diff --git a/backend/alwrity_utils/router_manager.py b/backend/alwrity_utils/router_manager.py
index 3b7c2f0c..ab514343 100644
--- a/backend/alwrity_utils/router_manager.py
+++ b/backend/alwrity_utils/router_manager.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ CORE_ROUTER_REGISTRY = [
     {"name": "component_logic", "module": "api.component_logic", "attr": "router", "features": {"all", "core"}},
     {"name": "subscription", "module": "api.subscription", "attr": "router", "features": {"all", "core", "podcast", "blog-writer", "youtube"}},
     {"name": "step3_research", "module": "api.onboarding_utils.step3_routes", "attr": "router", "features": {"all", "core"}},
-    {"name": "step4_assets", "module": "api.onboarding_utils.step4_asset_routes", "attr": "router", "features": {"all", "core"}},
+    {"name": "step4_assets", "module": "api.onboarding_utils.step4_asset_routes", "attr": "router", "features": {"all", "core", "podcast"}},
     {"name": "step4_persona", "module": "api.onboarding_utils.step4_persona_routes_optimized", "attr": "router", "features": {"all", "core"}},
     {"name": "gsc_auth", "module": "routers.gsc_auth", "attr": "router", "features": {"all", "core", "seo"}},
     {"name": "wordpress_oauth", "module": "routers.wordpress_oauth", "attr": "router", "features": {"all", "core"}},
@@ -116,10 +116,6 @@ class RouterManager:
         if "all" in enabled_features:
             return True
         
-        # Skip core routers in podcast-only mode (they require non-podcast features)
-        if enabled_features == {"podcast"}:
-            return False
-        
         # If no required features specified, include by default
         if not required_features:
             return True
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/AnalysisPanel/AnalysisTabNav.tsx b/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/AnalysisPanel/AnalysisTabNav.tsx
index 993cf0a3..74811147 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/AnalysisPanel/AnalysisTabNav.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/AnalysisPanel/AnalysisTabNav.tsx
@@ -26,20 +26,28 @@ export const ANALYSIS_TABS: TabConfig[] = [
 const getTabButtonStyles = (isActive: boolean) => ({
   background: isActive
     ? "linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)"
-    : "transparent",
-  color: isActive ? "#fff" : "#64748b",
-  border: isActive ? "none" : "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.1)",
+    : "rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8)",
+  color: isActive ? "#fff" : "#475569",
+  border: isActive ? "none" : "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.2)",
   borderRadius: 2,
-  px: 2,
-  py: 1,
-  fontSize: "0.75rem",
+  px: 2.5,
+  py: 1.25,
+  fontSize: "0.8125rem",
   fontWeight: 600,
   textTransform: "none" as const,
   transition: "all 0.2s ease",
+  boxShadow: isActive
+    ? "0 4px 12px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.35)"
+    : "0 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.04)",
   "&:hover": {
     background: isActive
       ? "linear-gradient(135deg, #764ba2 0%, #667eea 100%)"
-      : "rgba(102,126,234,0.08)",
+      : "rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.12)",
+    border: isActive ? "none" : "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.35)",
+    boxShadow: isActive
+      ? "0 6px 16px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.4)"
+      : "0 4px 8px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15)",
+    transform: "translateY(-1px)",
   },
 });
 
@@ -50,18 +58,27 @@ interface AnalysisTabNavProps {
 
 export const AnalysisTabNav: React.FC<AnalysisTabNavProps> = ({ activeTab, onTabChange }) => {
   return (
-    <Stack direction="row" flexWrap="wrap" gap={1}>
-      {ANALYSIS_TABS.map((tab) => (
-        <Button
-          key={tab.id}
-          onClick={() => onTabChange(tab.id)}
-          startIcon={tab.icon}
-          sx={getTabButtonStyles(activeTab === tab.id)}
-        >
-          {tab.label}
-        </Button>
-      ))}
-    </Stack>
+    <Box
+      sx={{
+        background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.04) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.04) 100%)",
+        borderRadius: 2.5,
+        p: 1.5,
+        border: "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.1)",
+      }}
+    >
+      <Stack direction="row" flexWrap="wrap" gap={1}>
+        {ANALYSIS_TABS.map((tab) => (
+          <Button
+            key={tab.id}
+            onClick={() => onTabChange(tab.id)}
+            startIcon={tab.icon}
+            sx={getTabButtonStyles(activeTab === tab.id)}
+          >
+            {tab.label}
+          </Button>
+        ))}
+      </Stack>
+    </Box>
   );
 };
 
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateModal.tsx b/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateModal.tsx
index d6bba11b..a24b8250 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateModal.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateModal.tsx
@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@ import { getLatestBrandAvatar } from "../../api/brandAssets";
 import { VoiceSelector } from "../shared/VoiceSelector";
 
 // Imported Components
-import { CreateHeader } from "./CreateStep/CreateHeader";
 import { TopicUrlInput, TOPIC_PLACEHOLDERS } from "./CreateStep/TopicUrlInput";
 import { PodcastConfiguration } from "./CreateStep/PodcastConfiguration";
 import { AvatarSelector } from "./CreateStep/AvatarSelector";
@@ -280,7 +279,13 @@ export const CreateModal: React.FC<CreateModalProps> = ({ onCreate, open, defaul
     brandAvatarBlobUrl                    // Brand avatar blob URL
   );
 
-  const canSubmit = Boolean(topicInput.trim() && hasAvatar);
+  // Check if all required inputs are provided
+  const hasTopic = Boolean(topicInput.trim());
+  const hasVoice = Boolean(selectedVoiceId);
+  const hasDuration = Boolean(duration > 0 && duration <= 10);
+  const hasSpeakers = Boolean(speakers >= 1 && speakers <= 2);
+
+  const canSubmit = Boolean(hasTopic && hasAvatar && hasVoice && hasDuration && hasSpeakers);
 
   const submit = async () => {
     if (!canSubmit || isSubmitting) return;
@@ -521,14 +526,6 @@ export const CreateModal: React.FC<CreateModalProps> = ({ onCreate, open, defaul
       }}
     >
       <Stack spacing={3.5}>
-        <CreateHeader
-          subscription={subscription}
-          duration={duration}
-          speakers={speakers}
-          knobs={knobs}
-          estimatedCost={estimatedCost}
-        />
-
         <Stack direction={{ xs: "column", md: "row" }} spacing={3} alignItems="stretch">
           <Box sx={{ flex: 1 }}>
             <TopicUrlInput
@@ -540,6 +537,10 @@ export const CreateModal: React.FC<CreateModalProps> = ({ onCreate, open, defaul
               placeholderIndex={placeholderIndex}
               loading={enhancingTopic}
               loadingMessage={enhanceTopicMessage}
+              estimatedCost={estimatedCost}
+              duration={duration}
+              speakers={speakers}
+              knobs={knobs}
             />
           </Box>
 
