Abbey Graves Productions

In this episode of Abbey the Podcast Lady, I’m diving deep into one of my current podcast obsessions: Free With Ads. If you haven’t heard it yet, it’s hosted by the hilarious trio of Emily Fleming, Jordan Morris, and Matt Lieb—yep, part of the Mythical Entertainment family.

I wanted to break down what makes this show really work and share some practical takeaways that you can use to level up your own podcast. This isn’t just a fangirl moment (okay, maybe a little)—it’s a case study in great podcasting.

Why Their Chemistry Works

First off, the host chemistry? Chef’s kiss. You can feel the friendship between Emily, Jordan, and Matt. It’s natural, unforced, and creates such a welcoming vibe. When the hosts are genuinely enjoying themselves, it pulls listeners in like magic. If you’re podcasting with others, think about how you can build that same kind of rapport on-air.

They Don’t Just Talk At the Audience

One of my favorite things about Free With Ads is how interactive it feels. Whether it’s recurring jokes, listener shoutouts, or just the way they structure their episodes, you get the sense that the audience is part of the fun—not just listening from the sidelines. And that’s a big deal. If you’re looking to build community around your show, start thinking about how you can include your listeners in the experience.

Humor That Doesn’t Exclude

Now let’s talk tone. These three are funny—really funny—but their humor is never at anyone’s expense. It’s inclusive, clever, and makes you feel like you’re in on the joke. That kind of approach not only widens your audience but makes your show feel safe, accessible, and binge-worthy. Big takeaway: you don’t have to punch down to be entertaining.

What You Can Apply to Your Show

Here are a few actionable lessons I think every podcaster (including me!) can take from Free With Ads:

• Be authentic. Don’t try to sound like someone else. The best podcasts are rooted in real personalities.
• Make it easy to jump in. Don’t assume your audience has heard every episode. Lower those barriers to entry.
• Stick to a format. Consistency builds trust—and trust keeps listeners coming back.

A Few Suggestions for Growth

Even though I love Free With Ads, there’s always room to grow, right? I’d love to see a full video version of the show—especially since so many people are consuming podcasts on YouTube now. And upping their social media game could help them connect even more with their fans (because let’s face it, we want more behind-the-scenes content!).

Final Thoughts

If you’re a podcaster looking to create a show that’s fun, engaging, and sustainable, studying Free With Ads is a great place to start. There’s so much to learn just by observing what they do well—and thinking about how to adapt those elements to your own voice and format.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Abbey the Podcast Lady. Now go listen to Free With Ads (if you haven’t already), and let me know what YOU take away from it!