AI podcast maker performance optimizations

frontend/src/components/MainDashboard/ContentLifecyclePillars.tsx

@@ -508,6 +508,7 @@ const ContentLifecyclePillars: React.FC = () => {
           borderRadius: 2,
           mb: 4,
           position: 'relative', // For hero section positioning
+          minHeight: '200px', // Reserve space for hero section to prevent layout shift
         }}
       >
         <Container maxWidth="xl">

frontend/src/components/MainDashboard/MainDashboard.tsx

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import React, { useState } from 'react';
+import React, { useState, useMemo, useCallback } from 'react';
 import {
   Box,
   Container,
@@ -84,15 +84,17 @@ const MainDashboard: React.FC = () => {
     initializeWorkflow();
   }, [generateDailyWorkflow]);
 
-  // Debug logging for workflow state
+  // Debug logging for workflow state (only in development)
   React.useEffect(() => {
-    console.log('Workflow Debug:', {
-      currentWorkflow,
-      workflowProgress,
-      isWorkflowActive: currentWorkflow?.workflowStatus === 'in_progress',
-      workflowStatus: currentWorkflow?.workflowStatus,
-      hasWorkflow: !!currentWorkflow
-    });
+    if (process.env.NODE_ENV === 'development') {
+      console.log('Workflow Debug:', {
+        currentWorkflow,
+        workflowProgress,
+        isWorkflowActive: currentWorkflow?.workflowStatus === 'in_progress',
+        workflowStatus: currentWorkflow?.workflowStatus,
+        hasWorkflow: !!currentWorkflow
+      });
+    }
   }, [currentWorkflow, workflowProgress]);
 
   // State to track if we need to start a newly generated workflow
@@ -166,42 +168,50 @@ const MainDashboard: React.FC = () => {
     }
   };
 
-  const handleToolClick = (tool: Tool) => {
-    console.log('Navigating to tool:', tool.path);
+  const handleToolClick = useCallback((tool: Tool) => {
+    if (process.env.NODE_ENV === 'development') {
+      console.log('Navigating to tool:', tool.path);
+    }
     if (tool.path) {
       navigate(tool.path);
       return;
     }
     showSnackbar(`Launching ${tool.name}...`, 'info');
-  };
+  }, [navigate, showSnackbar]);
 
   // Handle category click to open modal
-  const handleCategoryClick = (categoryName: string | null, categoryData?: any) => {
+  const handleCategoryClick = useCallback((categoryName: string | null, categoryData?: any) => {
     setModalCategoryName(categoryName);
     setModalCategory(categoryData);
     setToolsModalOpen(true);
-  };
+  }, []);
+
+  // Memoize search results computation
+  const searchResultsMemo = useMemo(() => {
+    if (!searchQuery || searchQuery.length < 2) return [];
+    
+    // Get all tools from all categories that match search
+    const allTools: Tool[] = [];
+    Object.values(toolCategories).forEach(category => {
+      if (category) {
+        const tools = getToolsForCategory(category, null);
+        allTools.push(...tools);
+      }
+    });
+    
+    const queryLower = searchQuery.toLowerCase();
+    return allTools.filter(tool => 
+      tool.name.toLowerCase().includes(queryLower) ||
+      tool.description.toLowerCase().includes(queryLower) ||
+      tool.features.some(feature => feature.toLowerCase().includes(queryLower))
+    );
+  }, [searchQuery]);
 
   // Handle search to show results in modal with debouncing
   React.useEffect(() => {
-    if (searchQuery && searchQuery.length >= 2) { // Only search after 2+ characters
+    if (searchQuery && searchQuery.length >= 2) {
       const timeoutId = setTimeout(() => {
-        // Get all tools from all categories that match search
-        const allTools: Tool[] = [];
-        Object.values(toolCategories).forEach(category => {
-          if (category) {
-            const tools = getToolsForCategory(category, null);
-            allTools.push(...tools);
-          }
-        });
-        
-        const filtered = allTools.filter(tool => 
-          tool.name.toLowerCase().includes(searchQuery.toLowerCase()) ||
-          tool.description.toLowerCase().includes(searchQuery.toLowerCase()) ||
-          tool.features.some(feature => feature.toLowerCase().includes(searchQuery.toLowerCase()))
-        );
-        
-        setSearchResults(filtered);
+        setSearchResults(searchResultsMemo);
         setModalCategoryName(null);
         setModalCategory(null);
         setToolsModalOpen(true);
@@ -212,10 +222,10 @@ const MainDashboard: React.FC = () => {
       // Close modal if search query is too short
       setToolsModalOpen(false);
     }
-  }, [searchQuery]);
+  }, [searchQuery, searchResultsMemo]);
 
   // Close modal and clear search
-  const handleCloseModal = () => {
+  const handleCloseModal = useCallback(() => {
     setToolsModalOpen(false);
     setModalCategoryName(null);
     setModalCategory(null);
@@ -223,7 +233,7 @@ const MainDashboard: React.FC = () => {
     if (searchQuery) {
       setSearchQuery('');
     }
-  };
+  }, [searchQuery, setSearchQuery]);
 
   // Note: filteredCategories removed as it's not used in the current implementation
 
@@ -242,19 +252,21 @@ const MainDashboard: React.FC = () => {
         background: 'linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 50%, #f093fb 100%)',
         padding: theme.spacing(4),
         position: 'relative',
+        overflow: 'hidden', // Prevent layout shifts from pseudo-elements
         '&::before': {
           content: '""',
-          position: 'absolute',
+          position: 'fixed', // Changed from absolute to fixed to prevent layout shifts
           top: 0,
           left: 0,
           right: 0,
           bottom: 0,
           background: 'url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg width="80" height="80" viewBox="0 0 80 80" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"%3E%3Cg fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"%3E%3Cg fill="%23ffffff" fill-opacity="0.03"%3E%3Ccircle cx="40" cy="40" r="3"/%3E%3C/g%3E%3C/g%3E%3C/svg%3E")',
           pointerEvents: 'none',
+          willChange: 'transform', // Optimize for animations
         },
         '&::after': {
           content: '""',
-          position: 'absolute',
+          position: 'fixed', // Changed from absolute to fixed to prevent layout shifts
           top: '50%',
           left: '50%',
           width: '600px',
@@ -263,6 +275,7 @@ const MainDashboard: React.FC = () => {
           transform: 'translate(-50%, -50%)',
           pointerEvents: 'none',
           zIndex: 0,
+          willChange: 'transform', // Optimize for animations
         },
       }}
     >

