Iowa State University Extension is bridging the gap between scientific research and practical parenting advice with its new podcast: “Science of Parenting.”

The podcast will explore issues such as childhood obesity, bullying and the effects of media on children.

Douglas Gentile, associate professor of psychology and co-host of the podcast, said his goal for the program is to promote healthy development of children by sharing scientific evidence with parents and educators.

“Researchers know a lot about what makes for healthy outcomes for children, but most of that knowledge stays stuck in dusty academic journals,” Gentile said. “The goal of the Science of Parenting program is to get that scientific information out to the people who can use it to make a difference.”

Mike Murray, a mechanical engineer with ISU Facilities Planning and Management, co-hosts the program with Gentile. Murray brings his experience as a parent and former Ames Community School Board member to the podcast.

“We understand that research papers can be boring,” Murray said. “Our job is to make the research entertaining for the radio.”

Gentile and Murray will talk with researchers from across the country during each of the monthly podcasts.

Their newest podcast, which will come out in April, will discuss bullying and specifically focus on LGBT and cyber-bullying.