On the 9to5Google article it says

Update 4/16: Google has updated the changelog entry to add that auto-reboot is “optional” when it comes in the “future.” This addresses some concern from people who run continuous Android devices, with tablets somewhat fitting into that.

72% is used overall, of which Steam represents 1.7GB

Stop giving them ideas!

You can use old.reddit.com to bypass that, at least for now.

Would love to know anything more about that reaction.

It's not a bug, it's a feature. Look under settings for volume button comment navigation.

I'd tend to agree that it's not an expected default, but it's easy to disable.

Obviously I can't know what you have tried before, but I'd highly recommend Pocket Casts. I've been using this since at least 2014 (looking at a support chain that I had opened) and can't imagine losing the features they've got. It's shifted owners a few times and their mobile apps are now open source should you be interested in that.

They have a website version but it's a paid offering, with it being part of a subscription now. It used to be a one-off purchase. Regardless, I haven't used it before.