Apple Podcast app not working after updating to iOS 18

Since updating to iOS 18 over a month ago I haven’t been able to play any podcasts using the Apple Podcast app. The app opens but if I try to load or play a podcast I just get a spinning circle. I’ve restarted my phone several times but no change. I’m reluctant to delete my podcast app and reinstall because I don’t want to lose my history and people on Reddit say they’ve tried that with no success in resolving the issue.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]