how do I apply to start my own podcast on Apple

Please see this part of my page on podcasting:

https://rfwilmut.net/notes/podcast.html#submit

(the previous part of the page gives you information on creating your podcast, which you may find helpful). The layout of Podcasts Connect has changed since I wrote that but the basic process remains the same.

If you then have any further queries please do come back. If you have queries you should post the URL of your feed.

(I've amended my page to bring it into line with the current state of Podcasts Connect.)