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Imperfect Love

Dr. Carla Marie Manly
Imperfect Love
Latest episode

155 episodes

  • Imperfect Love

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

    07/24/2026 | 43 mins.
    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 algorithm that beneficently soothes and satisfies your emotional needs. And while there are upsides to such relationships, downsides such as dependency, lower emotional intelligence (EQ) and reduced interpersonal skills are also in the mix. Today, we're joined by Bridget Todd, author of "Love at First Prompt." Bridget is a journalist, podcast host, award-winning creator, and producer who will guide us into the complex and poignant world of AI relationships, artificial intimacy, loneliness, healing, true connection, and genuine love.
    Topics discussed include love, friendship, AI companion, companionship, relationships, genuine connection, intimacy, grief, loss, parents, children, empathy, patience, loneliness, memories, self-growth, personal development, AI hallucinations, artificial intelligence, chatbots, tolerance, building memories, and dependency.
    IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: No expert is offering medical or psychological direction or advice; the content is purely informational in nature. Please consult your physician or healthcare provider before undertaking any new regimen or procedure.

    Connect with Dr. Carla Manly:
    Website: https://www.drcarlamanly.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlamanly/
    Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/drcarlamanly/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcarlamanly
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-marie-manly-8682362b/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_carlamanly_imperfect_love
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_carla_manly

    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 Fearlessly
    Aging Joyfully: A Woman’s Guide to Optimal Health, Relationships, and Fulfillment for Her 50s and Beyond
    The Joy of Imperfect Love: The Art of Creating Healthy, Securely Attached Relationships

    Imperfect Love Relationship & Oracle Card Deck by Dr. Carla Manly:
    Etsy
    Amazon

    Connect with Bridget Todd:
    Website: https://www.bridget-todd.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgetmarieindc/?hl=en

    Simon Audio Socials:
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimonAudio/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simon.audio
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simon.audio/?hl=en

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

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

    07/17/2026 | 54 mins.
    You may have heard a lot about nervous system regulation and its role in helping you prevent emotional and behavioral chaos while finding inner peace. You may even have tried some tools to reduce stress and create more internal calm but didn't find much lasting relief. In truth, it can take a lot of practice to rewire our bodies and brains in lasting ways, especially when negative patterns have been in play for years or decades. Yet because dysregulation is at the root of many issues from mood disorders to chronic anxiety, any shifts we make for the better can also benefit our partners, children, and families. Today, we're joined by a leading expert, Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, who will guide us on the path of lasting change and healing. Dr. Roseann is a leading expert in emotional and behavioral dysregulation and creator of e CALMS Dysregulation Protocol and Regulation First Parenting.

    Topics discussed include trauma, healing, mental health, anxiety, ADHD, neurotypical, neurodivergent, kinesthetic learning, nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system, autonomic nervous system, breathwork, meditation, parenting, children, family, intergenerational patterns, generational emotional wealth, and positive reinforcement.

    Please note that this episode contains sensitive material; listener discretion is advised.

    Emergency Assistance Details: 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). As applicable, additional resources may be provided in the show notes.

    Non-Emergency Online Mental Health Information: https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/
    and https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships
    Connect with Dr. Carla Manly:
    Website: https://www.drcarlamanly.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlamanly/
    Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/drcarlamanly/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcarlamanly
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-marie-manly-8682362b/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_carlamanly_imperfect_love
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_carla_manly

    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 Fearlessly
    Aging Joyfully: A Woman’s Guide to Optimal Health, Relationships, and Fulfillment for Her 50s and Beyond
    The Joy of Imperfect Love: The Art of Creating Healthy, Securely Attached Relationships

    Imperfect Love Relationship & Oracle Card Deck by Dr. Carla Manly:
    Etsy
    Amazon

    Connect with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge:
    Website: www.drroseann.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroseann/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrRoseannCapannaHodge/
    Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/naturalparentingsolutions
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrRoseann
    Podcast: www.drroseann.com/podcast
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roseanncapannahodge/
    Dysregulated Kids: https://dysregulatedkid.com/

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

    Get Rooted and Restored! Steps to Create Inner Calm

    07/10/2026 | 50 mins.
    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 don't realize the toll this takes on our emotional, mental, and physical health. I've learned, from personal and professional experience, that chronic stress and strain can lead you into a state of ongoing nervous system dysregulation that-can become your norm. Today, I'm joined by a highly trained somatic expert and holistic nurse, Samalie Rivera, who will help you discover how to create a compassion-filled, successful life without sacrificing yourself and the balanced, freeing pace you deserve.

    Topics discussed include healing, trauma, PTSD, chronic stress, nervous system regulation, nervous system dysregulation, stress, ADHD, stress reduction, self-compassion, self-awareness, self-care, survival mode, fight or flight, polyvagal theory, glimmers, self-judgment, inner-critic, shadow work, somatic awareness, inner peace, mindfulness, and balance.

    Please note that this episode contains sensitive material; listener discretion is advised.

    Emergency Assistance Details: 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). As applicable, additional resources may be provided in the show notes.

    Non-Emergency Online Mental Health Information: https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/
    and https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships

    IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: No expert is offering medical or psychological direction or advice; the content is purely informational in nature. Please consult your physician or healthcare provider before undertaking any new regimen or procedure.

