How to Cite a Podcast Episode in Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography)

This guide explains how to format a podcast episode citation in Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography). 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 Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography):

Template

Note: Author First Last, "Episode Title," episode of Podcast Name, produced by Producer, aired Month Day, Year, podcast, duration, URL. Bibliography: Last, First. "Episode Title." Episode of Podcast Name. Produced by Producer. Aired Month Day, Year. Podcast, duration. URL.

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

1. Sarah Koenig, "The Alibi," episode of Serial, produced by Sarah Koenig, Julie Snyder, and Dana Chivvis, aired October 3, 2014, podcast, 52:00, https://serialpodcast.org/season-one/1/the-alibi.

Bibliography Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your bibliography:

Bibliography entry

Koenig, Sarah. "The Alibi." Episode of Serial. Produced by Sarah Koenig, Julie Snyder, and Dana Chivvis. Aired October 3, 2014. Podcast, 52:00. https://serialpodcast.org/season-one/1/the-alibi.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the host or creator
List the host's name. In notes: First Last. In bibliography: Last, First.
2
Write the episode title
Place the episode title in quotation marks.
3
Add the podcast name
Write "episode of" (in notes, lowercase) or "Episode of" (bibliography) followed by the podcast name in italics.
4
Include production and date details
Add the producer(s) and air date. Specify the medium as "podcast" and include duration if known.
5
Add the URL
Include the full URL where the episode can be accessed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not placing the episode title in quotation marks.
Forgetting to italicize the podcast name.
Omitting the air date.
Not specifying the medium as "podcast."
Confusing the host with the producer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a standard Chicago format for podcasts?

The Chicago Manual treats podcasts as a form of multimedia. The format is flexible, but key elements include the episode title (in quotation marks), the series name (italicized), the host/producer, the date, and the URL. Include "podcast" as the medium descriptor.

Do I include the episode duration?

Duration is optional but recommended, especially if you are citing a specific timestamp. Write it in hours:minutes format (e.g., 52:00 or 1:23:45).

Should podcast citations appear in the bibliography?

If a podcast is cited frequently or is central to your argument, include it in the bibliography. For a single passing reference, a note citation alone may suffice.

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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Format Template

The general pattern for citing a podcast episode in Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography):

Template

Step-by-Step Guide

Identify the host or creator

List the host's name. In notes: First Last. In bibliography: Last, First.

Write the episode title

Place the episode title in quotation marks.

Add the podcast name

Write "episode of" (in notes, lowercase) or "Episode of" (bibliography) followed by the podcast name in italics.

Include production and date details

Add the producer(s) and air date. Specify the medium as "podcast" and include duration if known.

Add the URL

Include the full URL where the episode can be accessed.