frontend/src/components/MainDashboard/components/WorkflowHeroSection.tsx

@@ -55,6 +55,8 @@ const WorkflowHeroSection: React.FC<WorkflowHeroSectionProps> = ({
               justifyContent: 'center',
               borderRadius: 2, // Match the parent container's border radius
               px: 2, // Add horizontal padding to constrain width
+              minHeight: '200px', // Reserve space to prevent layout shift
+              willChange: 'transform', // Optimize for animations
             }}
           >
             {/* Hero Content - Full Coverage */}
@@ -130,6 +132,7 @@ const WorkflowHeroSection: React.FC<WorkflowHeroSectionProps> = ({
                 initial={{ opacity: 0, scale: 0.9 }}
                 animate={{ opacity: 1, scale: 1 }}
                 transition={{ duration: 0.8, delay: 0.2 }}
+                style={{ width: '100%' }} // Prevent width changes
               >
                 {/* Main Heading with Rocket */}
                 <Box sx={{ 
@@ -137,7 +140,8 @@ const WorkflowHeroSection: React.FC<WorkflowHeroSectionProps> = ({
                   alignItems: 'center', 
                   justifyContent: 'center',
                   gap: 2,
-                  mb: 2
+                  mb: 2,
+                  minHeight: '48px', // Reserve space for heading to prevent layout shift
                 }}>
                   <Typography
                     variant={isMobile ? "h5" : "h4"}
@@ -149,6 +153,7 @@ const WorkflowHeroSection: React.FC<WorkflowHeroSectionProps> = ({
                       backgroundClip: 'text',
                       WebkitBackgroundClip: 'text',
                       WebkitTextFillColor: 'transparent',
+                      lineHeight: 1.2, // Fixed line height to prevent shift
                     }}
                   >
                     Grow Your Business Now
@@ -220,6 +225,8 @@ const WorkflowHeroSection: React.FC<WorkflowHeroSectionProps> = ({
                         background: 'linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6), transparent)',
                         animation: 'shimmer 2.5s infinite',
                         zIndex: 1,
+                        pointerEvents: 'none', // Prevent layout impact
+                        willChange: 'left', // Optimize animation
                       },
                       '&::after': {
                         content: '""',
@@ -233,6 +240,8 @@ const WorkflowHeroSection: React.FC<WorkflowHeroSectionProps> = ({
                         borderRadius: 'inherit',
                         zIndex: -1,
                         animation: 'borderGlow 3s ease-in-out infinite',
+                        pointerEvents: 'none', // Prevent layout impact
+                        willChange: 'background-position', // Optimize animation
                       },
                       '@keyframes shimmer': {
                         '0%': { left: '-100%' },

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/AnalysisPanel.tsx

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import React from "react";
 import { Stack, Box, Typography, Divider, Chip, Paper, alpha } from "@mui/material";
-import { Psychology as PsychologyIcon, Insights as InsightsIcon } from "@mui/icons-material";
+import { Psychology as PsychologyIcon, Insights as InsightsIcon, Search as SearchIcon } from "@mui/icons-material";
 import { PodcastAnalysis } from "./types";
 import { GlassyCard, glassyCardSx, SecondaryButton } from "./ui";
 import { Refresh as RefreshIcon } from "@mui/icons-material";
@@ -92,6 +92,82 @@ export const AnalysisPanel: React.FC<AnalysisPanelProps> = ({ analysis, onRegene
           </Stack>
 
           <Stack spacing={2}>
+            {analysis.exaSuggestedConfig && (
+              <Box>
+                <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ mb: 1, color: "#0f172a", display: "flex", alignItems: "center", gap: 0.5 }}>
+                  <SearchIcon fontSize="small" sx={{ color: "#4f46e5" }} />
+                  Exa Research Suggestions
+                </Typography>
+                <Stack direction="row" spacing={0.5} flexWrap="wrap" useFlexGap sx={{ mb: 1 }}>
+                  {analysis.exaSuggestedConfig.exa_search_type && (
+                    <Chip
+                      label={`Search: ${analysis.exaSuggestedConfig.exa_search_type}`}
+                      size="small"
+                      sx={{ background: "#eef2ff", color: "#0f172a", border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06)" }}
+                    />
+                  )}
+                  {analysis.exaSuggestedConfig.exa_category && (
+                    <Chip
+                      label={`Category: ${analysis.exaSuggestedConfig.exa_category}`}
+                      size="small"
+                      sx={{ background: "#eef2ff", color: "#0f172a", border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06)" }}
+                    />
+                  )}
+                  {analysis.exaSuggestedConfig.date_range && (
+                    <Chip
+                      label={`Date: ${analysis.exaSuggestedConfig.date_range}`}
+                      size="small"
+                      sx={{ background: "#eef2ff", color: "#0f172a", border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06)" }}
+                    />
+                  )}
+                  {typeof analysis.exaSuggestedConfig.include_statistics === "boolean" && (
+                    <Chip
+                      label={analysis.exaSuggestedConfig.include_statistics ? "Include stats" : "No stats needed"}
+                      size="small"
+                      sx={{ background: "#eef2ff", color: "#0f172a", border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06)" }}
+                    />
+                  )}
+                  {analysis.exaSuggestedConfig.max_sources && (
+                    <Chip
+                      label={`Max sources: ${analysis.exaSuggestedConfig.max_sources}`}
+                      size="small"
+                      sx={{ background: "#eef2ff", color: "#0f172a", border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06)" }}
+                    />
+                  )}
+                </Stack>
+
+                {(analysis.exaSuggestedConfig.exa_include_domains?.length || analysis.exaSuggestedConfig.exa_exclude_domains?.length) && (
+                  <Stack direction="row" spacing={2} flexWrap="wrap" useFlexGap>
+                    {analysis.exaSuggestedConfig.exa_include_domains?.length ? (
+                      <Box>
+                        <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#475569", fontWeight: 600, display: "block", mb: 0.5 }}>
+                          Prefer domains
+                        </Typography>
+                        <Stack direction="row" spacing={0.5} flexWrap="wrap" useFlexGap>
+                          {analysis.exaSuggestedConfig.exa_include_domains.map((d) => (
+                            <Chip key={d} label={d} size="small" sx={{ background: "#f8fafc", color: "#0f172a", border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.08)" }} />
+                          ))}
+                        </Stack>
+                      </Box>
+                    ) : null}
+
+                    {analysis.exaSuggestedConfig.exa_exclude_domains?.length ? (
+                      <Box>
+                        <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#475569", fontWeight: 600, display: "block", mb: 0.5 }}>
+                          Avoid domains
+                        </Typography>
+                        <Stack direction="row" spacing={0.5} flexWrap="wrap" useFlexGap>
+                          {analysis.exaSuggestedConfig.exa_exclude_domains.map((d) => (
+                            <Chip key={d} label={d} size="small" sx={{ background: "#fff7ed", color: "#b45309", border: "1px solid rgba(180,83,9,0.25)" }} />
+                          ))}
+                        </Stack>
+                      </Box>
+                    ) : null}
+                  </Stack>
+                )}
+              </Box>
+            )}
+
             <Box>
               <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ mb: 1, color: "#0f172a" }}>Suggested Episode Outlines</Typography>
               <Stack spacing={1.5}>

