Q: my i tunes crashes everytime I start it and it tries to download podcasts

Hi there sshep13,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities.  

It sounds like iTunes is quitting unexpectedly upon launch on your MacBook. Try launching iTunes in Safe Mode and then removing third-party plug-ins, if the issue is resolved.

iTunes: Troubleshooting issues with third-party iTunes plug-ins - Apple Support

Ciao,

-Jason