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/AvatarSelector.tsx b/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/AvatarSelector.tsx
index 3ecc1088..212a81a3 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/AvatarSelector.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/AvatarSelector.tsx
@@ -69,7 +69,21 @@ export const AvatarSelector: React.FC<AvatarSelectorProps> = ({
       }}
     >
       <Stack direction={{ xs: "column", sm: "row" }} spacing={{ xs: 1, sm: 1.5 }} alignItems={{ xs: "flex-start", sm: "center" }} sx={{ mb: 2 }}>
-        <Stack direction="row" spacing={1.5} alignItems="center">
+        <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center">
+          <Box
+            sx={{
+              width: 24,
+              height: 24,
+              borderRadius: "50%",
+              background: "linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)",
+              display: "flex",
+              alignItems: "center",
+              justifyContent: "center",
+              boxShadow: "0 2px 8px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.25)",
+            }}
+          >
+            <Typography sx={{ color: "#fff", fontSize: "0.75rem", fontWeight: 700 }}>3</Typography>
+          </Box>
           <Box
             sx={{
               width: 36,
@@ -439,30 +453,16 @@ export const AvatarSelector: React.FC<AvatarSelectorProps> = ({
                 sx={{
                   p: { xs: 1, sm: 1.5 },
                   borderRadius: 1.5,
-                  background: alpha("#f8fafc", 0.8),
-                  border: "1px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.1)",
+                  background: alpha("#f0f4ff", 0.6),
+                  border: "1px solid rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.2)",
                 }}
               >
-                <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontSize: { xs: "0.75rem", sm: "0.875rem" }, fontWeight: 600, mb: 0.5, display: "flex", alignItems: "center", gap: 0.5 }}>
-                  <PhotoCameraIcon fontSize="small" sx={{ color: "#64748b" }} />
-                  Take a Selfie
-                </Typography>
-                <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#475569", fontSize: { xs: "0.75rem", sm: "0.8125rem" }, lineHeight: 1.6 }}>
-                  Capture a photo using your device camera and use <strong>"Make Presentable"</strong> to enhance it into a professional presenter using AI.
-                </Typography>
-              </Box>
-              <Box
-                sx={{
-                  p: { xs: 1, sm: 1.5 },
-                  borderRadius: 1.5,
-                  background: alpha("#f0f4ff", 0.5),
-                  border: "1px solid rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.15)",
-                }}
-              >
-                <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#6366f1", fontSize: { xs: "0.7rem", sm: "0.8125rem" }, fontWeight: 500, display: "flex", alignItems: "center", gap: 0.5 }}>
-                  <InfoIcon fontSize="inherit" />
-                  Camera access required for selfie capture
-                </Typography>
+                <Stack direction="row" alignItems="center" spacing={0.5}>
+                  <PhotoCameraIcon fontSize="small" sx={{ color: "#667eea" }} />
+                  <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontSize: { xs: "0.75rem", sm: "0.8125rem" }, fontWeight: 600 }}>
+                    Capture a photo using your device camera and use "Make Presentable" to enhance it. Camera access required.
+                  </Typography>
+                </Stack>
               </Box>
             </Stack>
           )}
@@ -570,30 +570,16 @@ export const AvatarSelector: React.FC<AvatarSelectorProps> = ({
                 sx={{
                   p: { xs: 1, sm: 1.5 },
                   borderRadius: 1.5,
-                  background: alpha("#f8fafc", 0.8),
-                  border: "1px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.1)",
+                  background: alpha("#f0f4ff", 0.6),
+                  border: "1px solid rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.2)",
                 }}
               >
-                <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontSize: { xs: "0.75rem", sm: "0.875rem" }, fontWeight: 600, mb: 0.5, display: "flex", alignItems: "center", gap: 0.5 }}>
-                  <CloudUploadIcon fontSize="small" sx={{ color: "#64748b" }} />
-                  Upload Your Photo
-                </Typography>
-                <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#475569", fontSize: { xs: "0.75rem", sm: "0.8125rem" }, lineHeight: 1.6 }}>
-                  Upload a new photo and use <strong>"Make Presentable"</strong> to enhance it into a professional presenter using AI.
-                </Typography>
-              </Box>
-              <Box
-                sx={{
-                  p: { xs: 1, sm: 1.5 },
-                  borderRadius: 1.5,
-                  background: alpha("#f0f4ff", 0.5),
-                  border: "1px solid rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.15)",
-                }}
-              >
-                <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#6366f1", fontSize: { xs: "0.7rem", sm: "0.8125rem" }, fontWeight: 500, display: "flex", alignItems: "center", gap: 0.5 }}>
-                  <InfoIcon fontSize="inherit" />
-                  Supported formats: JPG, PNG, WebP (max 5MB)
-                </Typography>
+                <Stack direction="row" alignItems="center" spacing={0.5}>
+                  <CloudUploadIcon fontSize="small" sx={{ color: "#667eea" }} />
+                  <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontSize: { xs: "0.75rem", sm: "0.8125rem" }, fontWeight: 600 }}>
+                    Upload a photo and use "Make Presentable" to enhance it into a professional presenter. Supported: JPG, PNG, WebP (max 5MB)
+                  </Typography>
+                </Stack>
               </Box>
             </Stack>
           )}
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/CreateActions.tsx b/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/CreateActions.tsx
index 5fbe8d76..d5248d93 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/CreateActions.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/CreateActions.tsx
@@ -225,7 +225,7 @@ export const CreateActions: React.FC<CreateActionsProps> = ({ reset, submit, can
           disabled={!canSubmit || isSubmitting}
           loading={isSubmitting}
           startIcon={<AutoAwesomeIcon />}
-          tooltip={!canSubmit ? "Enter an idea/URL and add a podcast avatar to continue" : "We'll start AI analysis after this click"}
+          tooltip={!canSubmit ? "Complete all steps: 1) Enter topic/URL, 2) Configure duration & speakers, 3) Add avatar, 4) Select voice" : "We'll start AI analysis after this click"}
         >
           {isSubmitting ? "Analyzing..." : "Analyze & Continue"}
         </PrimaryButton>
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/CreateHeader.tsx b/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/CreateHeader.tsx
index 5423409d..820914d4 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/CreateHeader.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/CreateHeader.tsx
@@ -29,32 +29,53 @@ export const CreateHeader: React.FC<CreateHeaderProps> = ({
   estimatedCost,
 }) => {
   return (
-    <Stack direction="row" spacing={2} alignItems="flex-start" justifyContent="space-between" flexWrap="wrap" gap={2}>
-      <Stack direction="row" spacing={2} alignItems="flex-start" sx={{ flex: 1, minWidth: { xs: "100%", md: "60%" } }}>
-        <Box
-          sx={{
-            width: 48,
-            height: 48,
-            borderRadius: 2,
-            background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.12) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.12) 100%)",
-            display: "flex",
-            alignItems: "center",
-            justifyContent: "center",
-            flexShrink: 0,
-          }}
-        >
-          <AutoAwesomeIcon sx={{ color: "#667eea", fontSize: "1.75rem" }} />
-        </Box>
-        <Box sx={{ flex: 1 }}>
-          <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center" sx={{ mb: 0.5 }}>
+    <Box
+      sx={{
+        width: "100%",
+        background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.08) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.08) 100%)",
+        borderRadius: 3,
+        p: { xs: 2, md: 2.5 },
+        border: "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15)",
+        position: "relative",
+        overflow: "hidden",
+        "&::before": {
+          content: '""',
+          position: "absolute",
+          top: 0,
+          left: 0,
+          right: 0,
+          height: "3px",
+          background: "linear-gradient(90deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 50%, #f093fb 100%)",
+        },
+      }}
+    >
+      <Stack direction="row" spacing={2} alignItems="center" justifyContent="space-between" flexWrap="wrap" gap={2}>
+        <Stack direction="row" spacing={1.5} alignItems="center">
+          <Box
+            sx={{
+              width: 40,
+              height: 40,
+              borderRadius: 2,
+              background: "linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)",
+              display: "flex",
+              alignItems: "center",
+              justifyContent: "center",
+              flexShrink: 0,
+              boxShadow: "0 4px 12px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.3)",
+            }}
+          >
+            <AutoAwesomeIcon sx={{ color: "#fff", fontSize: "1.25rem" }} />
+          </Box>
+          <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center">
             <Typography 
-              variant="h5" 
+              variant="h6" 
               sx={{ 
-                color: "#0f172a", 
+                background: "linear-gradient(135deg, #1e293b 0%, #334155 100%)",
+                WebkitBackgroundClip: "text",
+                WebkitTextFillColor: "transparent",
                 fontWeight: 700,
-                fontSize: { xs: "1.5rem", md: "1.75rem" },
+                fontSize: { xs: "1.125rem", md: "1.25rem" },
                 letterSpacing: "-0.02em",
-                lineHeight: 1.2,
               }}
             >
               Create New Podcast Episode
@@ -106,122 +127,122 @@ export const CreateHeader: React.FC<CreateHeaderProps> = ({
               </IconButton>
             </Tooltip>
           </Stack>
-        </Box>
-      </Stack>
-      <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} flexWrap="wrap" useFlexGap sx={{ alignItems: "center" }}>
-        <Tooltip
-          title={`Your current subscription plan: ${subscription?.tier || "free"}. Upgrade for more features.`}
-          arrow
-          placement="top"
-        >
-          <Chip 
-            label={`Plan: ${subscription?.tier || "free"}`} 
-            size="small" 
-            sx={{
-              background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.12) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.12) 100%)",
-              color: "#667eea",
-              fontWeight: 600,
-              border: "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.2)",
-              fontSize: "0.75rem",
-              height: 26,
-              cursor: "help",
-            }}
-          />
-        </Tooltip>
-        <Tooltip
-          title={`Podcast duration: ${duration} minutes. Maximum duration is 10 minutes. Recommended: 5-10 minutes for best results.`}
-          arrow
-          placement="top"
-        >
-          <Chip 
-            label={`Duration: ${duration} min`} 
-            size="small"
-            sx={{
-              background: alpha("#0f172a", 0.06),
-              color: "#0f172a",
-              fontWeight: 600,
-              border: "1px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.12)",
-              fontSize: "0.75rem",
-              height: 26,
-              cursor: "help",
-            }}
-          />
-        </Tooltip>
-        <Tooltip
-          title={`Number of speakers: ${speakers}. Supports 1-2 speakers. Each additional speaker adds avatar generation cost.`}
-          arrow
-          placement="top"
-        >
-          <Chip 
-            label={`${speakers} speaker${speakers > 1 ? "s" : ""}`} 
-            size="small"
-            sx={{
-              background: alpha("#0f172a", 0.06),
-              color: "#0f172a",
-              fontWeight: 600,
-              border: "1px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.12)",
-              fontSize: "0.75rem",
-              height: 26,
-              cursor: "help",
-            }}
-          />
-        </Tooltip>
-        <Tooltip
-          title={
-            <Box>
-              <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ fontWeight: 600, mb: 0.5 }}>
-                Estimated Cost Breakdown:
-              </Typography>
-              <Typography variant="body2" component="div" sx={{ fontSize: "0.875rem", lineHeight: 1.6 }}>
-                • Audio Generation: ${estimatedCost.ttsCost}<br />
-                • Avatar Creation: ${estimatedCost.avatarCost}<br />
-                • Video Rendering: ${estimatedCost.videoCost}<br />
-                • Research: ${estimatedCost.researchCost}<br />
-                <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ fontWeight: 600, mt: 0.5, pt: 0.5, borderTop: "1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.2)" }}>
-                  Total: ${estimatedCost.total}
-                </Typography>
-                <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ fontSize: "0.75rem", opacity: 0.9, mt: 0.5, display: "block" }}>
-                  Based on {duration} min, {speakers} speaker{speakers > 1 ? "s" : ""}, {knobs.bitrate === "hd" ? "HD" : "standard"} quality
-                </Typography>
-              </Typography>
-            </Box>
-          }
-          arrow
-          placement="top"
-          componentsProps={{
-            tooltip: {
-              sx: {
-                bgcolor: "#0f172a",
-                color: "#ffffff",
-                maxWidth: 280,
-                fontSize: "0.875rem",
-                p: 1.5,
-                boxShadow: "0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.15)",
-              },
-            },
-            arrow: {
-              sx: {
+        </Stack>
+        <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} flexWrap="wrap" useFlexGap sx={{ alignItems: "center" }}>
+          <Tooltip
+            title={`Your current subscription plan: ${subscription?.tier || "free"}. Upgrade for more features.`}
+            arrow
+            placement="top"
+          >
+            <Chip 
+              label={`Plan: ${subscription?.tier || "free"}`} 
+              size="small" 
+              sx={{
+                background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.12) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.12) 100%)",
+                color: "#667eea",
+                fontWeight: 600,
+                border: "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.2)",
+                fontSize: "0.75rem",
+                height: 26,
+                cursor: "help",
+              }}
+            />
+          </Tooltip>
+          <Tooltip
+            title={`Podcast duration: ${duration} minutes. Maximum duration is 10 minutes. Recommended: 5-10 minutes for best results.`}
+            arrow
+            placement="top"
+          >
+            <Chip 
+              label={`Duration: ${duration} min`} 
+              size="small"
+              sx={{
+                background: alpha("#0f172a", 0.06),
                 color: "#0f172a",
+                fontWeight: 600,
+                border: "1px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.12)",
+                fontSize: "0.75rem",
+                height: 26,
+                cursor: "help",
+              }}
+            />
+          </Tooltip>
+          <Tooltip
+            title={`Number of speakers: ${speakers}. Supports 1-2 speakers. Each additional speaker adds avatar generation cost.`}
+            arrow
+            placement="top"
+          >
+            <Chip 
+              label={`${speakers} speaker${speakers > 1 ? "s" : ""}`} 
+              size="small"
+              sx={{
+                background: alpha("#0f172a", 0.06),
+                color: "#0f172a",
+                fontWeight: 600,
+                border: "1px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.12)",
+                fontSize: "0.75rem",
+                height: 26,
+                cursor: "help",
+              }}
+            />
+          </Tooltip>
+          <Tooltip
+            title={
+              <Box>
+                <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ fontWeight: 600, mb: 0.5 }}>
+                  Estimated Cost Breakdown:
+                </Typography>
+                <Typography variant="body2" component="div" sx={{ fontSize: "0.875rem", lineHeight: 1.6 }}>
+                  • Audio Generation: ${estimatedCost.ttsCost}<br />
+                  • Avatar Creation: ${estimatedCost.avatarCost}<br />
+                  • Video Rendering: ${estimatedCost.videoCost}<br />
+                  • Research: ${estimatedCost.researchCost}<br />
+                  <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ fontWeight: 600, mt: 0.5, pt: 0.5, borderTop: "1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.2)" }}>
+                    Total: ${estimatedCost.total}
+                  </Typography>
+                  <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ fontSize: "0.75rem", opacity: 0.9, mt: 0.5, display: "block" }}>
+                    Based on {duration} min, {speakers} speaker{speakers > 1 ? "s" : ""}, {knobs.bitrate === "hd" ? "HD" : "standard"} quality
+                  </Typography>
+                </Typography>
+              </Box>
+            }
+            arrow
+            placement="top"
+            componentsProps={{
+              tooltip: {
+                sx: {
+                  bgcolor: "#0f172a",
+                  color: "#ffffff",
+                  maxWidth: 280,
+                  fontSize: "0.875rem",
+                  p: 1.5,
+                  boxShadow: "0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.15)",
+                },
+              },
+              arrow: {
+                sx: {
+                  color: "#0f172a",
+                },
               },
-            },
-          }}
-        >
-          <Chip 
-            icon={<AttachMoneyIcon sx={{ fontSize: "0.875rem !important" }} />}
-            label={`Est. $${estimatedCost.total}`} 
-            size="small"
-            sx={{
-              background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.12) 0%, rgba(5, 150, 105, 0.12) 100%)",
-              color: "#059669",
-              fontWeight: 600,
-              border: "1px solid rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.2)",
-              fontSize: "0.75rem",
-              height: 26,
-              cursor: "help",
             }}
-          />
-        </Tooltip>
+          >
+            <Chip 
+              icon={<AttachMoneyIcon sx={{ fontSize: "0.875rem !important" }} />}
+              label={`Est. $${estimatedCost.total}`} 
+              size="small"
+              sx={{
+                background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.12) 0%, rgba(5, 150, 105, 0.12) 100%)",
+                color: "#059669",
+                fontWeight: 600,
+                border: "1px solid rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.2)",
+                fontSize: "0.75rem",
+                height: 26,
+                cursor: "help",
+              }}
+            />
+          </Tooltip>
+        </Stack>
       </Stack>
-    </Stack>
+    </Box>
   );
 };
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/PodcastConfiguration.tsx b/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/PodcastConfiguration.tsx
index db891c33..5d338b1b 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/PodcastConfiguration.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/PodcastConfiguration.tsx
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import React from "react";
 import { Stack, Box, Typography, TextField, ToggleButton, ToggleButtonGroup, alpha } from "@mui/material";
-import { Person as PersonIcon, Group as GroupIcon } from "@mui/icons-material";
+import { Person as PersonIcon, Group as GroupIcon, Settings as SettingsIcon } from "@mui/icons-material";
 