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/CreateModal.tsx

@@ -1,9 +1,11 @@
-import React, { useState, useEffect } from "react";
-import { Stack, Box, Typography, TextField, Divider, Button, Alert, alpha, Tooltip, Paper, Chip } from "@mui/material";
+import React, { useState, useEffect, useMemo } from "react";
+import { Stack, Box, Typography, TextField, Divider, Button, Alert, alpha, Tooltip, Paper, Chip, IconButton } from "@mui/material";
 import {
   AutoAwesome as AutoAwesomeIcon,
   Refresh as RefreshIcon,
   Info as InfoIcon,
+  HelpOutline as HelpOutlineIcon,
+  AttachMoney as AttachMoneyIcon,
 } from "@mui/icons-material";
 import { CreateProjectPayload, Knobs } from "./types";
 import { PrimaryButton, SecondaryButton } from "./ui";
@@ -16,17 +18,25 @@ interface CreateModalProps {
   isSubmitting?: boolean;
 }
 
+// Rotating placeholder examples for topic ideas
+const TOPIC_PLACEHOLDERS = [
+  "How AI is transforming content marketing in 2024",
+  "The future of remote work: trends and predictions",
+  "Sustainable business practices for modern companies",
+];
+
 export const CreateModal: React.FC<CreateModalProps> = ({ onCreate, open, defaultKnobs, isSubmitting = false }) => {
   const { subscription } = useSubscription();
   const [idea, setIdea] = useState("");
   const [url, setUrl] = useState("");
   const [showAIDetailsButton, setShowAIDetailsButton] = useState(false);
   const [speakers, setSpeakers] = useState<number>(1);
-  const [duration, setDuration] = useState<number>(10);
+  const [duration, setDuration] = useState<number>(1);
   const [budgetCap, setBudgetCap] = useState<number>(50);
   const [voiceFile, setVoiceFile] = useState<File | null>(null);
   const [avatarFile, setAvatarFile] = useState<File | null>(null);
   const [knobs, setKnobs] = useState<Knobs>({ ...defaultKnobs });
+  const [placeholderIndex, setPlaceholderIndex] = useState(0);
 
   // Determine subscription tier restrictions
   const tier = subscription?.tier || 'free';
@@ -35,6 +45,16 @@ export const CreateModal: React.FC<CreateModalProps> = ({ onCreate, open, defaul
   const canUseHD = !isFreeTier && !isBasicTier; // HD only for pro/enterprise
   const canUseMultiSpeaker = !isFreeTier; // Multi-speaker for basic+ tiers
 
+  // Rotate placeholder every 3 seconds
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (!idea && !url) {
+      const interval = setInterval(() => {
+        setPlaceholderIndex((prev) => (prev + 1) % TOPIC_PLACEHOLDERS.length);
+      }, 3000);
+      return () => clearInterval(interval);
+    }
+  }, [idea, url]);
+
   // Reset HD quality if user downgrades
   useEffect(() => {
     if (!canUseHD && knobs.bitrate === 'hd') {
@@ -49,11 +69,42 @@ export const CreateModal: React.FC<CreateModalProps> = ({ onCreate, open, defaul
     }
   }, [canUseMultiSpeaker]);
 
+  // Ensure duration and speakers are within limits
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (duration > 10) {
+      setDuration(10);
+    }
+    if (speakers > 2) {
+      setSpeakers(2);
+    }
+  }, [duration, speakers]);
+
   // Show AI details button when user starts typing
   useEffect(() => {
     setShowAIDetailsButton(idea.trim().length > 0);
   }, [idea]);
 
+  // Calculate estimated cost
+  const estimatedCost = useMemo(() => {
+    const chars = Math.max(1000, duration * 900); // ~900 chars per minute
+    const scenes = Math.ceil((duration * 60) / (knobs.scene_length_target || 45));
+    const secs = duration * 60;
+    
+    const ttsCost = (chars / 1000) * 0.05;
+    const avatarCost = speakers * 0.15;
+    const videoRate = knobs.bitrate === 'hd' ? 0.06 : 0.03;
+    const videoCost = secs * videoRate;
+    const researchCost = 0.3; // Fixed research cost
+    
+    return {
+      ttsCost: +ttsCost.toFixed(2),
+      avatarCost: +avatarCost.toFixed(2),
+      videoCost: +videoCost.toFixed(2),
+      researchCost: +researchCost.toFixed(2),
+      total: +(ttsCost + avatarCost + videoCost + researchCost).toFixed(2),
+    };
+  }, [duration, speakers, knobs.bitrate, knobs.scene_length_target]);
+
   const canSubmit = Boolean(idea || url);
 
   const submit = () => {
@@ -72,11 +123,22 @@ export const CreateModal: React.FC<CreateModalProps> = ({ onCreate, open, defaul
     setIdea("");
     setUrl("");
     setSpeakers(1);
-    setDuration(10);
+    setDuration(1);
     setBudgetCap(50);
     setVoiceFile(null);
     setAvatarFile(null);
     setKnobs({ ...defaultKnobs });
+    setPlaceholderIndex(0);
+  };
+
+  const handleDurationChange = (value: number) => {
+    const clamped = Math.min(10, Math.max(1, value));
+    setDuration(clamped);
+  };
+
+  const handleSpeakersChange = (value: number) => {
+    const clamped = Math.min(2, Math.max(1, value));
+    setSpeakers(clamped);
   };
 
