For the longest time, author Sona Movsesian had her own ideas of what an ideal mom should be like — until she became pregnant with her two twin boys.

In her newest book, "The World's Worst Mom," Movsesian embraces the imperfections and messiness that comes with motherhood by taking readers through her own parenting journey.

KPBS Midday Edition host Jade Hindmon sat down with Movsesian to talk about what inspired her to write the book and how working under comedian Conan O'Brien prepared her for motherhood.

Then, serial killers have long been a subject of fascination in cinema. Our Midday Movies critics discuss their favorite films and series that unravel the psyche.

And finally, thinking about what to check out this weekend? KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans recommends folk music, Latinx musical theatre and more in our weekend arts preview.

Guest:

• Sona Movsesian, author, "The World's Worst Mom," co-host of the "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend" podcast
• Beth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBS
• Yazdi Pithavala, podcast host, Moviewallas
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS, host of "The Finest" podcast

Californians have a tool to help them remove personal data collected by data brokers.

The web platform, called the Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP,) allows California residents to make a single request to delete their data being used by data broker companies. Those companies then have 45 days to comply with the request before facing penalties or fines.

On Midday Wednesday, we learn more about how data brokers use our personal data, how the new tool works, and provide general tips to better protect our data online.

Guest:

Hailey Tsukayama, director of state affairs, Electronic Frontier Foundation

Link:

Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP)

Recent policy changes at the Pentagon show that senior leadership is prioritizing grooming standards — especially when it comes to shaving.

We hear about what the shaving policy entails, why it could disproportionately impact Black servicemembers and what it signals about present-day military culture.

Guest:

Andrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBS

The Supreme Court this week sided with President Donald Trump's executive order to restrict mail-in voting — at least for now.

The high court's ruling wasn't about the legality of President Trump's order; rather, the legal path that states took to try and block it.

A new lawsuit filed Wednesday by Democratic states challenges a new U.S. Postal Service rule, which limits who may receive mail ballots.

However, it remains unclear what changes will go into effect before the fast approaching midterm election.

We sit down with a law expert to break down the electoral confusion and chaos.

Guests:

• Bertrall Ross, professor of law, UC Berkeley

Concerns over food safety are growing this summer after a massive cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce.

There have been recent reports of other food safety scares, including salmonella in eggs and jalapeños, E. coli in frozen blueberries and more.

Tuesday on Midday Edition, we discuss the outbreaks and what it reveals about our current food system.

Then, new research from UC San Diego and the University of Freiberg in Germany shows that one month on a vegan diet can alter how your body interprets DNA markers associated with aging and inflammation. We dive into the study.

Guests:

• Aaron Gross, director, Center for Food Systems Transformation at University of San Diego
• Jerome Mertens, associate professor of neurosciences, UC San Diego

What is your relationship to the ocean?

Here in San Diego, we are lucky to be in close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. But you don't have to live close to the water to be impacted by it.

Monday on Midday Edition, we sit down with one of the speakers at this year's TEDxSanDiego, to discuss our connection to the ocean and what we can do to protect it.

Guest:

Christina Connett Brophy, president and CEO, Maritime Museum of San Diego

In many Latinx households, "la chancla" or "the flip flop" is an iconic cultural symbol of parental punishment. For many adults who grew up with that style of discipline, it's something to laugh about.

In a new book, "Chancla: Healing Our Families, Ourselves, and Our Culture through Nonviolent Parenting," author Leslie Priscilla asks if we should take chancla culture more seriously and offers a personal and historical look at parenting behaviors.

Priscilla will also be a featured author at the 2026 KPBS Book Festival.

Then, have you ever heard of the phrase, "yes, and?" It is a core tenet of improvisation, also known as improv. KPBS' Beth Accomando previews a new convention in town that is entirely devoted to improv.

Plus, thinking about what to do this weekend? Hear about all the arts and culture events on our radar, from a celebration of Filipino culture to a free punk music festival.

Guests:

• Leslie Priscilla, founder of Latinx Parenting; author of Chancla: Healing Our Families, Ourselves, and Our Culture Through Nonviolent Parenting
• Chris Colthurst, founder and executive producer, ImprovCon
• Jackie Bookstein, improviser
• Brandon Hensgens, improviser
• Julianna Domingo, producer, KPBS

The KPBS San Diego Book Festival is returning Saturday to the University of San Diego, featuring more than 145 authors.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we speak with two authors who will be in attendance. We get tips for mindful motherhood, and learn about the power of humor to cope with everyday life.

The KPBS Book Festival is open to the public and general admission is free.

Guests:

• Cassidy Freitas, licensed marriage and family therapist, author of "Mom Needs a Moment: How to Stop Your Reaction Before It Starts...and Become a Calmer, Happier, More Connected Parent"
• Chris Duffy, comedian and podcast host of "How To Be a Better Human," author of "Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected and Happy"

San Diego is known for its consistent weather. But that may change this winter, as the El Niño intensifies.

Forecasters are dubbing it the "Super El Niño." We check in with our resident weather expert about what this could mean for temperatures, rainfall and conditions in San Diego County.

Then, is the city prepared for the potential impacts of a Super El Niño? We hear about a new effort that officials are setting in motion.

Guests:

• Alex Tardy, founder of Weather Echo, former meteorologist at the National Weather Service
• David Garrick, city hall reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Links:

Bracing for a ‘super El Niño,’ San Diego plans aggressive storm channel clearing, public awareness campaign — San Diego Union-Tribune