Yet another example of the dangers of handing Google a monopoly on Android app stores. If you control the means of distribution, you can control the content of what gets distributed. It is time for some anti-trust action here!
In the meantime consumers should support other app stores like https://f-droid.org/.
I highly recommend the open source AntennaPod podcast app: https://f-droid.org/en/packages/de.danoeh.antennapod/