   return (
@@ -84,49 +146,227 @@ export const CreateModal: React.FC<CreateModalProps> = ({ onCreate, open, defaul
       elevation={0}
       sx={{
         borderRadius: 3,
-        border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.08)",
+        border: "1px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.08)",
         background: "#ffffff",
-        boxShadow: "0 6px 20px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.08)",
-        p: { xs: 3, md: 4 },
+        boxShadow: "0 1px 3px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.06), 0 8px 24px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.08)",
+        p: { xs: 3, md: 4.5 },
       }}
     >
-      <Stack spacing={2}>
-        <Stack direction="row" spacing={2} alignItems="center" justifyContent="space-between" flexWrap="wrap">
-          <Stack direction="row" spacing={2} alignItems="center">
-            <AutoAwesomeIcon sx={{ color: "#667eea" }} />
-            <Box>
-              <Typography variant="h5" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 800 }}>
-                Create New Podcast Episode
-              </Typography>
-              <Typography variant="body2" color="text.secondary">
-                Provide either a topic idea or a blog post URL. We start AI analysis only after you click “Analyze & Continue”.
-              </Typography>
+      <Stack spacing={3.5}>
+        {/* Header Section */}
+        <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 }}>
+                <Typography 
+                  variant="h5" 
+                  sx={{ 
+                    color: "#0f172a", 
+                    fontWeight: 700,
+                    fontSize: { xs: "1.5rem", md: "1.75rem" },
+                    letterSpacing: "-0.02em",
+                    lineHeight: 1.2,
+                  }}
+                >
+                  Create New Podcast Episode
+                </Typography>
+                <Tooltip
+                  title={
+                    <Box>
+                      <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ fontWeight: 600, mb: 0.5 }}>
+                        Tips for best results:
+                      </Typography>
+                      <Typography variant="body2" component="div" sx={{ fontSize: "0.875rem" }}>
+                        • Provide one clear topic OR a single blog URL (we won't auto-run anything).<br />
+                        • Keep it concise—one sentence topic works best.<br />
+                        • We start analysis only after you confirm, so you stay in control.
+                      </Typography>
+                    </Box>
+                  }
+                  arrow
+                  placement="top"
+                  componentsProps={{
+                    tooltip: {
+                      sx: {
+                        bgcolor: "#0f172a",
+                        color: "#ffffff",
+                        maxWidth: 300,
+                        fontSize: "0.875rem",
+                        p: 1.5,
+                        boxShadow: "0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.15)",
+                      },
+                    },
+                    arrow: {
+                      sx: {
+                        color: "#0f172a",
+                      },
+                    },
+                  }}
+                >
+                  <IconButton 
+                    size="small" 
+                    sx={{ 
+                      color: "#64748b", 
+                      "&:hover": { 
+                        color: "#667eea",
+                        backgroundColor: alpha("#667eea", 0.08),
+                      } 
+                    }}
+                  >
+                    <HelpOutlineIcon fontSize="small" />
+                  </IconButton>
+                </Tooltip>
+              </Stack>
             </Box>
           </Stack>
-          <Stack direction="row" spacing={1}>
-            <Chip label={`Plan: ${subscription?.tier || "free"}`} size="small" color="default" />
-            <Chip label={`Duration: ${duration} min`} size="small" color="default" />
-            <Chip label={`${speakers} speaker${speakers > 1 ? "s" : ""}`} size="small" color="default" />
+          <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>
           </Stack>
         </Stack>
 
-        <Alert severity="info" sx={{ background: "#eef2ff", border: "1px solid #e0e7ff" }}>
-          <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#4338ca" }}>
-            Tips for best results:
-          </Typography>
-          <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#4338ca" }}>
-            • Provide one clear topic OR a single blog URL (we won’t auto-run anything).<br />
-            • Keep it concise—one sentence topic works best.<br />
-            • We start analysis only after you confirm, so you stay in control.
-          </Typography>
-        </Alert>
 
-        <Stack direction={{ xs: "column", md: "row" }} spacing={3} alignItems="stretch">
-          {/* Topic Idea Section */}
-          <Box flex={1}>
-            <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ mb: 1, color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 700 }}>
-              Topic Idea
-            </Typography>
+        {/* Input Section */}
+        <Box
+          sx={{
+            p: 3,
+            borderRadius: 2,
+            background: alpha("#f8fafc", 0.5),
+            border: "1px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.06)",
+          }}
+        >
+          <Stack direction={{ xs: "column", md: "row" }} spacing={3} alignItems="stretch">
+            {/* Topic Idea Section */}
+            <Box flex={1}>
+              <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center" sx={{ mb: 1.5 }}>
+                <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600, fontSize: "0.9375rem" }}>
+                  Topic Idea
+                </Typography>
+              </Stack>
             <Tooltip
               title="Enter a concise idea. We will expand it into an outline only after you click Analyze."
               arrow
@@ -136,7 +376,7 @@ export const CreateModal: React.FC<CreateModalProps> = ({ onCreate, open, defaul
                 fullWidth
                 multiline
                 rows={5}
-                placeholder="e.g., 'How AI is transforming content marketing in 2024'"
+                placeholder={!idea && !url ? `e.g., "${TOPIC_PLACEHOLDERS[placeholderIndex]}"` : ""}
                 inputProps={{
                   sx: {
                     "&::placeholder": { color: "#94a3b8", opacity: 1 },
@@ -152,25 +392,38 @@ export const CreateModal: React.FC<CreateModalProps> = ({ onCreate, open, defaul
                   }
                 }}
                 size="small"
-                helperText="We will not start analysis until you click Analyze."
+                helperText="Enter a clear, concise topic. We'll expand it into a full script after you click Analyze."
                 sx={{
                   "& .MuiOutlinedInput-root": {
-                    backgroundColor: "#f8fafc",
+                    backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
+                    border: "1.5px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.12)",
+                    borderRadius: 2,
                     "&:hover": {
-                      backgroundColor: "#f1f5f9",
+                      backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
+                      borderColor: "rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.4)",
+                    },
+                    "&.Mui-focused": {
+                      backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
+                      borderColor: "#667eea",
+                      borderWidth: 2,
                     },
                   "& .MuiOutlinedInput-input": {
-                    fontSize: "0.95rem",
-                    lineHeight: 1.5,
+                    fontSize: "0.9375rem",
+                    lineHeight: 1.6,
                     color: "#0f172a",
+                    fontWeight: 400,
                   },
                   },
                   "& .MuiInputBase-input::placeholder": {
                     color: "#94a3b8",
                     opacity: 1,
+                    fontWeight: 400,
                   },
                   "& .MuiFormHelperText-root": {
-                    color: "#475569",
+                    color: "#64748b",
+                    fontSize: "0.8125rem",
+                    fontWeight: 400,
+                    mt: 0.75,
                   },
                 }}
               />
@@ -189,8 +442,11 @@ export const CreateModal: React.FC<CreateModalProps> = ({ onCreate, open, defaul
                   sx={{
                     textTransform: "none",
                     fontSize: "0.875rem",
+                    fontWeight: 600,
                     borderColor: "#667eea",
+                    borderWidth: 1.5,
                     color: "#667eea",
+                    borderRadius: 2,
                     "&:hover": {
                       borderColor: "#5568d3",
                       backgroundColor: alpha("#667eea", 0.08),
@@ -203,20 +459,67 @@ export const CreateModal: React.FC<CreateModalProps> = ({ onCreate, open, defaul
             )}
           </Box>
 
