’ve been betrayed by a…

Feeling Excluded? How to Shine as Your Authentic Self!

Tired of shrinking to fit in? Feeling like a square peg in a round hole? These common issues can make us feel as if…

Identity Shift: Becoming Your Best Self

Are you living your best, most authentic life? When it comes to success, attractiveness, and other externalities, it’s easy to get caught up in…

LIVE BIG: How to Supercharge Yourself and Your Life

Do you tend to live small because you’re afraid of not doing well or not getting things right? If a fear of failure or…

The Truth About AI Friendship: Artificial Intimacy or Real Connection?

Do you have a best friend who is available 24/7 and never wavers in their loving support of you? And does this perfect friend…

The Micro-Step Method: Gently Heal Stress, Trauma, & Dysregulation

You may have heard a lot about nervous system regulation and its role in helping you prevent emotional and behavioral chaos while finding inner…

Get Rooted and Restored! Steps to Create Inner Calm

In today’s high-stress world, it’s easy to get stuck in chronic survival mode. We expect ourselves to be more and do more, and often…

Sex on Fire! Expert Strategies for Intimacy & Connection!

We often believe that great relationships–and great sex–should come naturally. After all, movies and social media feed us carefully curated versions of idealized romances,…

RESET YOUR LIFE: Healing Self-Doubt, Guilt, and Shame

Do feelings of self-doubt hold you back? Do you struggle with feelings of guilt because of something you regret doing or not doing? Does…

Detox Your BODY, Detox Your MIND: The Path to TRUE Wellness

Have you felt off or ill and visited your doctor’s office only to be told that everything looks normal? From my personal and professional…

Let Go of Perfectionism: SHINE with Self-Worth and Authenticity!

We often believe that we need to be perfect–or at least nearly perfect–to be worthy and lovable. Yet from my experience, the constant striving…

The Romance Wrecker: How Stress and Anxiety Ruin Your Sex Life

We often ignore or blame ourselves for a decline in sexual desire. We may even chalk it up to hormones, relationship issues, or boredom.…

Finding Real Love in a Chaotic World

Finding real love can be tricky, and in today’s world, meeting organically can be next to impossible. As a result, it’s easy to feel…

LOVE BOOST: 5 Simple Steps to Make Your Relationship GREAT!

Many people – whether married or in other long-term love relationships – begin to feel that they don’t want to settle for a romantic…

Say “YES!” to Joyful Connection, Purpose, and a BEAUTIFUL LIFE!

Do life’s stressors leave you feeling out of balance and disconnected from yourself? From personal and professional experience, I’ve found that many people struggle…

Healing From the Raw Pain of Infidelity & Betrayal

If you’ve ever been betrayed by a loved one, especially a romantic partner, you know how deeply painful it can be. When those we…

Getting Strong: Setting Boundaries without Losing Relationships

Are you a naturally nurturing person who finds that acts of loving kindness are being mistaken for invitations to be taken advantage of or…

Coming Together: Tips for Turning Conflict into Connection

Are you conflict avoidant? Do you find it tough to face difficult conversations? Are you filled with anxiety when it’s time to talk to…

Unlock Joy and Get Unstuck: Reconnecting with Your Inner Child!

Do you have a healthy inner child or do unresolved childhood hurts and wounds keep you stuck? No matter how old (or young) you…

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

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…

Healing the Parent-Child Relationship with Grace

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…

Attachment Style Reset: 9 Steps to Secure Love

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…

Transforming Trauma and Anxiety with Mindfulness, Connection, and Love Featuring Dr. James Gordon

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,…

Parenting with Presence to Connect and Heal!

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…

The Sexless Marriage: 9 Top Tips For Reigniting Your Sex Life With Host Dr. Carla Marie Manly

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…

The Art and Science of Boosting Your Health with Hormones and HRT

Our hormones are essential to our mental and physical health, yet we often don’t understand (or we minimize) the key role hormones play in…

Uncomplicating Wellness: Simple Tips for Boosting Your Body and Mind!

Have you been bombarded with messages encouraging you to buy into the next greatest supplement, wellness hack, or fitness routine? Do you get exhausted…

The Empowering, Healing Journey of Trauma & PTSD Recovery

Recovering from trauma isn’t easy. In fact, it can be a lifetime of work. Yet all too often, I’ve found that even people suffering…

Reduce BIG Stressors with LITTLE Moments of Mindfulness

Feeling anxious, worried, or depressed? Do you experience stress-related issues with your sleep, diet, work, or relationships? If so, you’re in the company of…

Feeling Challenged? Create Your Amazing Life Path!

Does your life path sometimes feel like a wild obstacle course with unforeseen changes and challenges at every turn? If you’ve encountered unexpected shifts…

Heal Your Body, Mind, and Spirit with the Power of Sound

The sounds around us can be harmful – or helpful – to our mental, emotional, and physical health. Loud noises such as sirens and…

The HUGE Health Benefits of Reducing Stress and Eating Well!

