Ever grabbed a podcast quote for your book, course, or sales page and wondered how to cite a podcast correctly?
If you’re sharing podcast insights in anything published (like a book, lead magnet, pitch, or workshop) you need to get the citation right.
It shows you’re professional, builds trust, and respects the original source. You’d want the same if someone quoted you.
Podcast citation isn’t as simple as books or articles. Different styles call for different formats.
What if there’s no host? No date? Or it’s a Spotify link but not a Spotify podcast?
This style guide breaks it down. APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and more.
I’ll cover tricky spots and frequently asked questions (FAQ) like multiple hosts, missing dates, or no author, with real examples you can use or adjust.
Once you know the rules, citing podcasts stops being a guess. You’ll nail it every time and become a citation machine.
How to Properly Cite a Podcast
To properly cite a podcast, you’ll usually need these key details:
- Name of the podcast
- Title of the podcast (if relevant)
- Host or speaker’s name
- Date it was released
- Episode number (if listed)
- The type of podcast episode (audio or video)
- Where it’s available online (Spotify, Apple, YouTube, etc.)
- URL or direct link
Different citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard) just rearrange this information. Some want the host first, others want the title first. A few ask for timestamps if you’re quoting a specific moment.
Not sure which to use when you want to cite a podcast and give credit? Check your style guide, or try free citation tools like ZoteroBib or Scribbr. Or save this article for later.
What do podcast citations usually require?
For a full citation (like in a book, course, or lead magnet), you’ll need to include the host’s name, title of the episode, release date, podcast name, and a working link. Some styles want episode number, production company or executive producers, or platform too.
For a quick mention (like in a blog or social post), you might only need to include the following: podcast title and host.
If you’re quoting something specific, especially in academic or published work, expect to use the following:
- Who said it
- Where they said it (episode title + podcast name)
- When they said it (release date and timestamp)
- How to find it (URL or platform link)
Bottom line: The clearer the credit, the easier it is to track. When in doubt, include more details, not less.
How to cite a podcast title in text
Mentioning a podcast in your writing? Here’s the simple rule:
Italicize the podcast title and use quotation marks for the episode title.
Examples:
- I first heard this idea on We Can Do Hard Things.
- In “The Power of Belief,” from The Ed Mylett Show, the guest shares a story that hits hard.
That’s the general go-to for most styles.
You don’t need a full citation if you’re just referring to the title casually in content like blog posts, promoting your podcast on social media using captions, or email newsletters, but it still helps to format it properly.
How to cite a podcast in text citation
If you’re quoting or referencing a podcast in your writing (especially in something formal or published), you’ll usually need an in-text citation that matches the style you’re using (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
This quick reference list usually includes the speaker or host last name, the year (if known), and sometimes the timestamp.
Examples:
- (Vaynerchuk, 2022)
- (Robbins, 2023, 00:15:42)
Or:
- According to Robbins (2023), confidence is built through reps, not results.
How to cite a podcast with multiple hosts
If a podcast has more than one host, you’ll usually list both the first time you cite it, just like you would with co-authors.
APA citation style example (full citation):
Arnett, W., Bateman, J., & Hayes, S. (2025, July 7). Nicholas Hoult (No. 261) [Audio podcast episode]. In SmartLess. Apple Podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hoult/id1521578868?i=1000714845415
In in-text citations, most styles use “and” between names, not an ampersand (&), unless you’re following APA, which does allow the ampersand in parentheses.
APA in-text: (Arnett & Bateman & Hayes, 2025)
If there are more than two hosts and you’re using a style that allows it, you can also use “et al.” after the first name, but double-check the rules for the specific format you’re using.
Citing a video podcast
If the podcast you’re citing is a video (like on YouTube or a streaming service), make that clear in your citation.
