The Interrupted Audio
macOS aims to provide an intelligent audio experience across the operating system. However, this intelligence can sometimes backfire. A common issue occurs when you are listening to a long-form podcast through the Apple Podcasts app (or Spotify) and you receive a notification, such as an incoming iMessage or a calendar alert. Instead of simply playing a quiet “ding” over the audio (known as “ducking”), macOS sometimes completely pauses the podcast playback. You are forced to manually switch back to the Podcasts app or use the media keys to resume listening after every single notification, ruining the flow of the show.
Keeping the Podcast Playing
To prevent these frustrating interruptions and stop macOS from automatically pausing your podcasts when notifications arrive, you must adjust the alert style settings for your applications.
The issue is usually caused by notifications requesting primary audio focus. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and select System Settings. In the left-hand pane, click on Notifications. You must now identify which apps are causing the pauses (usually Messages or Calendar). Click on the offending app in the list on the right. Look for the toggle switch labelled Play sound for notification. If you turn this Off, the notification will still appear visually on your screen, but it will not interrupt the audio engine at all. Your podcast will continue playing flawlessly. If you still want a sound, ensure that the app is set to “Banners” rather than “Alerts,” as Alerts are more likely to seize total control of the system audio.