How to Cite a Podcast Episode in CSE (8th Edition)

This guide explains how to format a podcast episode citation in CSE (8th Edition). 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 CSE (8th Edition):

Template

Host(s). Year. Episode title. Podcast Name. [podcast]. [accessed Year Mon Day]. URL.

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

(Hirway 2019)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

Hirway H. 2019. Maggie Rogers: light on. Song Exploder. [podcast]. [accessed 2026 Mar 28]. https://songexploder.net/maggie-rogers.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the host or creator
List the host as Last Name followed by initials with no periods.
2
Add the year
Place the year of the episode after the host name, followed by a period.
3
Write the episode title
Use sentence case. Do not italicize or use quotation marks. End with a period.
4
Add the podcast name and designator
Write the podcast name (not italicized), followed by "[podcast]" in square brackets.
5
Include access date and URL
Add the access date in square brackets and the URL. End with a period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Omitting the [podcast] content designator in square brackets.
Italicizing the podcast name or episode title (CSE does not use italics).
Forgetting the access date for online audio sources.
Using headline-style capitalization for the episode title.
Not including the URL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the [podcast] designator in CSE?

CSE uses content designators in square brackets to identify the format of non-traditional sources. [podcast] tells the reader the source is an audio podcast.

How do I cite a podcast episode with a guest in CSE?

List the host as the primary author. You can mention the guest in the episode title or add a note. CSE does not have a separate field for guests.

Should I include the episode number in CSE?

CSE does not require an episode number, but you may include it after the episode title for additional specificity: Episode 42.

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

Generate citations automatically with CiteDash

Stop formatting citations by hand. CiteDash automatically generates accurate CSE (8th Edition) citations for all your sources while you research and write.

Start Free Trial More CSE (8th Edition) Guides

Step-by-Step Guide

Identify the host or creator

List the host as Last Name followed by initials with no periods.

Add the year

Place the year of the episode after the host name, followed by a period.

Write the episode title

Use sentence case. Do not italicize or use quotation marks. End with a period.

Add the podcast name and designator

Write the podcast name (not italicized), followed by "[podcast]" in square brackets.

Include access date and URL

Add the access date in square brackets and the URL. End with a period.