Here’s what changes:
- Use [Video podcast episode] instead of just audio podcasts
- Include the platform where it’s hosted (like YouTube)
Example in APA style (video):
Bartlett, S. (Host). (2025, July 3). World expert on love: Your brain already picked your partner (but they’re lying about monogamy) [Video podcast episode]. In The Diary of a CEO. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxsnk90VwCo
You’re making two points clear: it’s a video, and where you found it. If you’re citing an entire podcast series but you’re watching it on video, it still counts as a podcast. Just be sure to link to the version you actually used.
How to Cite a Podcast in APA
APA (American Psychological Association) style is one of the most widely used formats, especially in publishing, academic writing, and formal course content.
Here’s how to format it:
Host’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year, Month Day). Episode title [Audio podcast episode]. In Podcast name. Platform. URL
Example:
Ricketts, B. (Host). (2025, July 3). Smart podcast guesting with Talks.co founder Liam Austin [Audio podcast episode]. In The Podcast Playbook. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVn_sBVyAY8
How to cite a podcast in APA 7
This follows the latest edition: APA 7. Same structure as above, but here’s how to cite it broken down:
- Host or creator as the author
- Date of publication (year, month day)
- Episode title and number in italics
- Episode type in square brackets: [Audio podcast episode]
- Show name in italics
- Platform (YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.)
- Direct URL
Example:
Smooth, J. (Host). (2025, April 21). How to get booked on podcasts with Liam Austin [Audio podcast episode]. In Leverage Your Podcast Show. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V9E2F8rbBE
How to cite a podcast episode APA
Citing a single podcast episode follows the same format. If there’s an episode number, you can add it after the title like this: (No. 12).
Example with episode number:
Bermant, D. (Host). (2022, February 18). The freedom to choose (Liam Austin) (No. 76) [Audio podcast episode]. In Making It. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oBQMNKqOta2CA51ZmjsY6
How to quote a podcast APA
If you’re quoting something said in the episode, include a timestamp in your in-text citation.
In-text example (parenthetical):
- (Smooth, 2025, 00:15:12)
In-text example (narrative):
- Smooth (2025) explained that using Talks.co can “help you land quality podcast spots without sending cold emails” (00:15:12).
Then add the full reference in your citation list.
How to cite a Spotify podcast APA
Even if you accessed the episode via Spotify, Spotify is just the platform, not the author.
Example:
Bermant, D. (Host). (2022, February 18). The freedom to choose (Liam Austin) (No. 76) [Audio podcast episode]. In Making It. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oBQMNKqOta2CA51ZmjsY6
Avoid this common mistake: Do not list Spotify as the creator or author. Always use the host or producer’s name. That’s podcasting 101.
How to cite a podcast transcript APA
Quoting from a transcript instead of the actual audio or video? Just swap out the format in brackets so it says [Audio podcast transcript] and link to where the transcript lives.
Format:
Host’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year, Month Day). Episode title [Audio podcast transcript]. In Podcast name. Website. URL
Example:
Jervey, D. (Host). (2024, June 20). Liam Austin: Million dollar event strategy [Audio podcast transcript]. In Move to Millions Podcast. DrDarnyelle.com. https://drdarnyelle.com/liam-austin-million-dollar-event/
If you’re pulling a quote, include the timestamp if it’s listed, or at least point to the section it came from.
How to cite a podcast APA style (Checklist)
Stuck on APA format? Here’s a simple checklist you can follow every time you need to cite any type of podcast, no matter the topic or host.
☐ Host or creator listed as the author
☐ Date formatted as year, month, day
☐ Episode title in italics
☐ [Audio podcast episode] after the title
☐ Show name in italics
☐ Platform name (like YouTube or Apple Podcasts)
☐ Full, working URL to the episode
Use this list as your go-to reference for your podcast business plan whenever you need to cite a podcast in APA style.
You can also grab a free PDF version of the checklist here.
How to Cite a Podcast in MLA
MLA style is common in media, humanities, and communications writing. It’s a bit more relaxed than APA, but still has rules.
Here’s the standard format for a podcast in MLA style:
Author(s). “Episode Title.” Podcast Name, hosted by Host Name(s), season number (if relevant), episode number, name of the Publisher, Publication Date, URL.
