What is the most important information to include when citing a podcast?

You'll need the host(s), episode title, podcast series title, producer/network, publication date, and the URL or access method for your citation.

How do I cite multiple hosts in MLA style?

List the first host's name followed by "et al." if there are three or more hosts. For two hosts, list both names.

Do I need to include timestamps in my APA citation?

Timestamps are generally optional but can be helpful if you're referencing a very specific moment or segment within the episode.

Where can I find the publication date for a podcast episode?

The publication date is usually listed on the podcast's webpage, within the episode description in your podcast app, or sometimes at the beginning or end of the audio itself.

How to Cite a Podcast: A Comprehensive Guide

Citing Podcasts: Making Your Sources Count

Podcasts have become a rich source of information, entertainment, and analysis. Whether you're researching a historical event, exploring a scientific concept, or even just gathering opinions on a current issue, a well-chosen podcast episode can offer valuable insights. But when it comes to academic or professional writing, simply listening isn't enough. You need to properly attribute your sources, and citing a podcast can feel a little tricky.

Don't worry. The core principles are the same as citing any other source: provide enough information for your reader to find the original material. The exact format, however, depends on the citation style you're using. We'll cover the most common ones: MLA, APA, and Chicago.

Key Information You'll Need

Before you start formatting, gather these essential details from the podcast episode:

Host(s): The name(s) of the person or people hosting the episode.
Guest(s): If applicable, the name(s) of any guests interviewed or featured.
Episode Title: The specific title of the episode you are referencing.
Podcast Series Title: The overall name of the podcast series.
Producer/Network: The company or organization that produced the podcast.
Publication Date: The date the episode was released.
Episode Number/Season Number: If provided, this helps pinpoint the episode.
URL or Access Method: Where you accessed the podcast (e.g., a direct link, a podcast app like Spotify or Apple Podcasts).

MLA Style (Modern Language Association)

MLA is common in the humanities. It emphasizes the author and the title of the work.

Basic Format:

Host(s) Last Name, First Name, host. "Title of Episode." Title of Podcast Series, Producer/Network, Publication Date, URL.

Example:

Let's say you're citing an episode of "Radiolab" hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, titled "The Bad Show," produced by WNYC Studios, and released on October 15, 2023. You found it on their website.

Abumrad, Jad, and Robert Krulwich, hosts. "The Bad Show." Radiolab, WNYC Studios, 15 Oct. 2023, www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab/episodes/the-bad-show.

Important Notes for MLA:

If there are two hosts, list both. If there are three or more, list the first host's name followed by "et al."
Episode titles are in quotation marks.
Podcast series titles are italicized.
Use "host" or "hosts" after the names.
The date format is Day Month Year. Months are abbreviated (except for May, June, July).

APA Style (American Psychological Association)

APA is frequently used in social sciences. It focuses on the author and the date of publication.

Basic Format:

Host(s) Last Name, First Initial(s). (Host). (Year, Month Day). Title of episode (Episode No., if known). In Title of Podcast Series. Producer/Network. URL

Example:

Using the same "Radiolab" episode:

Abumrad, J. D., & Krulwich, R. (Host). (2023, October 15). The Bad Show (Episode No. 305). In Radiolab. WNYC Studios. www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab/episodes/the-bad-show

Important Notes for APA:

List the first host's name and initial(s), followed by "(Host)". If there are multiple hosts, use an ampersand (&) before the last host.
The date format is Year, Month Day. Months are spelled out.
The episode title is in title case and italicized.
If an episode number is available, include it in parentheses after the episode title.
The podcast series title is italicized.
If you accessed it through a podcast app, you might need to adjust the URL or omit it if it's not directly linkable. If it's from a specific platform like Spotify, you can note that. For example: Retrieved from Spotify.

Chicago Style (The Chicago Manual of Style)

Chicago offers two systems: Notes-Bibliography and Author-Date. The Notes-Bibliography system is more common in history and literature.

Notes-Bibliography System - Footnote/Endnote:

First Citation: Host First Name Last Name, "Title of Episode," podcast series title, Producer/Network, Month Day, Year, audio recording. URL.

Subsequent Citations: Host Last Name, "Title of Episode."

Example (First Citation):

Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, "The Bad Show," Radiolab, WNYC Studios, October 15, 2023, audio recording. www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab/episodes/the-bad-show.

Example (Subsequent Citation):

Abumrad and Krulwich, "The Bad Show."

Notes-Bibliography System - Bibliography Entry:

Host Last Name, First Name, and Host First Name Last Name. "Title of Episode." Podcast Series Title. Producer/Network, Month Day, Year. Audio recording. URL.

Example (Bibliography Entry):

Abumrad, Jad, and Robert Krulwich. "The Bad Show." Radiolab. WNYC Studios, October 15, 2023. Audio recording. www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab/episodes/the-bad-show.

Important Notes for Chicago:

The title of the episode is in quotation marks.
The podcast series title is italicized.
Include the publication date.
Specify that it's an "audio recording."

Citing Specific Segments or Interviews

Sometimes, you might only reference a specific part of an episode or an interview within a larger show.

For MLA: You can add a timestamp if you're referencing a very specific moment.

Abumrad, Jad, and Robert Krulwich, hosts. "The Bad Show." Radiolab, WNYC Studios, 15 Oct. 2023, www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab/episodes/the-bad-show. Accessed 25 Oct. 2023, 00:15:30.

For APA: You can also include timestamps if crucial for locating the information.

Abumrad, J. D., & Krulwich, R. (Host). (2023, October 15). The Bad Show (Episode No. 305) [Audio podcast episode]. In Radiolab. WNYC Studios. Retrieved from www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab/episodes/the-bad-show (Timestamp: 15:30).

For Chicago: Generally, the URL is sufficient. If a specific timestamp is vital, you might add it after the URL in the note.

Podcasts Without Clear Hosts or Titles

What if a podcast is more informal or lacks specific titles?

Treat it like a personal communication (if informal and not publicly archived): This is rare for podcasts intended for broad consumption.
Invent descriptive titles if none exist: For example, if an episode is just a conversation about a topic, you might create a descriptive title in quotation marks.
Prioritize what information is available: Even if some details are missing, include everything you can find.

Consistency is Key

No matter which style you choose, the most important thing is to be consistent. Stick to the rules of your chosen style throughout your entire document. If you're unsure about a specific detail or how to handle an unusual podcast format, consult your style guide or your instructor.

If you're struggling to get your citations just right or need help with the overall polish of your academic paper, EssayGazebo.com offers professional editing and formatting services to ensure your work meets all the required standards.

Final Thoughts

Citing podcasts is a skill that will become increasingly valuable as these audio resources continue to grow in prominence. By understanding the core components and adapting them to your required citation style, you can effectively integrate podcast evidence into your work and give proper credit to the creators.

How to Cite a Podcast