 interface PodcastConfigurationProps {
   duration: number;
@@ -35,22 +35,72 @@ export const PodcastConfiguration: React.FC<PodcastConfigurationProps> = ({
         flex: { xs: "1 1 auto", lg: "0 0 320px" },
         width: { xs: "100%", lg: "320px" },
         p: 3,
-        borderRadius: 2,
-        background: alpha("#f8fafc", 0.5),
-        border: "1px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.06)",
+        borderRadius: 3,
+        background: "#ffffff",
+        border: "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15)",
         height: "100%",
         display: "flex",
         flexDirection: "column",
+        boxShadow: "0 4px 20px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.08)",
+        position: "relative",
+        overflow: "hidden",
+        "&::before": {
+          content: '""',
+          position: "absolute",
+          top: 0,
+          left: 0,
+          right: 0,
+          height: "3px",
+          background: "linear-gradient(90deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)",
+        },
       }}
     >
-      <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ mb: 2.5, color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600, fontSize: "0.9375rem" }}>
-        Basic Configuration
-      </Typography>
+      <Stack direction="row" alignItems="center" spacing={1} sx={{ mb: 2.5 }}>
+        <Box
+          sx={{
+            width: 24,
+            height: 24,
+            borderRadius: "50%",
+            background: "linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)",
+            display: "flex",
+            alignItems: "center",
+            justifyContent: "center",
+            boxShadow: "0 2px 8px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.25)",
+          }}
+        >
+          <Typography sx={{ color: "#fff", fontSize: "0.75rem", fontWeight: 700 }}>2</Typography>
+        </Box>
+        <Box
+          sx={{
+            width: 32,
+            height: 32,
+            borderRadius: 1.5,
+            background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.12) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.12) 100%)",
+            display: "flex",
+            alignItems: "center",
+            justifyContent: "center",
+            boxShadow: "0 2px 8px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15)",
+          }}
+        >
+          <SettingsIcon sx={{ color: "#667eea", fontSize: "1rem" }} />
+        </Box>
+        <Typography 
+          variant="subtitle1" 
+          sx={{ 
+            color: "#0f172a", 
+            fontWeight: 700, 
+            fontSize: "1rem",
+            letterSpacing: "-0.01em",
+          }}
+        >
+          Basic Configuration
+        </Typography>
+      </Stack>
       