Example:
Austin, Liam. “Changing Your Online Event Strategy with Liam Austin.” SuperFastBusiness, hosted by James Schramko, season 7, episode 45, SuperFastBusiness, 5 June 2020, www.jamesschramko.com/business-model-pricing-packaging/745-changing-your-online-event-strategy-with-liam-austin.
How to cite a podcast in MLA 9 (Checklist)
MLA 9 is the latest edition, and it hasn’t changed too much when it comes to podcast citations. Here’s what to include:
☐ Creator or speaker as the author (usually the host or guest)
☐ Episode title in quotation marks
☐ Podcast title in italics
☐ Host(s) listed after “hosted by”
☐ Publisher (e.g., YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts)
☐ Date the episode was released
☐ Full URL
If there’s no individual author, start with the episode title.
How to cite a podcast episode MLA
When you’re citing a specific episode with a good podcast topic, treat it like a chapter in a book.
Format:
“Episode Title.” Podcast Name, hosted by Name(s), Publisher, Date, URL.
Example:
Austin, Liam. “EP04: How Liam Austin from Entrepreneurs HQ built a community of over 130,000 members.” The Evolveprenuer Podcast, hosted by John North, Evolve Systems Group, 4 Sept. 2017, https://evolvesystemsgroup.com/podcast/episode/1/ep04-how-liam-austin-from-enterpreneurs-hq-built-a-community-of-over-130-000-members.
How to cite a podcast with multiple hosts MLA
List the main host(s) in the “hosted by” section, just like you would co-authors.
Example:
“How To Get Booked On Podcasts With Liam Austin.” Leverage Your Podcast Show, hosted by Lindsay Phillips and team, 21 Apr. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V9E2F8rbBE.
If there are more than two hosts, you can list the first and use et al.
How to cite a podcast transcript MLA
If you’re citing a transcript rather than the audio or video version, include the word Transcript after the episode title, and cite the source that published it.
Example:
Austin, Liam. “How to Power Prospect with LinkedIn Groups with Liam Austin.” Sales Babble, hosted by Pat Helmers, Sales Babble, 25 Oct. 2016. Transcript, www.salesbabble.com/power-prospect-linkedin-groups-liam-austin-135.
If the transcript is hosted separately (e.g., on a blog or transcript service), make sure to cite that version instead of the original podcast source.
How to Cite a Podcast In Chicago Style
Chicago style, common in history and business, is a bit more formal than MLA but straightforward. Use Notes-Bibliography or Author-Date, including key podcast details.
Format:
Author(s). “Episode Title.” Podcast Name, hosted by Host Name(s), Date. URL.
Example:
Austin, Liam. “EP04: How Liam Austin from Entrepreneurs HQ built a community of over 130,000 members.” The Evolvepreneur Podcast, hosted by John North, 4 Sept. 2017. https://evolvesystemsgroup.com/podcast/episode/1/ep04-how-liam-austin-from-enterpreneurs-hq-built-a-community-of-over-130-000-members.
How to cite a podcast in Chicago (Checklist)
Chicago citations for podcasts need these elements:
☐ Creator or speaker as the author (usually the host or guest)
☐ Episode title in quotation marks
☐ Podcast title in italics
☐ Host(s) listed after “hosted by”
☐ Date the episode was released
☐ Full URL
If there’s no individual author, start with the episode title instead.
How to cite a podcast Chicago style
In Chicago style, cite a podcast much like a radio broadcast or other audio source.
Include the creator or speaker, episode title in quotation marks, podcast name in italics, host(s), date, and the URL.
If it’s a whole podcast series, focus on the series title and publisher instead of a single episode.
Example:
Austin, Liam. “How to Get Booked on Podcasts.” Leverage Your Podcast Show, hosted by Lyndsay Phillips, April 21, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V9E2F8rbBE.
How to cite a podcast Chicago author date
The author-date system is similar but formats dates differently and places the year right after the author’s name. Use parentheses for the date and add the URL at the end.
