Podcasts - is it possible to avoid subscription fees?

[Newmeagain]

I really enjoy listening to podcasts while doing homework, cooking etc.

i listen to a lot of BBC ones on iTunes but sometimes I run out of stuff I want to listen to (my guilty pleasure is true crime, investigative journalism, Etc). So then I turn to Apple Podcasts. However, what I find really frustrating is that often I will start listening to a series and after the first couple of episodes I can’t listen to the rest without a subscription for that particular channel. I am obviously not willing to subscribe to multiple channels as that would really add up.

Is there an podcast equivalent to Netflix where you just pay one fee and everything is free?

I have a few podcast apps like Castbox but often use my Spotify account. Pretty sure I can get everything I want on there

I use pocket casts app and there is a huge variety on there for free.

I use Spotify most of the time and don't pay any fees but have to put up with adverts. I'd rather do that than pay!

I never think of BBC Sounds as having podcasts though. They are just catch ups of programs they've had done anyway. I like podcasts to be from anyone who wants to create a podcast.

BBC sounds does have podcasts too.

I use Podbean and it's all free (with ads). I don't listen to true crime though so I don't know what the range for that is, but it has so much stuff there will be something for you on there.

I listen to a lot of podcasts on Apple all free but with adverts. Some such as The rest is entertainment have an optional subscription which includes bonus content and ad free but I don't care that much so don't bother.

No, I do realise that BBC Sounds has Podcasts but for example I wouldn't be able to put a podcast on them myself where I could on Spotify. They are vetted on BBC Sounds but a lot of of the podcast I like have not been vetted. They make me think of pirate radio!

I use podcast player currently.

Perhaps I'm not listening to highbrow enough stuff but I've never been asked to pay a subscription.

Very very occasionally there's the option of a subscription/patreon for extra content for a full episode of e.g. Blocked and Reported is the main one for that on my list but there's still plenty there to listen to on there for free.

Thank you all - that’s very helpful.

Sorry - I said iTunes in my original post, but I meant BBC sounds…

W have Spotify premium family and get most stuff on there. We are in Malaysia and pay the equivalent of £5 per month but just goggles and the same in the UK is £20!

I use Castbox and listen to dozens of podcasts, never paid for any. They have ads tho

Subscriptions are usually to allow you early (say 7 days in advance) access to new episodes. I have iTunes and listen to a lot of true crime and haven’t encountered anything that is forever behind a paywall. You just have to be patient.

Bbc sounds have loads of podcasts there is something for everybody.

I use cast box I just downloaded the app it's free and the a variety of podcasts.

If you have Prime or Spotify already, they cover a lot of podcasts, even things like red-handed are on there when you might think they'd be on Wondery only.

Spotify has ads and Prime music wants you to pay for Prime music but the podcasts are free without doing so.

Wondery does this - early access to subscribers. I'm never fussed enough to want to hear something super early, so just wait.