We are fighting cancer with Andrea Wilson Woods, patient advocate and author, who shares her inspiring journey and insights on liver cancer and advocacy.

From Chaos to Calm: The Secret to Healthy, Confident Parenting at Every Age

We are fighting cancer with Andrea Wilson Woods, patient advocate and author, who shares her inspiring journey and insights on liver cancer and advocacy.

Create Wildly Magnetic Energy with Four Powerful Tips!

We are fighting cancer with Andrea Wilson Woods, patient advocate and author, who shares her inspiring journey and insights on liver cancer and advocacy.

Can Ferocious Validation and Gentleness Heal Chronic Anxiety & Trauma?

Complex trauma is more common than you might think. Many people face a host of significant challenges such as damaging childhood experiences, relationship abuse,…

Discover Freedom & Joy with the Superpower of Self-Awareness!

Do you struggle with imposter syndrome? Do you consciously or unconsciously engage in self-sabotaging behaviors? Do fear, anxiety, and negative patterns get in the…

Getting Unstuck and Finding Your True Path with Expert Nid Ra

Have you ever felt stuck in life, wondering where your true path may be? Although we often feel like we should know exactly what…

Creating Healthy Boundaries to Navigate Family Issues AND Improve Your Well-Being!

Do you find yourself giving in to others or letting go of your boundaries just to feel loved, included, or accepted? If this sounds…

Has the Spark in Your Relationship Faded? Embrace These Top Tips for Connection!

Marriage – or any long-term romantic relationship – can be one of life’s most joyful partnerships. Yet, sometimes, what was once a promising union can…

Discover the Power of Your Natural Wisdom, Intuition, and Imagination with Expert Dr. Kim Hermanson

Do you ever feel like your instinct – or some sense of deep knowing and natural wisdom – is giving you information that your…

Harnessing the Power of Love to Fight Cancer with Expert Andrea Wilson Woods

We are fighting cancer with Andrea Wilson Woods, patient advocate and author, who shares her inspiring journey and insights on liver cancer and advocacy.

Can Resolving Trauma Help You Break Unhealthy Habits? with Expert Dr. Randall Hansen

Do you often feel exhausted, stressed, or simply out of balance? Do you have unhealthy habits that make you feel stuck? It might sound…

The Dark Side of Narcissistic Friendships & Emotional Vampires

Narcissism can infect friendships in silent, toxic ways! Overt narcissists tend to have obviously self-centered traits, and this makes it fairly easy to spot…

Medical Gaslighting and Women’s Mental Health with Expert Dr. Sarah Oreck

If you’re a mom–or know someone who is–you’re likely aware of how challenging the journey of motherhood can be. And issues such as medical…

Suffering from Trauma or PTSD? Discover How to Heal and Move Forward! With Expert Dr. La Keita Carter

Have you experienced a traumatic event in the past–whether in your childhood or adult life? If the answer is “yes,” you’re surely not alone.…

Anxious or Avoidant in Your Relationships? Discover How to Create Secure Attachment and Loving Connection with Experts Rebecca Webster and Pablo Alvarez

If you struggle feeling safe and secure in relationships or face challenges due to chronically unhealthy relationship dynamics, did you know that your attachment…

How to Walk Away from Narcissistic Abuse and Toxic Relationships with Expert Michele Locke

Marriage and other long term relationships can be wonderful, but they can also be tough. It’s natural to expect–and even believe–that romantic partnerships should…

Top Tips for Staying Safe in Times of Emergency with Expert Jason Wayne Brick

From stressful inconveniences to full-on emergencies, life can be pretty tough to navigate. Whether you are single, partnered, childless, or a parent, it’s easy…

How to Cheat, How to Eat, and How to Change 5 Fat Factors! With Expert Jenn Trepeck

Do you find it tough to maintain healthy eating habits? Do you struggle with excess weight that seems to want to stay on no…

Create a Strong & Secure Parent-Child Connection at Every Age With Dr. Debbie Raphael

Being a parent is never easy. But in today’s complicated world, it can be even more difficult to navigate the challenges of parenting. From…

Tame Anxiety and Panic Proof Your Life! with Expert Dr. Nicole Cain

Anxiety lives in our bodies and minds, and its main function is to steer us clear of danger. But in today’s chaotic and uncertain…

Discover How to Live Your Best, Pain-Free Life with Expert Dr. Fawad Mian

Are you suffering from a lack of sleep, chronic pain, or other issues that keep you from living your best life? Although we want…

Looking for Your Soulmate? Discover How to Manifest True Love with Expert Audrey Hope

Do you believe in soul contracts, past lives, manifesting, and the power of divine energy? Do you want to dip your toes into the…

