Podcasts App Sign-in Pop-up Starts Unexpectedly (and Frequently)

Podcasts app on MacBook Pro (14 inch 2021, Sonoma 14.5) starts repeatedly and without my initiation. I will be working in one of any number of apps (Excel, Safari, Word, Mail, etc) and Podcasts will interrupt my work, putting its sign-in pop-up on top of all current windows.

When this happens, I will Force Quit the Podcasts App. But it will reappear, again without initiation, at least daily, sometimes several times per day.

I have also restarted frequently to zero effect on this anomaly.

I have attempted to uninstall podcasts app and also tried to limit its time to zero under Screen Time. Neither actions appear to be permitted by the system.

How do I make this most annoying and clearly anomalous self-opening pop up stop?!

Any help will be most appreciated.

Thanks!