Air Pods Pro connection issues (several)

Devices related to issue:

AirPods Pro 2

iPhone 14 Pro Max (17.6.1)

MacBook Pro (Monterey v. 12.7.6)

iPad Air (17.6.1)

I've experienced several annoying connections issues with my AirPods:

1. When I pause a podcast on iPhone (for example), then open Instagram or YouTube on the phone (but don't play anything), close them and hit Play on the Pods, my phone plays a song from the Music app without it being open. (I have to open the app to stop it playing.)

1. When I go near my MacBook or iPad when a podcast on my phone is paused, the Pods disconnect from my phone, connect to the new device and when I try to restart the podcast on my phone it starts playing a video from a streaming platform or YouTube – if they're open on the device – or, if nothing's open, starts playing a song from Music without the app being open. (Again, I have to open the app to stop it playing.)

When I contacted Apple Help via X I was told it's technologically impossible for the Music thing (described above) to happen.

I've looked for solutions online and tried all without success.

Eg:

On my MacBook I selected "When last connected to this Mac" to stop it automatically connecting me to the Pods. Didn't stop the Pods from connecting automatically.

Also: In an effort to prevent the Pods connecting to the MacBook at all, I deleted them from the connected devices listed in Bluetooth on the MacBook. But that also disconnected the Pods from <all> my Apple devices (iPhone and two iPads) so I had to reconnect them like they were brand new. (Tried this three times with the same result.)

Thoughts?

All suggestions appreciated.

G