    Connect with Dr. Carla Manly:
    Website: https://www.drcarlamanly.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlamanly/
    Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/drcarlamanly/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcarlamanly
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-marie-manly-8682362b/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_carlamanly_imperfect_love
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_carla_manly

    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 Fearlessly
    Aging Joyfully: A Woman’s Guide to Optimal Health, Relationships, and Fulfillment for Her 50s and Beyond
    The Joy of Imperfect Love: The Art of Creating Healthy, Securely Attached Relationships

    Imperfect Love Relationship & Oracle Card Deck by Dr. Carla Manly:
    Etsy
    Amazon

    Connect with Samalie Rivera:
    Website: https://www.oubaitoriwellness.com/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oubaitoriwellnessllc/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samalie-rivera-07254082
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somatic.nurse.sam/

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

    Sex on Fire! Expert Strategies for Intimacy & Connection!

    07/03/2026 | 50 mins.
    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, perfectly toned bodies, and deliciously steamy sex. Yet in real life, romantic relationships and the sex that comes with them can feel anything but deeply affirming and satisfying. To help us understand the secrets to fostering genuine relational and sexual connection, I'm joined by a top-notch guest, Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn. Dr. Tara is a sexologist, researcher, professor, and author who is known as "The Internet's Resident Sexpert."

    Topics discussed include sexuality, sex, sexual intimacy, sex education, sexual wellness, sexploration, communication, play, toxic dynamics, attraction, slow burn relationships, friendships, sexual compatibility, sexual inhibitions, sexual repression, anxiety, comparison, marriage, dating, relationships, ex-relationships, long term partnerships, monogamous relationships, monogamy, exploration, confidence, blame, shame, guilt, and defensiveness.
    Please note that this episode contains sensitive material; listener discretion is advised.

    Emergency Assistance Details: 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). As applicable, additional resources may be provided in the show notes.

    Non-Emergency Online Mental Health Information: https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/ and https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships

    IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: No expert is offering medical or psychological direction or advice; the content is purely informational in nature. Please consult your physician or healthcare provider before undertaking any new regimen or procedure.

    Connect with Dr. Carla Manly:
    Website: https://www.drcarlamanly.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlamanly/
    Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/drcarlamanly/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcarlamanly
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-marie-manly-8682362b/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_carlamanly_imperfect_love
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_carla_manly

    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 Fearlessly
    Aging Joyfully: A Woman’s Guide to Optimal Health, Relationships, and Fulfillment for Her 50s and Beyond
    The Joy of Imperfect Love: The Art of Creating Healthy, Securely Attached Relationships

    Imperfect Love Relationship & Oracle Card Deck by Dr. Carla Manly:
    Etsy
    Amazon

    Connect with Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn:
    Website: http://www.luvbites.co/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luvbites.co/
    Twitter/X: https://x.com/luvbitesco
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luvbites.co

    Book by Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn:
    How Do You Like It? A Guide For Getting What You Want (In Bed)

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

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

    06/26/2026 | 57 mins.
    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 unworthiness or shame keep you stuck? I've found that common issues like these are at the root of the deep pain and suffering that keeps many people stuck or going in circles. Yet there is a path forward that can help you release guilt, self-doubt, and shame to discover the deep, healing power of inner freedom and self-love. Today, we're joined by Blake D. Bauer, a world-renowned teacher, speaker, and best-selling author who will guide us into the realm of discovering the deep, lasting healing you deserve.

    Topics discussed include self-worth, self-doubt, self-love, self-care, soul, guilt, shame, blame, manipulation, relationships, family, children, love, intergenerational patterns, self-betrayal, existential guilt, worthiness, humility, learning, thinking errors, alignment, values, priorities, self-needs, attunement, and living in alignment.

    Please note that this episode contains sensitive material; listener discretion is advised.

    Emergency Assistance Details: 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). As applicable, additional resources may be provided in the show notes.

    Non-Emergency Online Mental Health Information: https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/ and https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships

    IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: No expert is offering medical or psychological direction or advice; the content is purely informational in nature. Please consult your physician or healthcare provider before undertaking any new regimen or procedure.

    Connect with Dr. Carla Manly:
    Website: https://www.drcarlamanly.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlamanly/
    Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/drcarlamanly/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcarlamanly
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-marie-manly-8682362b/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_carlamanly_imperfect_love
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_carla_manly

    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 Fearlessly
    Aging Joyfully: A Woman’s Guide to Optimal Health, Relationships, and Fulfillment for Her 50s and Beyond
    The Joy of Imperfect Love: The Art of Creating Healthy, Securely Attached Relationships

    Imperfect Love Relationship & Oracle Card Deck by Dr. Carla Manly:
    Etsy
    Amazon

    Connect with Blake D. Bauer:
    Website: https://www.dralamountain.org/teacher/blake-d-bauer/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakedbauer/?hl=en
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlakeBauer1/, https://www.facebook.com/YouWereNotBornToSuffer.by.BlakeDBauer
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-d-bauer/

    Book by Blake D. Bauer:
    You Were Not Born to Suffer: Overcome Fear, Insecurity and Depression and Love Yourself Back to Happiness, Confidence and Peace

    Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://drcarlamanly.com/
More Education podcasts
About Imperfect Love
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).
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