Watch podcasts app not functioning.

Hi folks. I can't view or listen to podcasts on my Apple watch series 6 (32GB). It always kicks back "Sign into iTunes on your iPhone to listen to podcasts."

Before you ask the obvious:

1. Yes, I am signed into iCloud and my Apple ID fully on the Phone.
2. Yes, I have tried signing out and signing back in on the iPhone.
3. Yes, podcasts work just fine on my iPhone.
4. Yes, the watch and the iPhone are paired, and all other media syncs perfectly.
5. Yes, both my iPhone and Watch are updated (v16.2 and v9.2, respectively).
6. Yes, I have hard-restarted both devices.
7. Yes, I have followed all instructions in your documentation about how to transfer podcasts to the Watch.

I'd appreciate any advice you (or anyone) can give.