How To Cite A Podcast — MLA, APA & Chicago (with Examples & Templates)

Podcasts have become one of the most popular sources of information, commentaries, and storytelling across all fields — from academic interviews and historical research to investigative journalism and educational dialogue.

With podcasts being part of studies on research and media, it is important that podcasts are quoted accordingly.

Whether you’re writing an academic essay, a report, or a blog with scholarly credibility, proper citation ensures transparency, accuracy, and respect for intellectual property.

This guide breaks down exactly how to cite a podcast in MLA, APA (7th edition), and Chicago styles — with examples, templates, and expert tips.

Quick TL;DR: One-line Citation Templates

Here are the fast-reference citation templates for podcasts across major styles:

What Do I Need To Cite A Podcast?

Work through these steps before you write out your citation: Find these details on the podcast episode page or description:

1. Author or Host Name — Typically the primary creator or speaker.
2. Guest(s) — Only mention if their contribution is substantial.
3. Episode Title — The title in quotation marks.
4. Podcast Title — In italics.
5. Episode Number — If given.
6. Publisher / Production Company — i.e., NPR, Spotify Studios, or Gimlet.
7. Release Date — Try to give a full date.
8. URL or App Name — Depending on where you discovered it.
9. Timestamp (for quotes) — Give if quoting a specific section.

How To Cite A Podcast In MLA (9th Edition)?

The APA style (American Psychological Association) focuses on the creator’s role and date of publication, widely used in the social sciences.

General Template

Author (Role), (Date), Episode title [Audio podcast episode], In Podcast name, Production Company, URL.

Example (Single episode with URL)

Rogan, J (Host) (2024, May 2). The Elon Musk conversation part 2 [Audio podcast episode]. In The Joe Rogan Experience Spotify Studios.

Example (Episode from an app, no URL)

Harris, S. (Host) (2023, March 5). The science of consciousness [Audio podcast episode]. In Making Sense, Waking Up App.

Citing The Entire Series

Harris, S, (Host), (2017–presnt). Making Sense [Audio podcast], Waking Up App.

In-text Citation Example:

(Rogan, 2024, 00:23:15)

How To Cite A Podcast In Chicago Style?

The Chicago Manual of Style offers two of the most widely used citation styles: Notes & Bibliography (employed in history and humanities) and Author–Date (employed in sciences).

Notes & Bibliography Style

Note: Ira Glass, “The Problem We All Live With,” This American Life, audio, July 31, 2015,

Bibliography Entry: Glass, Ira. “The Problem We All Live With.” This American Life. Audio, July 31, 2015.

Author–Date Style

Glass, Ira. 2015. “The Problem We All Live With.” This American Life. Audio, July 31.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table (MLA vs APA vs Chicago)

Special Cases & Decision Rules (Flowchart + Copy-ready Templates)

Here are a few citation rules for podcast questions that include special cases that are based on major style guides like

When To List The Host vs the Guest vs The Producer?

• If the host originates content → use the host as the author.
• If the guest provides great research or speech → include the guest.
• If the producer or organization is the core unit → use them as the author.

No Date?

• Use n.d. (APA)
• Use no date or site copyright year (MLA/Chicago).

Citing A Segment Or Timestamp

Use a timestamp in parentheses following the citation.

(Smith 00:08:22–00:09:03)

Transcript vs Audio

Refer to the form you heard directly — if you heard it in a transcript format, refer to it as a web page; if you heard it directly, refer to it as an audio file.

Quick Flowchart (Text Version)

1. Listen or read? → Listen = audio citation → Read = transcript citation
2. Is a guest or a host more central? → Host = author → Guest = contributor (if quoted)
3. No date? → Use “n.d.” or “copyright year.”

Examples: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, And YouTube

Apple Podcasts Example (MLA):

Doyle, Karen, host. “Mindful Minimalism.” The Intentional Living Show, Apple Podcasts app, 2023.

Spotify Example (APA):

Porges, M. (Host). (2022, June 20). Parenting in the digital era [Audio podcast episode]. In Digital Age Talks. Spotify.

YouTube Example (Chicago):

Oprah Winfrey. “Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations: Eckhart Tolle.” YouTube, video, April 5, 2022.

Tools & Shortcuts (Evaluation Criteria For Citation Generators)

Hand-citing is such a chore. Some of the good citation tools and what to look out for before using them are as follows:

Evaluation Criteria:

• Official guidance vs accuracy (MLA/APA)
• Supports apps (Spotify, Apple Podcasts)
• Batch export supported
• Periodically updated citation rules

Related Resource: Adobe Podcast: How To Use This AI-Powered Tool For Podcasts?

Expert Tips & Best Practices

• Verify the original source. Always verify the official name of the episode, release date, and creator.
• Cap twice and italicize twice.
• Quote with audio timestamps.
• Say how you accessed (audio or transcript).
• Don’t overdo it with generators; check manually.

Quick Checklist Before Submission (Copyable)

• Do I title the author or host?
• Do I italicize the title of the podcast?
• Is the release date correct?
• Do I add a URL or “Spotify/Apple app” designation?
• Do I timestamp properly?
• Do I double-check citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago)?

FAQs

Here are a few questions and queries that others have asked on the topic of how to cite a podcast that might be helpful for your knowledge.

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