I listened to a podcast the other day on Spotify on my phone. Last time I did podcasts was maybe 10 years ago. I was properly confused when an ad block appeared. I had forgotten what ads even were like, and there was no skip button! (For example, for YouTube there’s Sponsorblock)
Certainly could play a role. Another benefit is they have a long tail effect, where people who listen to it a year from the original air date will hear it.
