I'm pretty sure I'm getting personalized ads when I listen to podcasts through the iOS podcast app. Well, maybe they're only localized - I get ads in German when I listen to u.s.-based podcasts.

A lot of podcasts server ads via their provider (e.g. megaphone). They do tracking and analytics.

Funny thing is that lots of the provider are now owned by Spotify. So right now you basically have the choice: a) listen to it on Spotify with good embedded ads b) listen to it on your podcast feed with bad embedded ads.

Anyway you listen to it on Spotify (Often).