       <Stack spacing={3}>
         {/* Duration Input */}
         <Box>
-          <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ display: "block", mb: 1, color: "#64748b", fontWeight: 500 }}>
+          <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ display: "block", mb: 1, color: "#64748b", fontWeight: 600, fontSize: "0.75rem", textTransform: "uppercase", letterSpacing: "0.05em" }}>
             Duration (minutes)
           </Typography>
           <TextField
@@ -64,27 +114,30 @@ export const PodcastConfiguration: React.FC<PodcastConfigurationProps> = ({
             fullWidth
             sx={{
               "& .MuiOutlinedInput-root": {
-                backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
-                border: "1px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.12)",
+                backgroundColor: "#f8fafc",
+                border: "2px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.2)",
                 borderRadius: 2,
                 transition: "all 0.2s",
                 "&:hover": { 
-                  borderColor: "rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.6)",
+                  borderColor: "rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.4)",
+                  boxShadow: "0 2px 8px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.1)",
                 },
                 "&.Mui-focused": {
                   borderColor: "#667eea",
-                  boxShadow: "0 0 0 3px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.1)",
+                  boxShadow: "0 0 0 4px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.1)",
+                  backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
                 },
               },
               "& .MuiOutlinedInput-input": {
-                color: "#0f172a",
+                color: "#1e293b",
                 fontWeight: 600,
-                fontSize: "0.9375rem",
+                fontSize: "1rem",
               },
               "& .MuiFormHelperText-root": {
                 color: duration > 10 ? "#dc2626" : "#64748b",
                 fontSize: "0.75rem",
-                mt: 0.75,
+                mt: 1,
+                fontWeight: 500,
               },
             }}
           />
@@ -92,7 +145,7 @@ export const PodcastConfiguration: React.FC<PodcastConfigurationProps> = ({
 
