How to Cite a Podcast in Chicago Manual of Style (Author-Date)
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
(Host Year) Reference: Host. Year. "Episode Title." Podcast Title, season #, episode #. Accessed Month Day, Year. URL.
Citation Components
Host
Full name of primary host.
Year
Year episode was released.
Episode Title
In quotation marks. Sentence case.
Podcast Title
Full title of podcast series.
Season/Episode
Include season and episode numbers if available.
Access Info
Accessed Month Day, Year. URL
Real-World Example
Example Source
Gladwell, Malcolm
2021
1
Revisionist History
7
August 1, 2023
https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history/episode-1-season-7
Formatted Citation
Gladwell, Malcolm. 2021. "The Basement Tapes." Revisionist History, season 7, episode 1. Accessed August 1, 2023. https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history/episode-1-season-7.
In-Text Citation
(Gladwell 2021)
(Host Year)
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
(Gladwell, 2021) - using comma between host and year
Right:
(Gladwell 2021) - use space, not comma
Why: Chicago author-date uses space between creator and year.
Wrong:
Revisionist History. Gladwell, Malcolm. 2021. 'The Basement Tapes.' Season 7, Ep. 1.
Right:
Gladwell, Malcolm. 2021. "The Basement Tapes." Revisionist History, season 7, episode 1. Accessed Month Day, Year. URL
Why: Host name first, then year, then episode title in double quotation marks, then podcast title, then access information.
Wrong:
Gladwell, M. 2021. Episode 1. Revisionist History. Accessed 8/1/23.
Right:
Gladwell, Malcolm. 2021. "The Basement Tapes." Revisionist History, season 7, episode 1. Accessed August 1, 2023. URL
Why: Use full first name, complete episode title, season/episode numbers, and written date format (not numerical).
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the podcast doesn't have episode numbers? ▼
Omit the season/episode information and just use: Host. Year. "Episode Title." Podcast Title. Accessed Month Day, Year. URL
How do I cite if there are multiple hosts? ▼
Use the primary host or first-listed host. You can add others in the reference if important: Host 1 and Host 2. Year...
Should I include the podcast producer/network? ▼
It's optional. You can add it: Podcast Title, produced by Producer Name.
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