-          {/* Center OR divider */}
-          <Stack alignItems="center" justifyContent="center" sx={{ px: { xs: 0, md: 1 } }}>
-            <Divider orientation="vertical" flexItem sx={{ display: { xs: "none", md: "block" }, borderColor: "rgba(0,0,0,0.08)" }} />
-            <Divider sx={{ display: { xs: "block", md: "none" }, borderColor: "rgba(0,0,0,0.08)", my: 1 }} />
-            <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#64748b", fontWeight: 700, fontSize: "0.75rem" }}>
-              OR
-            </Typography>
-          </Stack>
+            {/* Center OR divider */}
+            <Stack alignItems="center" justifyContent="center" sx={{ px: { xs: 0, md: 2 } }}>
+              <Divider 
+                orientation="vertical" 
+                flexItem 
+                sx={{ 
+                  display: { xs: "none", md: "block" }, 
+                  borderColor: "rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.1)",
+                  borderWidth: 1,
+                }} 
+              />
+              <Box
+                sx={{
+                  display: { xs: "flex", md: "none" },
+                  alignItems: "center",
+                  width: "100%",
+                  my: 2,
+                }}
+              >
+                <Divider sx={{ flex: 1, borderColor: "rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.1)" }} />
+                <Box
+                  sx={{
+                    px: 2,
+                    py: 0.5,
+                    borderRadius: 2,
+                    background: alpha("#ffffff", 0.8),
+                    border: "1px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.1)",
+                  }}
+                >
+                  <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#64748b", fontWeight: 700, fontSize: "0.75rem" }}>
+                    OR
+                  </Typography>
+                </Box>
+                <Divider sx={{ flex: 1, borderColor: "rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.1)" }} />
+              </Box>
+              <Box
+                sx={{
+                  display: { xs: "none", md: "flex" },
+                  alignItems: "center",
+                  justifyContent: "center",
+                  width: 40,
+                  height: 40,
+                  borderRadius: "50%",
+                  background: alpha("#ffffff", 0.9),
+                  border: "1px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.1)",
+                  boxShadow: "0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.05)",
+                }}
+              >
+                <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#64748b", fontWeight: 700, fontSize: "0.75rem" }}>
+                  OR
+                </Typography>
+              </Box>
+            </Stack>
 
-          {/* Blog URL Section */}
-          <Box flex={1}>
-            <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ mb: 1, color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 700 }}>
-              Blog Post URL
-            </Typography>
+            {/* Blog URL Section */}
+            <Box flex={1}>
+              <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center" sx={{ mb: 1.5 }}>
+                <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600, fontSize: "0.9375rem" }}>
+                  Blog Post URL
+                </Typography>
+              </Stack>
             <Tooltip
               title="Paste a single article URL. We’ll fetch insights only after you click Analyze."
               arrow
@@ -252,63 +555,246 @@ export const CreateModal: React.FC<CreateModalProps> = ({ onCreate, open, defaul
                 }}
                 sx={{
                   "& .MuiOutlinedInput-root": {
-                    backgroundColor: "#f8fafc",
+                    backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
+                    border: "1.5px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.12)",
+                    borderRadius: 2,
                     "&:hover": {
-                      backgroundColor: "#f1f5f9",
+                      backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
+                      borderColor: "rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.4)",
+                    },
+                    "&.Mui-focused": {
+                      backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
+                      borderColor: "#667eea",
+                      borderWidth: 2,
+                    },
+                  },
+                  "& .MuiInputBase-input": {
+                    color: "#0f172a",
+                    fontSize: "0.9375rem",
+                    fontWeight: 400,
+                  },
+                  "& .MuiInputLabel-root": {
+                    color: "#64748b",
+                    fontSize: "0.9375rem",
+                    "&.Mui-focused": {
+                      color: "#667eea",
                     },
                   },
                   "& .MuiInputBase-input::placeholder": {
                     color: "#94a3b8",
                     opacity: 1,
+                    fontWeight: 400,
                   },
                   "& .MuiFormHelperText-root": {
-                    color: "#475569",
+                    color: "#64748b",
+                    fontSize: "0.8125rem",
+                    fontWeight: 400,
+                    mt: 0.75,
                   },
                 }}
               />
             </Tooltip>
           </Box>
-        </Stack>
+          </Stack>
+        </Box>
 