Learn to Love Your Body with the Power of Self-Love and Mindful Movement With Expert Sadie Lincoln

Is your self-image suffering? Do you struggle with body shame issues? If you’re like many people, you may see yourself through critical eyes that…

The Messy World of Eating Disorders and Recovery with Expert Mallary Tenore Tarpley

We often experience or hear about eating disorders. We talk about them–often behind closed doors–as if they’re something to be ashamed of and ignored.…

What Happened to My Sex Life? Discover How to Reconnect with Dr. Kate Balestrieri

Sex tends to be an important, connective aspect of intimate relationships. But all too often, couples find that they have different sex drives or…

Banish Burnout and Boost Self-Care with Expert Janice Litvin

81. 83. 49. 66. What do these figures have in common? They all relate to burnout–that sense of being utterly depleted, worn out, and…

Stop People-Pleasing, Self-Gaslighting, and Fawning with Expert Dr. Ingrid Clayton

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…

Free Yourself from Toxic Relationship Patterns with Expert Sanaiyah Gurnamal

Are you trapped in negative relationship cycles that make you feel stuck and even a little crazy? Do you and your partner have toxic…

Jealousy, Betrayal, Sex, and Healthy Love with Relationship Expert Dr. Joli Hamilton

Feelings of jealousy and envy often bring up a sense of shame or insecurity. Yet both jealousy and envy arise even in early childhood…

Healing From Narcissist Abuse And Co-Dependency with Expert Dr. Sarah Schewitz

Do you struggle with co-dependency? Is there a narcissist in your life whose abusive tactics are eroding your joy, self-confidence, and energy? Unfortunately, issues…

Stuck in Bad Habits? Create a Stronger, More Confident You with Expert Di Katz-Shachar

We often believe that we should naturally have healthy habits that help us be our best selves. We expect ourselves to automatically know how…

Managing Anxiety, Obsessive Thoughts, and Panic Attacks Compassionately with Dr. Joel Minden

Anxiety can creep into our minds, bodies, and lives in the sneakiest of ways. From chronic bouts of anxious thoughts to full blown panic…

Stuck in Imposter Syndrome? Super Charge Your Self-Confidence with Expert Sheena Yap Chan

Women are often expected to play nice, serve others, and do as they are told with a big smile. And if a woman learns…

Finding Peace When Pets Pass Away with Expert Jon Katz

If you’re a pet lover, it’s natural to want your fur baby to be around forever. Even the thought of losing your animal best…

Anxiously Attached? Triggered by Your Partner? Create Healthy Love with Expert Trevor Hanson

Are you securely attached? Do you generally feel safe, at ease, and emotionally connected in your intimate relationships? If not, there’s a good chance…

Narcissists, Good Daughters, and Difficult Mothers with Expert Katherine Fabrizio

Every daughter wants a loving, close relationship with her mom. Yet, in real life, sometimes the mother-daughter relationship is fabulous, sometimes it’s so-so, and…

Moving Beyond Betrayal, Blame, and Pain with Emmy®-Award Winning Couple Sean and Michele Kanan

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…

The Joyful Life of Laughing More and Stressing Less with Professor Pete Alexander

Do you know what magical action has the power to boost your mood, bolster your immune system, banish stress, lessen pain, and foster connection?…

Discover the JOY of TRULY BELONGING with Renowned Expert J.F. Benoist

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…

Money, Privilege, and Parenting: How to Raise Grounded, Loving Children with Expert Jessica McGawley

Money. Hard work. Privilege. Inheritance. Entitlement. Motivation. Success. All of these words can bring up a host of thoughts and feelings. Some of them…

Boost Self-Love and Intimacy with the Power of Soul Statements–Featuring Expert Corey Lyon Folsom

Do you feel like your partner doesn’t hear you? Is communication a major stumbling block in your intimate relationships? From Dr. Carla’s experience and…

Should I Stay or Should I Go? How to Let Go of–or Embrace–a Romantic Relationship with Expert Ken Blackman

Are you feeling stuck in a dead-end relationship? Do you want more in your romantic life but are afraid to let go of what…

Live Your Best Life! Healthy Habits Made Easy with Expert Chris Loper

Do you tend to procrastinate or have other habits that work against you? Do you want to have stronger willpower? As a clinical psychologist,…

Manifest Abundance Using the Power of a Positive Mindset! Featuring Manifestation Expert Scott Haug

Do you believe in miracles? Does the idea of manifestation seem real and within your reach, or does it sound more like an impossibility?…

Glimmers, Triggers, and Falling in Love with Life! Featuring Renowned Expert Deb Dana

Do you feel as if life is passing you by as you rush through one day after another, missing the glimmers that make it…

Can You Find Your Soulmate? Discover How with Relationship Expert Dr. Christie Kederian

