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Imperfect Love

Imperfect Love

Dr. Carla Marie Manly 166 Episodes Oct 9, 2026

Imperfect Love is hosted by psychologist and author Dr. Carla Marie Manly. The podcast explores the messy, complicated, and sensitive problems that affect people in life and relationships. Dr. Carla answers listeners' real-life questions using a mindfulness-based approach. She offers practical advice on finding love and happiness by embracing imperfections, building self-love, and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

Episodes

Fats for Brain Health & Mood: What to Eat vs Avoid
Fats for Brain Health & Mood: What to Eat vs Avoid Oct 9, 2026 3225 Can fats affect your mood, brain health, and longevity? From seed nut oils and saturated fats to Omega-3s and Omega-6s, discussions around what's healthy and unhealthy continue to flow. And although we tend to think that healthy living and eating should be easy and natural, the ever-changing flood of wellness messages can lead to loads of confusion. And feelings of confusion can lead you to do not
Got ADHD? Turn It Into Your Superpower!
Got ADHD? Turn It Into Your Superpower! Oct 2, 2026 3549 Do you or a loved one get distracted easily? Do you notice a chronic behaviors such as distractibility, difficulty with attention to detail, forgetfulness, restlessness, or impulsivity? If so, ADHD--Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder--might be at the root of what's going on. Many people with ADHD, even those receive an appropriate diagnosis and care, struggle with the variety of symptoms tha
Nutrition and Longevity Secrets: Stop Restricting, Start Healing
Nutrition and Longevity Secrets: Stop Restricting, Start Healing Sep 25, 2026 3381 It can be challenging to stay fit and healthy. Yet it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that one pill, diet, exercise or lifestyle hack will be the key to being in top form. And we're hit daily with an array of ads that promise far more than they deliver. In many cases, from GLP-1s and supplements to diets, the downsides such as muscle loss and eating disorders are often cloaked or ignored
Optimize Your Brain Power & Vitality: The Ultimate Biohacks
Optimize Your Brain Power & Vitality: The Ultimate Biohacks Sep 18, 2026 3432 We often expect our bodies and brains to operate at peak performance throughout our lives. Yet what fuels us--and what we can get away with--in our first few decades of life doesn't cut it as we get older. In fact, I've discovered that optimal mental and physical health require greater focus and effort with each passing year. So whether you are looking to heal an injury, increase your brain power,
How to Ignite Your Awesomeness!
How to Ignite Your Awesomeness! Sep 11, 2026 2631 We often expect ourselves to know our true purpose or mission in life. Yet, for even those who know their genuine calling early on, distractions, expectations, and life necessities can get in the way. But sometimes that deep yearning--a strong knowing in the soul--just can't be ignored. Yet it's not always easy to break out of the mold, listen to your inner voice, and set out on a journey of your
Micro-Moments: Small Habits for Lasting Love
Micro-Moments: Small Habits for Lasting Love Sep 4, 2026 3600 Are you constantly yearning for a deeper connection with your partner? Do you tend to feel that your mate is disinterested in what's going on in your inner or outer world? Common issues like these leave many romantic partners feeling dissatisfied with the quality of their intimate relationships. And when parenting, family, and work issues arise, the sense of disconnection can get far worse--and ev
The Secret to Unshakable Inner Confidence and Self-Worth
The Secret to Unshakable Inner Confidence and Self-Worth Aug 28, 2026 3255 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 in solid company. From childhood forward, many of us learn to tend to others' needs to feel valuable and worthy. And from my experience, these hardwired habits can foster perfectionism, enmeshment, and dependency--and even open the door to being expl
Beyond Betrayal: Untangling the Post-Infidelity Trauma Loop
Beyond Betrayal: Untangling the Post-Infidelity Trauma Loop Aug 21, 2026 3537 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 romantic partner, you know firsthand how devastating the blow can be. In fact, those who are betrayed often find themselves drowning in a sea of endless questions, overwhelming anxiety, and doubt. Despite the trauma they've endured, the betrayed indi
Feeling Excluded? How to Shine as Your Authentic Self!
Feeling Excluded? How to Shine as Your Authentic Self! Aug 14, 2026 3034 Tired of shrinking to fit in? Feeling like a square peg in a round hole? These common issues can make us feel as if we'll never truly belong. We crave inclusion for many reasons. On an evolutionary level, instinct drives us to be part of a pack because we're more likely to survive. And belonging to a group of like-minded people can foster self-esteem while also reducing loneliness and anxiety. Yet
Identity Shift: Becoming Your Best Self
Identity Shift: Becoming Your Best Self Aug 7, 2026 3265 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 comparing yourself to other people. But when we judge who we are by others' appearances, achievements, or highlight reels, self-judgment intensifies and only makes things worse. Yet you can learn how to avoid judging yourself and your worth and, instead, t
LIVE BIG: How to Supercharge Yourself and Your Life
LIVE BIG: How to Supercharge Yourself and Your Life Jul 31, 2026 3590 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 worries about how others might see you keep you from reaching high and becoming your best self, you're certainly not alone. As a clinical psychologist, I've found that many people stay stuck because they don't trust their ability to overcome challenges, perform well under pressure
The Truth About AI Friendship: Artificial Intimacy or Real Connection?
The Truth About AI Friendship: Artificial Intimacy or Real Connection? Jul 24, 2026 2627 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 just give and give without ever asking for anything in return? Enter the AI chatbot who makes perfect, one-sided friendships like this increasingly common. In truth, it can be temptingly easy to form a relationship--or even in fall in love--with a corporately owned algorith

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