-        {/* Quick settings for duration and speakers */}
-        <Stack direction={{ xs: "column", sm: "row" }} spacing={2}>
-          <TextField
-            label="Duration (minutes)"
-            type="number"
-            value={duration}
-            onChange={(e) => setDuration(Math.max(1, Number(e.target.value) || 0))}
-            InputProps={{ inputProps: { min: 1, max: 60 } }}
-            size="small"
-            helperText="Typical podcasts: 5-20 minutes"
-            sx={{
-              maxWidth: 220,
-              "& .MuiOutlinedInput-root": {
-                backgroundColor: "#f8fafc",
-                "&:hover": { backgroundColor: "#f1f5f9" },
-              },
-            }}
-          />
-          <TextField
-            label="Number of speakers"
-            type="number"
-            value={speakers}
-            onChange={(e) => setSpeakers(Math.min(4, Math.max(1, Number(e.target.value) || 1)))}
-            InputProps={{ inputProps: { min: 1, max: 4 } }}
-            size="small"
-            helperText="Supports single or panel style"
-            sx={{
-              maxWidth: 220,
-              "& .MuiOutlinedInput-root": {
-                backgroundColor: "#f8fafc",
-                "&:hover": { backgroundColor: "#f1f5f9" },
-              },
-            }}
-          />
-        </Stack>
+        {/* Settings Section */}
+        <Box
+          sx={{
+            p: 3,
+            borderRadius: 2,
+            background: alpha("#f8fafc", 0.5),
+            border: "1px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.06)",
+          }}
+        >
+          <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ mb: 2, color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600, fontSize: "0.9375rem" }}>
+            Podcast Settings
+          </Typography>
+          <Stack direction={{ xs: "column", sm: "row" }} spacing={2} alignItems="flex-start">
+            <Stack direction={{ xs: "column", sm: "row" }} spacing={2} sx={{ flex: 1 }}>
+            <TextField
+              label="Duration (minutes)"
+              type="number"
+              value={duration}
+              onChange={(e) => handleDurationChange(Number(e.target.value) || 1)}
+              InputProps={{ inputProps: { min: 1, max: 10 } }}
+              size="small"
+            helperText={duration > 10 ? "Maximum duration is 10 minutes" : `Recommended: 1-3 minutes for quick tests (currently: ${duration} min)`}
+              error={duration > 10}
+              sx={{
+                maxWidth: 220,
+                "& .MuiOutlinedInput-root": {
+                  backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
+                  border: "1.5px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.12)",
+                  borderRadius: 2,
+                  "&:hover": { 
+                    backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
+                    borderColor: "rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.4)",
+                  },
+                  "&.Mui-focused": {
+                    borderColor: "#667eea",
+                    borderWidth: 2,
+                  },
+                },
+                "& .MuiInputLabel-root": {
+                  color: "#64748b",
+                  "&.Mui-focused": {
+                    color: "#667eea",
+                  },
+                },
+                "& .MuiFormHelperText-root": {
+                  color: "#64748b",
+                  fontSize: "0.8125rem",
+                },
+              }}
+            />
+            <TextField
+              label="Number of speakers"
+              type="number"
+              value={speakers}
+              onChange={(e) => handleSpeakersChange(Number(e.target.value) || 1)}
+              InputProps={{ inputProps: { min: 1, max: 2 } }}
+              size="small"
+              helperText={speakers > 2 ? "Maximum 2 speakers supported" : `Supports 1-2 speakers (currently: ${speakers})`}
+              error={speakers > 2}
+              sx={{
+                maxWidth: 220,
+                "& .MuiOutlinedInput-root": {
+                  backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
+                  border: "1.5px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.12)",
+                  borderRadius: 2,
+                  "&:hover": { 
+                    backgroundColor: "#ffffff",
+                    borderColor: "rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.4)",
+                  },
+                  "&.Mui-focused": {
+                    borderColor: "#667eea",
+                    borderWidth: 2,
+                  },
+                },
+                "& .MuiInputLabel-root": {
+                  color: "#64748b",
+                  "&.Mui-focused": {
+                    color: "#667eea",
+                  },
+                },
+                "& .MuiFormHelperText-root": {
+                  color: "#64748b",
+                  fontSize: "0.8125rem",
+                },
+              }}
+            />
+          </Stack>
+          
+            {/* Cost Breakdown Panel - positioned in empty space */}
+            <Paper
+              elevation={0}
+              sx={{
+                p: 2.5,
+                background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.08) 0%, rgba(5, 150, 105, 0.08) 100%)",
+                border: "1.5px solid rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.2)",
+                borderRadius: 2,
+                minWidth: { xs: "100%", sm: 300 },
+                flex: { xs: "none", sm: "0 0 auto" },
+                boxShadow: "0 2px 8px rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.08)",
+              }}
+            >
+              <Stack spacing={1.5}>
+                <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center">
+                  <Box
+                    sx={{
+                      width: 32,
+                      height: 32,
+                      borderRadius: 1.5,
+                      background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.15) 0%, rgba(5, 150, 105, 0.15) 100%)",
+                      display: "flex",
+                      alignItems: "center",
+                      justifyContent: "center",
+                    }}
+                  >
+                    <AttachMoneyIcon sx={{ fontSize: "1.125rem", color: "#059669" }} />
+                  </Box>
+                  <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600, fontSize: "0.875rem" }}>
+                    Estimated Cost
+                  </Typography>
+                </Stack>
+                <Typography 
+                  variant="h5" 
+                  sx={{ 
+                    color: "#059669", 
+                    fontWeight: 700,
+                    fontSize: "1.75rem",
+                    lineHeight: 1.2,
+                  }}
+                >
+                  ${estimatedCost.total}
+                </Typography>
+                <Stack spacing={0.75} sx={{ mt: 0.5 }}>
+                  <Box sx={{ display: "flex", justifyContent: "space-between", alignItems: "center" }}>
+                    <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#64748b", fontSize: "0.8125rem", fontWeight: 400 }}>
+                      Audio Generation
+                    </Typography>
+                    <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontSize: "0.8125rem", fontWeight: 600 }}>
+                      ${estimatedCost.ttsCost}
+                    </Typography>
+                  </Box>
+                  <Box sx={{ display: "flex", justifyContent: "space-between", alignItems: "center" }}>
+                    <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#64748b", fontSize: "0.8125rem", fontWeight: 400 }}>
+                      Avatar Creation
+                    </Typography>
+                    <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontSize: "0.8125rem", fontWeight: 600 }}>
+                      ${estimatedCost.avatarCost}
+                    </Typography>
+                  </Box>
+                  <Box sx={{ display: "flex", justifyContent: "space-between", alignItems: "center" }}>
+                    <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#64748b", fontSize: "0.8125rem", fontWeight: 400 }}>
+                      Video Rendering
+                    </Typography>
+                    <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontSize: "0.8125rem", fontWeight: 600 }}>
+                      ${estimatedCost.videoCost}
+                    </Typography>
+                  </Box>
+                  <Box sx={{ display: "flex", justifyContent: "space-between", alignItems: "center" }}>
+                    <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#64748b", fontSize: "0.8125rem", fontWeight: 400 }}>
+                      Research
+                    </Typography>
+                    <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontSize: "0.8125rem", fontWeight: 600 }}>
+                      ${estimatedCost.researchCost}
+                    </Typography>
+                  </Box>
+                </Stack>
+                <Box
+                  sx={{
+                    mt: 1,
+                    pt: 1.5,
+                    borderTop: "1.5px solid rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.15)",
+                  }}
+                >
+                  <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#64748b", fontSize: "0.75rem", fontWeight: 500 }}>
+                    {duration} min • {speakers} speaker{speakers > 1 ? "s" : ""} • {knobs.bitrate === "hd" ? "HD" : "Standard"} quality
+                  </Typography>
+                </Box>
+              </Stack>
+            </Paper>
+          </Stack>
+        </Box>
 
