sonos drops in and out

You seem to have already made up your mind, based on your final sentence. 
 

Do you really want help, or are you just venting?

Have you tried the device in a different location - if it’s too close to the router it may be experiencing all sorts of interference? There are many other suggestions this community could offer, if you want to try to resolve this?

Sure! if someone has a workable idea.

I actually moved the device from across the apt. to next to the modem. 

No improvement.

And, yes, venting...-sigh-

How are you listening…or perhaps where is the podcast coming from? 

I’d certainly suggest a network refresh, it may help, but really depends on what issue your system is experiencing. Unplug all your Sonos devices from power, then reboot your router. All your devices should be at least 3 feet (1 meter) from your router. Wait two minutes after you’ve rebooted the router, then plug back in your Sonos devices. Wait two more minutes, then try your podcast again. If it continues to have difficulty, I would recommend that you submit a system diagnostic within 10 minutes of experiencing this problem, and call Sonos Support to discuss it. Don’t post the resulting diagnostic number here.

There may be information included in the diagnostic that will help Sonos pinpoint the issue and help you find a solution.

When you speak directly to the Support staff, they have tools at their disposal that will allow them to give you advice specific to your network and Sonos system.

Too close is often bad, 3 feet is usually a safe minimum 2 feet is pushing it.

I hear you, thank you. And- it was not good when 3 meters distance from router.

It’s al sucky.

Contact support, they may be able to help you.