Are you hungering to discover your soulmate, twin flame, or a dream-come-true partner to be your lover and best friend? Do you struggle with…

LOVE YOUR BODY, LOVE YOURSELF with Body Image Experts Deb Schachter and Whitney Otto

When you look in the mirror, do you love the reflection you see, or do you pick parts of yourself to pieces–or even your…

Is the Golden Rule Harming Your Romantic Relationship? Discover Better Love with Intimacy Expert Susan Bratton

Romantic relationships! We love them, sometimes we hate them, and in many cases, we just put up with them. We are told that romance…

Discover Your Strong, Authentic Self with Abundance Expert Shauna Brittenham Reiter

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…

Free Yourself from Chronic Anxiety and Stress with Top Mindfulness Tips from Expert Dr. Pete Economou

Do you feel stressed and anxious more often than not? Could mindfulness be the key to feeling better? Do you wish you could find…

Create Inner Calm and Reduce Anxiety with Self-Care Expert Dr. Nekeshia Hammond

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…

Discover the Balance and Joy of Healthy Interdependence with Expert Manami Yamamoto

Do you wrestle with feelings of being too dependent or–at the other end of the spectrum–overly independent? If you, or someone you love, struggles…

Use the Wisdom of Your Dreams to Get Unstuck with London-Based Psychoanalyst Dan Lawrence

Do you look for hidden messages in dreams, oracle cards, or even tea leaves? If so, you’re not crazy and you’re surely not alone.…

Feeling Alone? Take Charge of Your Mental Health with Connection Expert Dr. Adam Dorsay

Have you ever felt truly and deeply alone? That you are completely isolated behind thick walls or an invisible shell–even when surrounded by a…

Find Your Voice, Speak Your Truth, and Set Yourself Free with Expert Soha Al-Jurf

Has your inner voice been quashed or silenced? Do you feel small or unseen due to the forces of your upbringing, relationships, or society?…

Is Relaxed Parenting the Healthiest Way to Go? Lighten Up with Expert Dr. Emily Edlynn

No matter your age, gender, socioeconomic status, or other factors, parenting is no easy task. Yet we often expect ourselves to be the ideal,…

Discover Your Power to Shine and Be Your Authentic Self with Affirmation Expert Jess Vosseteig

Affirmation is a powerful tool for resilience. We’re often expected to be positive and upbeat no matter what is going on in our lives.…

Healing Family Rifts by Embracing Love, Respect, and Boundaries with Expert Lyn Smith Gregory

Family is one of the most fundamental aspects of human existence. From birth forward, we’re often indoctrinated to embrace the values and priorities prized…

Break Free Of Destructive Dieting And Disordered Eating–Simple Research-Backed Steps From Expert Dr. Supatra Tovar

We often learn early in life to use food as a coping strategy, which can lead to destructive dieting patterns. In today’s stressful, perfection-oriented…

Boost Mental Clarity, Mindfulness, and Physical Well-Being with Renowned Somatic Expert Dr. Martha Eddy

We naturally want to believe that we are living consciously and engaging in practices that foster optimal health and well-being. However, challenges and stressors…

Increase Confidence, Focus, and Emotional Regulation with Life Optimization & Neurodiversity Expert Dr. Gretchen Pound

Frazzled? Unfocused? Emotionally dysregulated? Although we want to be stable and caring partners, parents, employees, bosses, and friends, it’s easy to get stuck in…

Emotional Vampires: How to Detect Them and Keep Yourself Safe from Their Energy-Draining Ways!

Emotional vampires specialize in sucking up your energy, joy, and inner peace. At their core, emotional vampires are empty, and their self-centered behaviors take…

Decreasing Bullying, Gun Violence, and Mass Shootings with Medical Expert Dr. Nina Cerfolio

Are you plagued by thoughts of school shootings, terrorism, or other acts of violence? If fear, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts about violence permeate your…

Cure Binge Eating and Other Destructive Eating Habits (and Never Diet Again) with Expert Dr. Nina Savelle-Rocklin

Emotional eating can be difficult to cure due to an often confounding mixture of emotional, psychological, physiological, and societal factors. We often expect ourselves…

Navigating The Pain Of Family Estrangement With Expert Aimee Palmer

We want—and expect—family ties to last forever. From infancy forward, we naturally seek lasting bonds that will make us feel safe and loved. Yet,…

Discover the Six Secrets of Lasting Joy and Satisfaction with Expert Dr. Jennifer Guttman

We’re told that we should be happy and that we deserve to have it all. And we often feel that we’ve failed ourselves if…

Healing From Traumatic Bonding, Gaslighting, and Abuse With Expert Dr. Nadine Macaluso

We never expect—much less want—to find ourselves caught up in abusive relationships or toxic dynamics such as trauma bonding or gaslighting. In fact, traumatic bonding,…

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