How to Cite a Podcast in Chicago Manual of Style (Notes-Bibliography)
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
Host. "Episode Title." Podcast Title. Season #, episode #. Accessed Month Day, Year. URL.
Citation Components
Host/Producer
First Last format.
Episode Title
In quotation marks.
Podcast Title
Italicized.
Season/Episode
Season #, episode # format.
Access Date
Accessed Month Day, Year.
URL
Link to episode.
Real-World Example
Example Source
Kwame Jackson
The future of artificial intelligence
Tech Leaders Podcast
5
12
August 5, 2023
https://www.techleaderspodcast.com/episodes/episode-12-season-5
Formatted Citation
1. Kwame Jackson, "The Future of Artificial Intelligence," Tech Leaders Podcast, season 5, episode 12, accessed August 5, 2023, https://www.techleaderspodcast.com/episodes/episode-12-season-5.
In-Text Citation
1
Superscript numeral
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
Tech Leaders Podcast (2023). The Future of AI. Episode 12. Season 5. Kwame Jackson, host.
Right:
1. Kwame Jackson, "The Future of Artificial Intelligence," Tech Leaders Podcast, season 5, episode 12, accessed August 5, 2023, https://www.techleaderspodcast.com/episodes/episode-12-season-5.
Why: Start with host name (First Last). Episode title in quotation marks. Use 'season' and 'episode' (not abbreviated). Include access date and URL.
Wrong:
1. Jackson, K. Tech Leaders. AI Episode 5.12. 2023.
Right:
1. Kwame Jackson, "The Future of Artificial Intelligence," Tech Leaders Podcast, season 5, episode 12, accessed August 5, 2023, https://www.techleaderspodcast.com/episodes/...
Why: Use full first name. Include complete episode title. Separate season and episode numbers. Include full access date and URL.
Wrong:
1. Kwame Jackson hosted 'The Future of AI' on Tech Leaders. 8/5/23.
Right:
1. Kwame Jackson, "The Future of Artificial Intelligence," Tech Leaders Podcast, season 5, episode 12, accessed August 5, 2023, https://www.techleaderspodcast.com/episodes/...
Why: Use proper citation format. Double quotation marks for episode title. Written date format. Include season, episode, and URL.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cite a shortened note for podcasts? ▼
Jackson, "Future of Artificial Intelligence."
Do I need the access date for podcasts? ▼
Yes, Chicago style includes 'accessed Month Day, Year' for online audio content.
What if the podcast has multiple hosts? ▼
List the primary host or all hosts: Host and Host, or Host, Host, and Host.
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