Citing a podcast can be a challenging task, especially for students and researchers who are accustomed to citing traditional sources such as books and articles. However, with the increasing popularity of podcasts, it is essential to know how to properly cite them to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the creators. In this article, we will explore the different ways to cite a podcast, including the MLA, APA, and Chicago styles.
MLA Style
In the MLA style, a podcast citation typically includes the following elements: the host’s name, the title of the podcast, the title of the episode, the date of publication, and the medium of publication. The general format for citing a podcast in MLA style is:
Host's Last Name, First Name. "Episode Title." Podcast Title, Day Month Year of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
For example:
Smith, John. "The Impact of Climate Change." The Science Podcast, 10 Feb. 2020, https://www.thesciencepodcast.com/episode1. Accessed 15 Feb. 2020.
APA Style
In the APA style, a podcast citation typically includes the following elements: the host’s name, the title of the podcast, the title of the episode, the date of publication, and the URL. The general format for citing a podcast in APA style is:
Host's Last Name, F. M. (Year, Month Day of Publication). Episode title [Audio podcast]. Podcast Title. https://URL
For example:
Smith, J. (2020, February 10). The impact of climate change [Audio podcast]. The Science Podcast. https://www.thesciencepodcast.com/episode1
Chicago Style
In the Chicago style, a podcast citation typically includes the following elements: the host’s name, the title of the podcast, the title of the episode, the date of publication, and the URL. The general format for citing a podcast in Chicago style is:
Host's Last Name, First Name. "Episode Title." Podcast Title, Month Day, Year. URL.
For example:
Smith, John. "The Impact of Climate Change." The Science Podcast, February 10, 2020. https://www.thesciencepodcast.com/episode1
| Citation Style | Format |
|---|---|
| MLA | Host's Last Name, First Name. "Episode Title." Podcast Title, Day Month Year of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year. |
| APA | Host's Last Name, F. M. (Year, Month Day of Publication). Episode title [Audio podcast]. Podcast Title. https://URL |
| Chicago | Host's Last Name, First Name. "Episode Title." Podcast Title, Month Day, Year. URL. |
Real-World Examples
Let’s consider a real-world example of citing a podcast. Suppose we want to cite an episode of the popular podcast “How I Built This” hosted by Guy Raz. The episode is titled “The Story of Airbnb” and was published on February 10, 2020. Here are the citations in different styles:
MLA: Raz, Guy. "The Story of Airbnb." How I Built This, 10 Feb. 2020, https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this. Accessed 15 Feb. 2020.
APA: Raz, G. (2020, February 10). The story of Airbnb [Audio podcast]. How I Built This. https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this
Chicago: Raz, Guy. "The Story of Airbnb." How I Built This, February 10, 2020. https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this
Best Practices
When citing a podcast, it is essential to follow best practices to ensure accuracy and consistency. Here are some tips:
- Always include the URL to provide access to the source.
- Use the title of the episode in title case.
- Use the title of the podcast in title case and italicize it.
- Include the date of publication in the format specified by the citation style.
- Use the medium of publication, such as "Audio podcast," if the podcast is not available online.
What is the difference between MLA, APA, and Chicago citation styles?
+The main difference between MLA, APA, and Chicago citation styles is the format and elements included in the citation. MLA style is commonly used in the humanities, APA style is commonly used in social sciences, and Chicago style is commonly used in history and philosophy.
How do I cite a podcast with multiple hosts?
+To cite a podcast with multiple hosts, list all the hosts’ names in the order they appear in the podcast, separated by commas. For example: Smith, John, and Jane Doe. “Episode Title.” Podcast Title, Day Month Year of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
Can I cite a podcast in a different language?
+Yes, you can cite a podcast in a different language. However, it is essential to include the title and host’s name in the original language, followed by a translation in the language of your paper. For example: Smith, John. “Episode Title (Translated Title).” Podcast Title (Translated Title), Day Month Year of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
