Why I use a third party Podcast app
Apple provides a free Podcasts app for iOS. Why use a paid third party app?
I listen to many podcasts during my time in the car and there are features in third party podcast apps that I like on top of what the Apple Podcasts app provides. Sometimes I use Downcast based on:
1. A landscape layout on the iPhone that I like.
2. Multiple skip forward and back buttons. Each of the buttons can be set to specific time intervals. I really like that the skip forward can be set to 2 minutes.
3. Chapter markers can be seen on the timeline
4. Larger skip chapter buttons, which is handy in the car.
5. Compatibility with Apple Carplay, when I am using my family's other vehicle that has it.
6. Ability to play video podcasts.
I listen to many podcasts during my time in the car and there are features in third party podcast apps that I like on top of what the Apple Podcasts app provides. Sometimes I use Downcast based on:
1. A landscape layout on the iPhone that I like.
2. Multiple skip forward and back buttons. Each of the buttons can be set to specific time intervals. I really like that the skip forward can be set to 2 minutes.
3. Chapter markers can be seen on the timeline
4. Larger skip chapter buttons, which is handy in the car.
5. Compatibility with Apple Carplay, when I am using my family's other vehicle that has it.
6. Ability to play video podcasts.
Downcast has many, many settings. This is also nice to be able to configure it how you want to use it.
Downcast also has a Mac version on the Mac App Store. With iCloud syncing enabled, Downcast podcast subscriptions, playlists, settings, and episode information are transferred between Downcast on other Macs and iOS devices.
Overcast is another podcast app that I use which has some interesting features, including cutting out silences between words and playing at higher speeds without voice distortion. With version 5, Marco Arment added Siri Shorcuts support and redesigned the Now Playing interface to include a chapter list. I talk more about Overcast here.

Downcast on the App Store

Overcast on the App Store
---------------
Added 2018-03-27 <> Updated 2019-01-08 <> ID 18032701
Versions - Downcast 2.9.32 - Overcast 4.2.1
Added 2018-03-27 <> Updated 2019-01-08 <> ID 18032701
Versions - Downcast 2.9.32 - Overcast 4.2.1