         {/* Speakers Toggle */}
         <Box>
-          <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ display: "block", mb: 1, color: "#64748b", fontWeight: 500 }}>
+          <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ display: "block", mb: 1, color: "#64748b", fontWeight: 600, fontSize: "0.75rem", textTransform: "uppercase", letterSpacing: "0.05em" }}>
             Number of Speakers
           </Typography>
           <ToggleButtonGroup
@@ -102,8 +155,8 @@ export const PodcastConfiguration: React.FC<PodcastConfigurationProps> = ({
             fullWidth
             size="small"
             sx={{
-              backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
-              border: "1px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.12)",
+              backgroundColor: "#f8fafc",
+              border: "2px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.2)",
               borderRadius: 2,
               p: 0.5,
               "& .MuiToggleButton-root": {
@@ -116,14 +169,15 @@ export const PodcastConfiguration: React.FC<PodcastConfigurationProps> = ({
                 py: 1,
                 transition: "all 0.2s ease",
                 "&:hover": {
-                  backgroundColor: alpha("#64748b", 0.05),
+                  backgroundColor: alpha("#667eea", 0.08),
                 },
                 "&.Mui-selected": {
-                  backgroundColor: alpha("#667eea", 0.1),
-                  color: "#667eea",
+                  background: "linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)",
+                  color: "#ffffff",
                   fontWeight: 600,
+                  boxShadow: "0 4px 12px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.3)",
                   "&:hover": {
-                    backgroundColor: alpha("#667eea", 0.15),
+                    background: "linear-gradient(135deg, #764ba2 0%, #667eea 100%)",
                   },
                 },
               },
@@ -142,7 +196,7 @@ export const PodcastConfiguration: React.FC<PodcastConfigurationProps> = ({
               </Stack>
             </ToggleButton>
           </ToggleButtonGroup>
-          <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ display: "block", mt: 0.75, color: "#64748b", fontSize: "0.75rem" }}>
+          <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ display: "block", mt: 1, color: "#64748b", fontSize: "0.75rem", fontWeight: 500 }}>
             {speakers === 1 ? "Single host format" : "Host and guest conversation"}
           </Typography>
         </Box>
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/TopicUrlInput.tsx b/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/TopicUrlInput.tsx
index 35b4eb62..06b4479a 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/TopicUrlInput.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateStep/TopicUrlInput.tsx
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import React from "react";
-import { Box, Typography, TextField, Tooltip, Button, CircularProgress, alpha } from "@mui/material";
-import { AutoAwesome as AutoAwesomeIcon } from "@mui/icons-material";
+import { Box, Typography, TextField, Tooltip, Button, CircularProgress, alpha, Stack, Chip } from "@mui/material";
+import { AutoAwesome as AutoAwesomeIcon, AttachMoney as AttachMoneyIcon } from "@mui/icons-material";
+import { Knobs } from "../types";
 
 export const TOPIC_PLACEHOLDERS = [
   "Industry insights: Latest trends in AI for Content Marketing",
@@ -20,6 +21,16 @@ interface TopicUrlInputProps {
   placeholderIndex: number;
   loading?: boolean;
   loadingMessage?: string;
+  estimatedCost?: {
+    ttsCost: number;
+    avatarCost: number;
+    videoCost: number;
+    researchCost: number;
+    total: number;
+  };
+  duration?: number;
+  speakers?: number;
+  knobs?: Knobs;
 }
 
 export const TopicUrlInput: React.FC<TopicUrlInputProps> = ({
@@ -31,23 +42,137 @@ export const TopicUrlInput: React.FC<TopicUrlInputProps> = ({
   placeholderIndex,
   loading = false,
   loadingMessage,
+  estimatedCost,
+  duration = 1,
+  speakers = 1,
+  knobs,
 }) => {
   return (
     <Box
       sx={{
         p: 3,
-        borderRadius: 2,
-        background: alpha("#f8fafc", 0.5),
-        border: "1px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.06)",
-        height: "100%", // Fill height of parent
+        borderRadius: 3,
+        background: "#ffffff",
+        border: "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15)",
+        height: "100%",
         display: "flex",
         flexDirection: "column",
+        boxShadow: "0 4px 20px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.08)",
+        position: "relative",
+        overflow: "hidden",
+        "&::before": {
+          content: '""',
+          position: "absolute",
+          top: 0,
+          left: 0,
+          right: 0,
+          height: "3px",
+          background: "linear-gradient(90deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)",
+        },
       }}
     >
       <Box flex={1} display="flex" flexDirection="column">
-        <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ mb: 1.5, color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600, fontSize: "0.9375rem" }}>
-          Topic Idea or Blog URL
-        </Typography>
+        <Stack direction="row" alignItems="center" justifyContent="space-between" sx={{ mb: 2 }}>
+          <Stack direction="row" alignItems="center" spacing={1}>
+            <Box
+              sx={{
+                width: 24,
+                height: 24,
+                borderRadius: "50%",
+                background: "linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)",
+                display: "flex",
+                alignItems: "center",
+                justifyContent: "center",
+                boxShadow: "0 2px 8px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.25)",
+              }}
+            >
+              <Typography sx={{ color: "#fff", fontSize: "0.75rem", fontWeight: 700 }}>1</Typography>
+            </Box>
+            <Box
+              sx={{
+                width: 32,
+                height: 32,
+                borderRadius: 1.5,
+                background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.12) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.12) 100%)",
+                display: "flex",
+                alignItems: "center",
+                justifyContent: "center",
+                boxShadow: "0 2px 8px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15)",
+              }}
+            >
+              <AutoAwesomeIcon sx={{ color: "#667eea", fontSize: "1rem" }} />
+            </Box>
+            <Typography 
+              variant="subtitle1" 
+              sx={{ 
+                color: "#0f172a", 
+                fontWeight: 700, 
+                fontSize: "1rem",
+                letterSpacing: "-0.01em",
+              }}
+            >
+              Enter Podcast Topic or Blog URL
+            </Typography>
+          </Stack>
+          
+          {estimatedCost && (
+            <Tooltip
+              title={
+                <Box>
+                  <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ fontWeight: 600, mb: 0.5 }}>
+                    Estimated Cost Breakdown:
+                  </Typography>
+                  <Typography variant="body2" component="div" sx={{ fontSize: "0.875rem", lineHeight: 1.6 }}>
+                    • Audio Generation: ${estimatedCost.ttsCost}<br />
+                    • Avatar Creation: ${estimatedCost.avatarCost}<br />
+                    • Video Rendering: ${estimatedCost.videoCost}<br />
+                    • Research: ${estimatedCost.researchCost}<br />
+                    <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ fontWeight: 600, mt: 0.5, pt: 0.5, borderTop: "1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.2)" }}>
+                      Total: ${estimatedCost.total}
+                    </Typography>
+                    <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ fontSize: "0.75rem", opacity: 0.9, mt: 0.5, display: "block" }}>
+                      Based on {duration} min, {speakers} speaker{speakers > 1 ? "s" : ""}, {knobs?.bitrate === "hd" ? "HD" : "standard"} quality
+                    </Typography>
+                  </Typography>
+                </Box>
+              }
+              arrow
+              placement="top"
+              componentsProps={{
+                tooltip: {
+                  sx: {
+                    bgcolor: "#0f172a",
+                    color: "#ffffff",
+                    maxWidth: 280,
+                    fontSize: "0.875rem",
+                    p: 1.5,
+                    boxShadow: "0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.15)",
+                  },
+                },
+                arrow: {
+                  sx: {
+                    color: "#0f172a",
+                  },
+                },
+              }}
+            >
+              <Chip 
+                icon={<AttachMoneyIcon sx={{ fontSize: "0.875rem !important" }} />}
+                label={`Est. $${estimatedCost.total}`} 
+                size="small"
+                sx={{
+                  background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.12) 0%, rgba(5, 150, 105, 0.12) 100%)",
+                  color: "#059669",
+                  fontWeight: 600,
+                  border: "1px solid rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.2)",
+                  fontSize: "0.75rem",
+                  height: 26,
+                  cursor: "help",
+                }}
+              />
+            </Tooltip>
+          )}
+        </Stack>
         <Tooltip
           title={
             isUrl
@@ -65,7 +190,7 @@ export const TopicUrlInput: React.FC<TopicUrlInputProps> = ({
             inputProps={{
               sx: {
                 "&::placeholder": { color: "#94a3b8", opacity: 1 },
-                color: "#0f172a",
+                color: "#1e293b",
               },
             }}
             value={value}
@@ -78,35 +203,41 @@ export const TopicUrlInput: React.FC<TopicUrlInputProps> = ({
             }
             sx={{
               "& .MuiOutlinedInput-root": {
-                backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
-                border: "1.5px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.12)",
+                backgroundColor: "#f8fafc",
+                border: "2px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.2)",
                 borderRadius: 2,
+                fontSize: "1rem",
+                transition: "all 0.2s ease",
                 "&:hover": {
                   backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
                   borderColor: "rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.4)",
+                  boxShadow: "0 2px 8px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.1)",
                 },
                 "&.Mui-focused": {
                   backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
-                  borderColor: isUrl ? "#10b981" : "#667eea", // Green for URL, Blue for Topic
+                  borderColor: isUrl ? "#10b981" : "#667eea",
                   borderWidth: 2,
+                  boxShadow: isUrl 
+                    ? "0 0 0 4px rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.1)" 
+                    : "0 0 0 4px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.1)",
                 },
               },
               "& .MuiOutlinedInput-input": {
-                fontSize: "0.9375rem",
-                lineHeight: 1.6,
-                color: "#0f172a",
-                fontWeight: 400,
-              },
-              "& .MuiInputBase-input::placeholder": {
-                color: "#94a3b8",
-                opacity: 1,
-                fontWeight: 400,
+                fontSize: "1rem",
+                lineHeight: 1.7,
+                color: "#1e293b",
+                fontWeight: 500,
+                "&::placeholder": {
+                  color: "#64748b",
+                  opacity: 1,
+                  fontWeight: 400,
+                },
               },
               "& .MuiFormHelperText-root": {
                 color: isUrl ? "#059669" : "#64748b",
                 fontSize: "0.8125rem",
-                fontWeight: 400,
-                mt: 0.75,
+                fontWeight: 500,
+                mt: 1,
               },
             }}
           />
@@ -114,7 +245,7 @@ export const TopicUrlInput: React.FC<TopicUrlInputProps> = ({
         
