Hmmm.....I went back and tested past episodes that were already downloaded on my phone and they're ALL like that!!!! Even other podcasts! What's going on???
But to the first point re the iPhone, you have to click back till you find the little icon that displays speed, .5, 1., 1.5, 2.0 etc. Just click on that till you get back to 1.0.
I did not have it playing too fast- but I had only a minute or so worth of content! Pete got to the middle of the Dreams promo and it ended!
I normally do not listen on my iPhone, but download to my iPod. I didn't have time to download so I used my phone- but only got a minute!
Now downloaded to the iPod- so I am a happy camper now.