Sure you can. 95% or more of podcast Shows are free. Just choose the Shows you wish to Follow and mark the Show setting options as you wish.
You can also find Apple’s Support info on Podcasts at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201859 and in the Podcasts section of the iOS and Mac user manuals at https://support.apple.com/manuals doesn’t
The pic below shows the Podcasts app settings at iPhone Settings>Podcasts (left frame), the Station settings (middle) and the Show settings (right). Disregard the options selected. Choose your permutations as you wish.
