How to Cite a Podcast Episode in APSA Style Manual

This guide explains how to format a podcast episode citation in APSA Style Manual. Follow the format template below, refer to the real example, and use the step-by-step instructions to build your citation correctly.

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a podcast episode in APSA Style Manual:

Template

Host Last Name, First Name (Host). Year. "Episode Title." *Podcast Name* [Podcast]. URL (accessed Month Day, Year).

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

(Mounk 2024)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

Mounk, Yascha (Host). 2024. "Is Democracy in Retreat?" *The Good Fight* [Podcast]. https://www.persuasion.community/podcast (accessed February 20, 2026).

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the host
Write the host's name: Last name, First name, followed by "(Host)" in parentheses.
2
Add the year
Write the year of the episode followed by a period.
3
Write the episode title
Place in double quotation marks with headline-style capitalization.
4
Add the podcast name
Italicize the podcast series name. Follow with "[Podcast]" in square brackets.
5
Include URL and access date
Provide the URL followed by the access date in parentheses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Omitting the [Podcast] medium descriptor.
Not italicizing the podcast series name.
Forgetting the access date.
Using initials instead of full first names.
Omitting the "(Host)" descriptor after the host name.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a specific guest interview on a podcast?

List the host as the primary author. You can mention the guest in the episode title or add a note. There is no standard APSA guest position.

Is the [Podcast] designation required in APSA?

Yes. Following Chicago Author-Date conventions, APSA recommends including the medium in square brackets for non-print sources.

What if multiple hosts are listed?

List all hosts in standard APSA author format: Last, First, and First Last (Hosts).

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your podcast episode:

Host(s)
Date of episode
Episode title
Podcast name
Producer or network (if applicable)
URL

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Step-by-Step Guide

Identify the host

Write the host's name: Last name, First name, followed by "(Host)" in parentheses.

Add the year

Write the year of the episode followed by a period.

Write the episode title

Place in double quotation marks with headline-style capitalization.

Add the podcast name

Italicize the podcast series name. Follow with "[Podcast]" in square brackets.

Include URL and access date

Provide the URL followed by the access date in parentheses.