Format:
Author(s). Year. “Episode Title.” Podcast Name, hosted by Host Name(s), Date. URL.
Example:
Schramko, James. 2020. “745 – Changing Your Online Event Strategy with Liam Austin.” SuperFastBusiness, hosted by James Schramko, June 5. https://www.superfastbusiness.com/745.
How to cite a podcast episode Chicago
Chicago style treats podcast episodes like individual parts of a larger work. The citation includes the creator, episode title, podcast name, host, release date, and URL.
Keep the order clear and straightforward.
Format:
Author(s). “Episode Title.” Podcast Name, hosted by Host Name(s). Month Day, Year. URL.
Example:
Austin, Liam. “How to Power Prospect with LinkedIn Groups.” Sales Babble Podcast, hosted by John North. June 5, 2020. https://www.salesbabble.com/power-prospect-linkedin-groups-liam-austin-135/.
How to Cite a Podcast in ASA
ASA is used a lot in sociology and social sciences. When citing a podcast, it’s all about the author, the year, the episode title, and where you found it.
Here’s the format:
Author(s). Year. “Episode Title.” Podcast Name. Month Day. URL.
Example:
Austin, Liam. 2017. “EP04: How Liam Austin from Entrepreneurs HQ built a community of over 130,000 members.” The Evolvepreneur Podcast. September 4. https://evolvesystemsgroup.com/podcast/episode/1/ep04-how-liam-austin-from-enterpreneurs-hq-built-a-community-of-over-130-000-members.
How to cite a podcast ASA (hecklist)
ASA style keeps it straightforward. Just the essentials to identify the author, episode, and source clearly.
☐ Author(s)
☐ Year in parentheses
☐ Episode title in quotation marks
☐ Podcast title in italics
☐ Exact release date (month and day)
☐ URL
How to Cite a Podcast in Harvard
Harvard wants it clear and neat. Include author, year, episode title, podcast name, date, and the URL plus the accessed month day.
Format:
Author(s) (Year) ‘Episode Title’, Podcast Name, Day Month. Available at: URL (Accessed: Day Month Year).
Example:
Austin, L. (2017) ‘EP04: How Liam Austin from Entrepreneurs HQ built a community of over 130,000 members’, The Evolvepreneur Podcast, 4 September. Available at: https://evolvesystemsgroup.com/podcast/episode/1/ep04-how-liam-austin-from-enterpreneurs-hq-built-a-community-of-over-130-000-members (Accessed: 9 December 2024).
How to cite a podcast in Harvard (Checklist)
Harvard citations focus on author and date, with clear details on where and when you accessed the content.
☐ Author(s)
☐ Year of release
☐ Episode title in single quotes
☐ Podcast name italicized
☐ Include host(s) if needed
☐ Publication date
☐ URL preceded by ‘Available at:’
☐ Date you accessed the podcast in parentheses
How to Cite a Spotify Podcast
Citing a Spotify podcast is the same as other citations, but just say Spotify as the platform.
Example:
Austin, Liam. “How to Get Booked On Podcasts With Liam Austin.” Leverage Your Podcast Show. Spotify. April 21, 2025. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oBQMNKqOta2CA51ZmjsY6.
How to Cite NPR Podcast Shows
NPR podcasts follow standard citation formats but often include multiple hosts and producers. You’ll want to highlight the episode title, podcast name, hosts or producers, publication date, and the URL as part of your podcast content strategy.
Example format:
Author(s) or Host(s). “Episode Title.” Podcast Name, Publisher or Network, Date of release. URL.
Example:
Raz, Guy, J.C. Howard, and Neva Grant. “Live Episode! Walker & Company: Tristan Walker (2019).” How I Built This with Guy Raz, NPR, 28 Feb. 2022. https://www.npr.org/2022/02/25/1083090601/live-episode-walker-company-tristan-walker-2019.
Nail Your Podcast Citations and Book Better Interviews
Once you know how to cite a podcast, you can quote episodes like an academic, whether it’s in your book, workshop slides, or pitch deck. Clean, clear, and credible.
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