That’s not normal. You’ve got some specific problem with your setup.
I’m crazy about podcasts and have been listening for years. I use AntennaPod now and just hear an episode of Behind the Bastards today. I’ve never come across what you’re describing. Check to see if there’s an accidental screen tap happening or if there’s a hardware issue (my bluetooth earphones have touch controls that get accidentally triggered all the time).
Exactly the same structure as as a tibia/fibula going to a foot, I imagine.