I used the online databases to get the paid for consumer reports reviews of washers and dryers. I didn't care for their recommendations, just the data.
Our local library also has free passes to local city and state places like aquariums, parks, etc. that usually change an admission. They are hard to get, but free isn't always easy!
Podcast Republic is my go to. I listen to 5 or 6 podcasts. But have 2 or 3 that are time relevant, like news. I set those as priority, and Podcast Republic makes an auto playlist that puts them all in order by my preference, then release date old to new.
If a preferred podcast comes out, it goes to the top of my auto playlist. I can't podcast without it now.
Same for me. I notice that if I click the direct link it opens much faster, but still a little lag. Clicking the thumbnail always causes a 5 second or so delay.