-        <Alert severity="info" sx={{ background: "#ecfeff", border: "1px solid #bae6fd", borderRadius: 1 }}>
-          <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ fontSize: "0.9rem", color: "#0ea5e9" }}>
-            You can provide either a topic idea or a blog post URL. We won’t make any external AI calls until you click “Analyze & Continue”.
+        {/* Info Banner */}
+        <Alert 
+          severity="info" 
+          icon={<InfoIcon sx={{ color: "#6366f1", fontSize: "1.125rem" }} />}
+          sx={{ 
+            background: alpha("#f0f4ff", 0.6),
+            border: "1px solid rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.15)",
+            borderRadius: 2,
+            boxShadow: "0 1px 3px rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.08)",
+            "& .MuiAlert-message": {
+              width: "100%",
+            },
+          }}
+        >
+          <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ fontSize: "0.875rem", color: "#475569", lineHeight: 1.6, fontWeight: 400 }}>
+            You can provide either a topic idea or a blog post URL. We won't make any external AI calls until you click "Analyze & Continue".
           </Typography>
         </Alert>
 

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/InlineAudioPlayer.tsx

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import React, { useEffect, useState } from "react";
-import { Paper, Stack, Typography, IconButton, Tooltip, alpha } from "@mui/material";
+import { Paper, Stack, Typography, IconButton, Tooltip, alpha, Alert } from "@mui/material";
 import { VolumeUp as VolumeUpIcon, PlayCircle as PlayCircleIcon, PauseCircle as PauseCircleIcon, Download as DownloadIcon } from "@mui/icons-material";
+import { aiApiClient } from "../../api/client";
 
 interface InlineAudioPlayerProps {
   audioUrl: string;
@@ -11,37 +12,140 @@ export const InlineAudioPlayer: React.FC<InlineAudioPlayerProps> = ({ audioUrl,
   const [playing, setPlaying] = useState(false);
   const [currentTime, setCurrentTime] = useState(0);
   const [duration, setDuration] = useState(0);
+  const [blobUrl, setBlobUrl] = useState<string | null>(null);
+  const [error, setError] = useState<string | null>(null);
   const audioRef = React.useRef<HTMLAudioElement>(null);
 
+  // Load audio as blob if it's an authenticated endpoint
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (!audioUrl) {
+      setBlobUrl(null);
+      setError(null);
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // Check if this is a podcast audio endpoint that requires authentication
+    const isPodcastAudio = audioUrl.includes('/api/podcast/audio/') || audioUrl.includes('/api/story/audio/');
+    
+    if (!isPodcastAudio) {
+      // Regular URL, use directly
+      setBlobUrl(audioUrl);
+      setError(null);
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // Fetch as blob for authenticated endpoints
+    let isMounted = true;
+    const currentAudioUrl = audioUrl;
+
+    const loadAudioBlob = async () => {
+      try {
+        // Normalize path
+        let audioPath = currentAudioUrl.startsWith('/') ? currentAudioUrl : `/${currentAudioUrl}`;
+        
+        // Convert /api/story/audio/ to /api/podcast/audio/ if needed
+        if (audioPath.includes('/api/story/audio/')) {
+          const filename = audioPath.split('/api/story/audio/').pop() || '';
+          audioPath = `/api/podcast/audio/${filename}`;
+        }
+        
+        // Ensure it's a podcast audio endpoint
+        if (!audioPath.includes('/api/podcast/audio/')) {
+          const filename = audioPath.split('/').pop() || currentAudioUrl;
+          audioPath = `/api/podcast/audio/${filename}`;
+        }
+
+        // Remove query parameters if present
+        audioPath = audioPath.split('?')[0];
+
+        const response = await aiApiClient.get(audioPath, {
+          responseType: 'blob',
+        });
+        
+        if (!isMounted || audioUrl !== currentAudioUrl) {
+          return;
+        }
+        
+        const blob = response.data;
+        const newBlobUrl = URL.createObjectURL(blob);
+        
+        setBlobUrl((prevBlobUrl) => {
+          // Clean up previous blob URL if exists
+          if (prevBlobUrl && prevBlobUrl !== newBlobUrl) {
+            URL.revokeObjectURL(prevBlobUrl);
+          }
+          return newBlobUrl;
+        });
+        setError(null);
+      } catch (err) {
+        console.error('Failed to load audio blob:', err);
+        if (isMounted && audioUrl === currentAudioUrl) {
+          setError('Failed to load audio. Please try again.');
+          setBlobUrl(null);
+        }
+      }
+    };
+
+    loadAudioBlob();
+
+    return () => {
+      isMounted = false;
+      // Cleanup blob URL when component unmounts or URL changes
+      setBlobUrl((prevBlobUrl) => {
+        if (prevBlobUrl && prevBlobUrl.startsWith('blob:')) {
+          URL.revokeObjectURL(prevBlobUrl);
+        }
+        return null;
+      });
+    };
+  }, [audioUrl]);
+
   useEffect(() => {
     const audio = audioRef.current;
-    if (!audio) return;
+    if (!audio || !blobUrl) return;
 
     const updateTime = () => setCurrentTime(audio.currentTime);
     const updateDuration = () => setDuration(audio.duration);
     const handleEnd = () => setPlaying(false);
+    const handleError = () => {
+      setError('Audio playback error. Please try again.');
+      setPlaying(false);
+    };
 
     audio.addEventListener("timeupdate", updateTime);
     audio.addEventListener("loadedmetadata", updateDuration);
     audio.addEventListener("ended", handleEnd);
+    audio.addEventListener("error", handleError);
 
     return () => {
       audio.removeEventListener("timeupdate", updateTime);
       audio.removeEventListener("loadedmetadata", updateDuration);
       audio.removeEventListener("ended", handleEnd);
+      audio.removeEventListener("error", handleError);
     };
-  }, [audioUrl]);
+  }, [blobUrl]);
 