         {/* Enhance topic with AI button - appears when user types (and not a URL) */}
         {showAIDetailsButton && !isUrl && (
-          <Box sx={{ display: "flex", justifyContent: "flex-end", mt: 1, flexDirection: "column", alignItems: "flex-end", gap: 0.6 }}>
+          <Box sx={{ display: "flex", justifyContent: "flex-end", mt: 1.5, flexDirection: "column", alignItems: "flex-end", gap: 0.6 }}>
             <Button
               size="small"
               variant="contained"
@@ -133,7 +264,8 @@ export const TopicUrlInput: React.FC<TopicUrlInputProps> = ({
                 fontWeight: 600,
                 borderRadius: 2.5,
                 color: "#f8fbff",
-                px: 1.8,
+                px: 2,
+                py: 0.75,
                 border: "1px solid rgba(148, 211, 255, 0.6)",
                 background: "linear-gradient(120deg, #0ea5e9 0%, #2563eb 55%, #1d4ed8 100%)",
                 boxShadow: "0 8px 18px rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.28), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.22)",
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/PodcastDashboard/Header.tsx b/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/PodcastDashboard/Header.tsx
index e8deacd2..5e5e234b 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/PodcastDashboard/Header.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/PodcastDashboard/Header.tsx
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import React from "react";
-import { Stack, Typography } from "@mui/material";
+import { Stack, Typography, Box } from "@mui/material";
 import {
   Mic as MicIcon,
   Info as InfoIcon,
@@ -19,7 +19,27 @@ export const Header: React.FC<HeaderProps> = ({ onShowProjects, onNewEpisode })
   const navigate = useNavigate();
 
   return (
-    <Stack sx={{ width: "100%", minWidth: 0 }} spacing={1.5}>
+    <Box
+      sx={{
+        width: "100%",
+        minWidth: 0,
+        background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.08) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.08) 100%)",
+        borderRadius: 3,
+        p: { xs: 2, md: 2.5 },
+        border: "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15)",
+        position: "relative",
+        overflow: "hidden",
+        "&::before": {
+          content: '""',
+          position: "absolute",
+          top: 0,
+          left: 0,
+          right: 0,
+          height: "3px",
+          background: "linear-gradient(90deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 50%, #f093fb 100%)",
+        },
+      }}
+    >
       <Stack
         direction="row"
         justifyContent="space-between"
@@ -27,20 +47,35 @@ export const Header: React.FC<HeaderProps> = ({ onShowProjects, onNewEpisode })
         flexWrap="wrap"
         gap={2}
       >
-        <Typography
-          variant="h3"
-          sx={{
-            color: "#1e293b",
-            fontWeight: 800,
-            display: "flex",
-            alignItems: "center",
-            gap: 1.5,
-            fontSize: { xs: "1.5rem", md: "2rem" },
-          }}
-        >
-          <MicIcon fontSize="large" sx={{ color: "#667eea" }} />
-          AI Podcast Maker
-        </Typography>
+        <Stack direction="row" alignItems="center" gap={1.5}>
+          <Box
+            sx={{
+              width: 44,
+              height: 44,
+              borderRadius: 2,
+              background: "linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)",
+              display: "flex",
+              alignItems: "center",
+              justifyContent: "center",
+              boxShadow: "0 4px 12px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.3)",
+            }}
+          >
+            <MicIcon sx={{ color: "#fff", fontSize: 24 }} />
+          </Box>
+          <Typography
+            variant="h5"
+            sx={{
+              background: "linear-gradient(135deg, #1e293b 0%, #334155 100%)",
+              WebkitBackgroundClip: "text",
+              WebkitTextFillColor: "transparent",
+              fontWeight: 700,
+              fontSize: { xs: "1.25rem", md: "1.5rem" },
+              letterSpacing: "-0.02em",
+            }}
+          >
+            ALwrity Podcast Maker
+          </Typography>
+        </Stack>
         <Stack
           direction="row"
           spacing={1}
@@ -114,14 +149,7 @@ export const Header: React.FC<HeaderProps> = ({ onShowProjects, onNewEpisode })
           </PrimaryButton>
         </Stack>
       </Stack>
-      <Typography
-        variant="body2"
-        color="text.secondary"
-        sx={{ display: { xs: "none", sm: "block" } }}
-      >
-        Create professional podcast episodes with AI-powered research, smart scriptwriting, and natural voice narration
-      </Typography>
-    </Stack>
+    </Box>
   );
 };
 
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/shared/VoiceSelector.tsx b/frontend/src/components/shared/VoiceSelector.tsx
index 26b34c1b..fe753874 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/shared/VoiceSelector.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/shared/VoiceSelector.tsx
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import React, { useState, useEffect, useMemo } from "react";
+import React, { useState, useEffect, useMemo, useCallback } from "react";
 import {
   Box,
   Typography,
@@ -15,17 +15,23 @@ import {
   IconButton,
   ListItemIcon,
   ListItemText,
+  Collapse,
+  FormControlLabel,
+  Checkbox,
+  Divider,
 } from "@mui/material";
 import {
   Mic,
   PlayArrow,
   Pause,
-  CloudUpload,
   HelpOutline,
   AutoAwesome,
   CheckCircle,
+  ExpandLess,
+  ExpandMore,
 } from "@mui/icons-material";
 import { getLatestVoiceClone, VoiceCloneResponse } from "../../api/brandAssets";
+import { VoiceAvatarPlaceholder } from "../OnboardingWizard/PersonalizationStep/components/VoiceAvatarPlaceholder";
 
