How to Cite a Podcast in MLA 9th Edition
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
"Episode Title." Podcast Title, hosted by Host, Season #, episode #, Day Month Year, URL.
Citation Components
Episode Title
In quotation marks. Capitalize major words (title case).
Podcast Title
Italicized. Capitalize major words (title case).
Host
Format: 'hosted by Host Name' or 'hosted by First Last'.
Season Number
Format: Season 1 or 'Season #' as applicable.
Episode Number
Format: episode # or 'ep. #'.
Release Date
Day Month Year format.
URL
Link to episode.
Real-World Example
Example Source
24
StarTalk Radio
Neil deGrasse Tyson
15
10 May 2023
https://www.startalkradio.net/show/episode-24-season-15/
Formatted Citation
"The Future of Space Exploration." StarTalk Radio, hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson, season 15, episode 24, 10 May 2023, www.startalkradio.net/show/episode-24-season-15/.
In-Text Citation
("Future of Space")
("Episode Title") or shortened version
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
Tyson, N. D. G. (2023, May 10). The future of space exploration. StarTalk Radio. Episode 24, Season 15.
Right:
"The Future of Space Exploration." StarTalk Radio, hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson, season 15, episode 24, 10 May 2023, www.startalkradio.net/...
Why: Episode title goes first in quotation marks. Podcast title is italicized. Use 'hosted by' format with full name. Include date and URL.
Wrong:
StarTalk Radio. Space Exploration Ep. 24. May 10, 2023.
Right:
"The Future of Space Exploration." StarTalk Radio, hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson, season 15, episode 24, 10 May 2023, www.startalkradio.net/...
Why: Episode title must be in quotation marks and complete. Include host name, season, episode number, and URL.
Wrong:
'StarTalk Podcast.' Hosted by Tyson, N.D.G., 2023.
Right:
"The Future of Space Exploration." StarTalk Radio, hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson, season 15, episode 24, 10 May 2023, www.startalkradio.net/...
Why: Episode title first in quotation marks. Use 'hosted by First Last' format (full name). Include season, episode, date, and URL.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I format multiple hosts in MLA for a podcast? ▼
Use 'hosted by First Last and First Last' or 'hosted by First Last, First Last, and First Last'.
What if the podcast doesn't have season or episode numbers? ▼
Omit that information and just use: "Episode Title." Podcast Title, hosted by Host, Day Month Year, URL.
Can I cite a specific timestamp in a podcast episode? ▼
Yes, include the timestamp: www.startalkradio.net/episode?t=450 or mention it parenthetically in your text.
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