 export type VoiceOption = {
   id: string;
@@ -75,6 +81,23 @@ export const VoiceSelector: React.FC<VoiceSelectorProps> = ({
   const [voiceClone, setVoiceClone] = useState<VoiceCloneResponse | null>(null);
   const [loadingVoiceClone, setLoadingVoiceClone] = useState(false);
   const [playingPreview, setPlayingPreview] = useState<string | null>(null);
+  const [showVoiceClonePanel, setShowVoiceClonePanel] = useState(false);
+  const [voiceCreated, setVoiceCreated] = useState(false);
+  const [useCreatedVoice, setUseCreatedVoice] = useState(true);
+
+  const fetchVoiceClone = async () => {
+    try {
+      setLoadingVoiceClone(true);
+      const result = await getLatestVoiceClone();
+      setVoiceClone(result);
+      return result;
+    } catch (error) {
+      console.error("Failed to fetch voice clone:", error);
+      return null;
+    } finally {
+      setLoadingVoiceClone(false);
+    }
+  };
 
   const voiceOptions = useMemo(() => {
     const options: VoiceOption[] = [...PREDEFINED_VOICES];
@@ -101,19 +124,6 @@ export const VoiceSelector: React.FC<VoiceSelectorProps> = ({
 
   useEffect(() => {
     if (!showVoiceClone) return;
-    
-    const fetchVoiceClone = async () => {
-      try {
-        setLoadingVoiceClone(true);
-        const result = await getLatestVoiceClone();
-        setVoiceClone(result);
-      } catch (error) {
-        console.error("Failed to fetch voice clone:", error);
-      } finally {
-        setLoadingVoiceClone(false);
-      }
-    };
-    
     fetchVoiceClone();
   }, [showVoiceClone]);
 
@@ -154,6 +164,30 @@ export const VoiceSelector: React.FC<VoiceSelectorProps> = ({
   const isVoiceCloneSelected = value === VOICE_CLONE_ID || 
     (voiceClone?.success && voiceClone.custom_voice_id && value === voiceClone.custom_voice_id);
 
+  const handleVoiceSet = useCallback(() => {
+    setVoiceCreated(true);
+    setUseCreatedVoice(true);
+  }, []);
+
+  const handleDoneWithVoice = useCallback(() => {
+    if (useCreatedVoice) {
+      fetchVoiceClone();
+    }
+    setShowVoiceClonePanel(false);
+    setVoiceCreated(false);
+  }, [useCreatedVoice]);
+
+  const handleTogglePanel = useCallback(() => {
+    if (showVoiceClonePanel) {
+      setShowVoiceClonePanel(false);
+      setVoiceCreated(false);
+    } else {
+      setShowVoiceClonePanel(true);
+      setVoiceCreated(false);
+      setUseCreatedVoice(true);
+    }
+  }, [showVoiceClonePanel]);
+
   if (compact) {
     return (
       <FormControl fullWidth size="small">
@@ -183,18 +217,65 @@ export const VoiceSelector: React.FC<VoiceSelectorProps> = ({
   }
 
   return (
-    <Box>
-      <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center" sx={{ mb: 1 }}>
-        <Typography variant="subtitle1" sx={{ fontWeight: 600 }}>
-          Voice
+    <Box
+      sx={{
+        p: 3,
+        borderRadius: 3,
+        background: "#ffffff",
+        border: "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15)",
+        boxShadow: "0 4px 20px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.08)",
+        position: "relative",
+        overflow: "hidden",
+        "&::before": {
+          content: '""',
+          position: "absolute",
+          top: 0,
+          left: 0,
+          right: 0,
+          height: "3px",
+          background: "linear-gradient(90deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)",
+        },
+      }}
+    >
+      <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center" sx={{ mb: 2 }}>
+        <Box
+          sx={{
+            width: 24,
+            height: 24,
+            borderRadius: "50%",
+            background: "linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)",
+            display: "flex",
+            alignItems: "center",
+            justifyContent: "center",
+            boxShadow: "0 2px 8px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.25)",
+          }}
+        >
+          <Typography sx={{ color: "#fff", fontSize: "0.75rem", fontWeight: 700 }}>4</Typography>
+        </Box>
+        <Box
+          sx={{
+            width: 32,
+            height: 32,
+            borderRadius: 1.5,
+            background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.12) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.12) 100%)",
+            display: "flex",
+            alignItems: "center",
+            justifyContent: "center",
+            boxShadow: "0 2px 8px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15)",
+          }}
+        >
+          <Mic fontSize="small" sx={{ color: "#667eea" }} />
+        </Box>
+        <Typography variant="subtitle1" sx={{ fontWeight: 700, color: "#0f172a", fontSize: "1rem" }}>
+          Voice Selection
         </Typography>
         <Tooltip title="Choose a system voice or your custom cloned voice" arrow>
-          <IconButton size="small" sx={{ color: "rgba(0,0,0,0.5)" }}>
+          <IconButton size="small" sx={{ color: "#94a3b8", "&:hover": { color: "#667eea" } }}>
             <HelpOutline fontSize="small" />
           </IconButton>
         </Tooltip>
         {showVoiceClone && loadingVoiceClone && (
-          <CircularProgress size={16} sx={{ ml: 1 }} />
+          <CircularProgress size={16} sx={{ ml: 1, color: "#667eea" }} />
         )}
       </Stack>
 
@@ -210,8 +291,8 @@ export const VoiceSelector: React.FC<VoiceSelectorProps> = ({
             );
             return (
               <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center">
-                <Mic fontSize="small" sx={{ color: voice?.isCustom ? "#667eea" : "inherit" }} />
-                <Typography>{voice?.name}</Typography>
+                <Mic fontSize="small" sx={{ color: voice?.isCustom ? "#667eea" : "#64748b" }} />
+                <Typography sx={{ fontWeight: 500 }}>{voice?.name}</Typography>
                 {voice?.isCustom && (
                   <Chip 
                     label="Cloned" 
@@ -221,22 +302,44 @@ export const VoiceSelector: React.FC<VoiceSelectorProps> = ({
                       color: "#667eea",
                       height: 20,
                       fontSize: "0.7rem",
+                      fontWeight: 600,
                     }} 
                   />
                 )}
               </Stack>
             );
           }}
+          sx={{
+            "& .MuiOutlinedInput-root": {
+              backgroundColor: "#f8fafc",
+              border: "2px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.2)",
+              borderRadius: 2,
+              transition: "all 0.2s ease",
+              "&:hover": {
+                backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
+                borderColor: "rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.4)",
+                boxShadow: "0 2px 8px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.1)",
+              },
+              "&.Mui-focused": {
+                backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
+                borderColor: "#667eea",
+                boxShadow: "0 0 0 4px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.1)",
+              },
+            },
+          }}
           MenuProps={{
             PaperProps: {
               sx: {
                 maxHeight: 400,
+                boxShadow: "0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.12)",
+                border: "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15)",
+                borderRadius: 2,
               },
             },
           }}
         >
           {showVoiceClone && voiceClone?.success && voiceClone.custom_voice_id && (
-            <MenuItem value={VOICE_CLONE_ID} sx={{ borderBottom: '1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.1)' }}>
+            <MenuItem value={VOICE_CLONE_ID} sx={{ borderBottom: '1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.1)', py: 1.5 }}>
               <ListItemIcon>
                 <AutoAwesome sx={{ color: "#667eea" }} />
               </ListItemIcon>
@@ -255,6 +358,7 @@ export const VoiceSelector: React.FC<VoiceSelectorProps> = ({
                         color: "#10b981",
                         height: 20,
                         fontSize: "0.65rem",
+                        fontWeight: 600,
                         '& .MuiChip-icon': { color: "#10b981" }
                       }} 
                     />
@@ -273,7 +377,7 @@ export const VoiceSelector: React.FC<VoiceSelectorProps> = ({
                           previewUrl: voiceClone.preview_audio_url 
                         });
                       }}
-                      sx={{ mt: 0.5, textTransform: 'none' }}
+                      sx={{ mt: 0.5, textTransform: 'none', color: "#667eea" }}
                     >
                       {playingPreview === VOICE_CLONE_ID ? "Stop" : "Preview"}
                     </Button>
@@ -283,14 +387,17 @@ export const VoiceSelector: React.FC<VoiceSelectorProps> = ({
             </MenuItem>
           )}
           
-          <MenuItem disabled sx={{ opacity: 0.6 }}>
-            <Typography variant="caption">System Voices</Typography>
+          <MenuItem disabled sx={{ opacity: 0.6, py: 1 }}>
+            <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ fontWeight: 600, textTransform: "uppercase", letterSpacing: "0.05em" }}>System Voices</Typography>
           </MenuItem>
           
           {voiceOptions.filter(v => !v.isCustom).map((voice) => (
-            <MenuItem key={voice.id} value={voice.id}>
+            <MenuItem key={voice.id} value={voice.id} sx={{ py: 1.5 }}>
+              <ListItemIcon>
+                <Mic fontSize="small" sx={{ color: "#64748b" }} />
+              </ListItemIcon>
               <ListItemText 
-                primary={voice.name} 
+                primary={<Typography sx={{ fontWeight: 500 }}>{voice.name}</Typography>} 
                 secondary={voice.personality?.split(' - ')[0]}
               />
             </MenuItem>
@@ -299,23 +406,146 @@ export const VoiceSelector: React.FC<VoiceSelectorProps> = ({
       </FormControl>
 
       {selectedVoice?.personality && (
-        <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "text.secondary", mt: 0.5, display: 'block' }}>
-          {selectedVoice.personality}
-        </Typography>
+        <Box sx={{ mt: 1.5, p: 1.5, bgcolor: alpha("#f0f4ff", 0.6), borderRadius: 1.5, border: "1px solid rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.15)" }}>
+          <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#475569", fontSize: "0.8125rem", lineHeight: 1.5 }}>
+            <strong style={{ color: "#0f172a" }}>Voice Personality:</strong> {selectedVoice.personality}
+          </Typography>
+        </Box>
       )}
 
       {showVoiceClone && !voiceClone?.success && (
-        <Box sx={{ mt: 2, p: 2, bgcolor: alpha("#f8fafc", 0.5), borderRadius: 2, border: '1px dashed rgba(0,0,0,0.1)' }}>
-          <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center">
-            <CloudUpload sx={{ color: "#64748b" }} />
-            <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#64748b" }}>
-              Don't see your voice? Go to Onboarding → Voice Cloning to create your custom voice clone.
-            </Typography>
-          </Stack>
+        <Box sx={{ mt: 2 }}>
+          <Button
+            onClick={handleTogglePanel}
+            startIcon={showVoiceClonePanel ? <ExpandLess /> : <AutoAwesome />}
+            endIcon={showVoiceClonePanel ? <ExpandLess /> : <ExpandMore />}
+            sx={{
+              py: 1.5,
+              px: 2,
+              width: "100%",
+              background: showVoiceClonePanel 
+                ? "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.12) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.12) 100%)"
+                : "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.08) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.08) 100%)",
+              border: showVoiceClonePanel 
+                ? "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.3)"
+                : "1px dashed rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.4)",
+              borderRadius: 2,
+              color: "#667eea",
+              fontWeight: 600,
+              textTransform: "none",
+              fontSize: "0.875rem",
+              "&:hover": {
+                background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.15) 100%)",
+                borderColor: "#667eea",
+                boxShadow: "0 2px 8px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15)",
+              },
+            }}
+          >
+            {showVoiceClonePanel ? "Hide Voice Cloning" : "Create Your Voice Clone"}
+          </Button>
+
+          <Collapse in={showVoiceClonePanel}>
+            <Box
+              sx={{
+                mt: 2,
+                p: 2,
+                borderRadius: 2,
+                background: "linear-gradient(135deg, #f8fafc 0%, #f1f5f9 100%)",
+                border: "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.2)",
+                boxShadow: "inset 0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.05)",
+              }}
+            >
+              <VoiceAvatarPlaceholder
+                domainName="Podcast"
+                onVoiceSet={handleVoiceSet}
+              />
+
+              {voiceCreated && (
+                <Box
+                  sx={{
+                    mt: 2,
+                    p: 2,
+                    borderRadius: 2,
+                    background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.1) 0%, rgba(5, 150, 105, 0.1) 100%)",
+                    border: "1px solid rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.3)",
+                  }}
+                >
+                  <Stack direction="row" alignItems="center" spacing={1} sx={{ mb: 1.5 }}>
+                    <CheckCircle sx={{ color: "#10b981", fontSize: "1.25rem" }} />
+                    <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ color: "#10b981", fontWeight: 700 }}>
+                      Voice Clone Created Successfully!
+                    </Typography>
+                  </Stack>
+
+                  <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#475569", mb: 1.5, fontSize: "0.875rem" }}>
+                    Your custom voice clone is ready. Would you like to use this voice for your podcast?
+                  </Typography>
+
+                  <FormControlLabel
+                    control={
+                      <Checkbox
+                        checked={useCreatedVoice}
+                        onChange={(e) => setUseCreatedVoice(e.target.checked)}
+                        sx={{
+                          color: "#10b981",
+                          "&.Mui-checked": { color: "#10b981" },
+                        }}
+                      />
+                    }
+                    label={
+                      <Typography sx={{ color: "#1e293b", fontWeight: 500, fontSize: "0.9375rem" }}>
+                        Use this voice for my podcast
+                      </Typography>
+                    }
+                  />
+
+                  <Divider sx={{ my: 2, borderColor: "rgba(0,0,0,0.08)" }} />
+
+                  <Stack direction="row" spacing={1.5} justifyContent="flex-end">
+                    <Button
+                      onClick={() => {
+                        setShowVoiceClonePanel(false);
+                        setVoiceCreated(false);
+                      }}
+                      sx={{
+                        color: "#64748b",
+                        "&:hover": { color: "#1e293b", background: "rgba(0,0,0,0.04)" },
+                      }}
+                    >
+                      Cancel
+                    </Button>
+                    <Button
+                      variant="contained"
+                      onClick={handleDoneWithVoice}
+                      sx={{
+                        background: useCreatedVoice
+                          ? "linear-gradient(135deg, #10b981 0%, #059669 100%)"
+                          : "linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)",
+                        color: "#fff",
+                        fontWeight: 600,
+                        textTransform: "none",
+                        px: 3,
+                        boxShadow: useCreatedVoice
+                          ? "0 4px 12px rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.3)"
+                          : "0 4px 12px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.3)",
+                        "&:hover": {
+                          background: useCreatedVoice
+                            ? "linear-gradient(135deg, #059669 0%, #047857 100%)"
+                            : "linear-gradient(135deg, #764ba2 0%, #667eea 100%)",
+                        },
+                      }}
+                    >
+                      {useCreatedVoice ? "Use This Voice" : "Done"}
+                    </Button>
+                  </Stack>
+                </Box>
+              )}
+            </Box>
+          </Collapse>
         </Box>
       )}
     </Box>
   );
 };
 
-export default VoiceSelector;
+export default VoiceSelector;
\ No newline at end of file