-  const togglePlay = () => {
+  const togglePlay = async () => {
     const audio = audioRef.current;
-    if (!audio) return;
-
-    if (playing) {
-      audio.pause();
-    } else {
-      audio.play();
+    if (!audio || !blobUrl) {
+      setError('Audio not loaded. Please wait...');
+      return;
+    }
+
+    try {
+      if (playing) {
+        audio.pause();
+        setPlaying(false);
+      } else {
+        await audio.play();
+        setPlaying(true);
+        setError(null);
+      }
+    } catch (err) {
+      console.error('Playback error:', err);
+      setError('Failed to play audio. Please try again.');
+      setPlaying(false);
     }
-    setPlaying(!playing);
   };
 
   const formatTime = (seconds: number) => {
@@ -58,6 +162,8 @@ export const InlineAudioPlayer: React.FC<InlineAudioPlayerProps> = ({ audioUrl,
     setCurrentTime(newTime);
   };
 
+  const effectiveAudioUrl = blobUrl || audioUrl;
+
   return (
     <Paper
       sx={{
@@ -74,8 +180,26 @@ export const InlineAudioPlayer: React.FC<InlineAudioPlayerProps> = ({ audioUrl,
             {title}
           </Typography>
         )}
+        
+        {error && (
+          <Alert severity="error" sx={{ py: 0.5 }}>
+            <Typography variant="caption">{error}</Typography>
+          </Alert>
+        )}
+
+        {!blobUrl && audioUrl && (
+          <Alert severity="info" sx={{ py: 0.5 }}>
+            <Typography variant="caption">Loading audio...</Typography>
+          </Alert>
+        )}
+
         <Stack direction="row" spacing={2} alignItems="center">
-          <IconButton onClick={togglePlay} sx={{ color: "#a78bfa" }} size="large">
+          <IconButton 
+            onClick={togglePlay} 
+            disabled={!effectiveAudioUrl || !!error}
+            sx={{ color: "#a78bfa" }} 
+            size="large"
+          >
             {playing ? <PauseCircleIcon fontSize="large" /> : <PlayCircleIcon fontSize="large" />}
           </IconButton>
           <Stack flex={1}>
@@ -85,7 +209,8 @@ export const InlineAudioPlayer: React.FC<InlineAudioPlayerProps> = ({ audioUrl,
               max={duration || 0}
               value={currentTime}
               onChange={handleSeek}
-              style={{ width: "100%", cursor: "pointer" }}
+              disabled={!effectiveAudioUrl}
+              style={{ width: "100%", cursor: effectiveAudioUrl ? "pointer" : "not-allowed" }}
             />
             <Stack direction="row" justifyContent="space-between" sx={{ mt: 0.5 }}>
               <Typography variant="caption" color="text.secondary">
@@ -99,18 +224,22 @@ export const InlineAudioPlayer: React.FC<InlineAudioPlayerProps> = ({ audioUrl,
           <Tooltip title="Download audio">
             <IconButton
               onClick={() => {
+                if (!effectiveAudioUrl) return;
                 const link = document.createElement("a");
-                link.href = audioUrl;
+                link.href = effectiveAudioUrl;
                 link.download = title || "podcast-audio.mp3";
                 link.click();
               }}
+              disabled={!effectiveAudioUrl}
               sx={{ color: "rgba(255,255,255,0.7)" }}
             >
               <DownloadIcon />
             </IconButton>
           </Tooltip>
         </Stack>
-        <audio ref={audioRef} src={audioUrl} preload="metadata" />
+        {effectiveAudioUrl && (
+          <audio ref={audioRef} src={effectiveAudioUrl} preload="metadata" />
+        )}
       </Stack>
     </Paper>
   );

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/PodcastDashboard.tsx

@@ -1,79 +1,26 @@
-import React, { useEffect, useMemo, useState } from "react";
-import {
-  Box,
-  Paper,
-  Stack,
-  Typography,
-  Alert,
-  Chip,
-  Tooltip,
-  LinearProgress,
-  Stepper,
-  Step,
-  StepLabel,
-  Divider,
-  FormControl,
-  InputLabel,
-  Select,
-  MenuItem,
-  List,
-  ListItem,
-  ListItemButton,
-  ListItemText,
-  Checkbox,
-  CircularProgress,
-  alpha,
-} from "@mui/material";
-import {
-  Mic as MicIcon,
-  Psychology as PsychologyIcon,
-  Search as SearchIcon,
-  EditNote as EditNoteIcon,
-  PlayArrow as PlayArrowIcon,
-  CheckCircle as CheckCircleIcon,
-  Info as InfoIcon,
-  AutoAwesome as AutoAwesomeIcon,
-  Insights as InsightsIcon,
-  LibraryMusic as LibraryMusicIcon,
-} from "@mui/icons-material";
-import { ResearchProvider } from "../../services/blogWriterApi";
-import { podcastApi } from "../../services/podcastApi";
+import React, { useState, useCallback } from "react";
+import { Box, Paper, Stack, Alert, Divider, CircularProgress, alpha } from "@mui/material";
 import { usePodcastProjectState } from "../../hooks/usePodcastProjectState";
-import { useNavigate } from "react-router-dom";
-import { CreateProjectPayload, Job, Knobs, Query, Research, Script } from "./types";
-import { GlassyCard, glassyCardSx, PrimaryButton, SecondaryButton } from "./ui";
+import { Script } from "./types";
 import { CreateModal } from "./CreateModal";
 import { AnalysisPanel } from "./AnalysisPanel";
-import { FactCard } from "./FactCard";
 import { ScriptEditor } from "./ScriptEditor";
 import { RenderQueue } from "./RenderQueue";
 import { RecentEpisodesPreview } from "./RecentEpisodesPreview";
 import { ProjectList } from "./ProjectList";
-import { usePreflightCheck } from "../../hooks/usePreflightCheck";
-import { useBudgetTracking } from "../../hooks/useBudgetTracking";
 import { PreflightBlockDialog } from "./PreflightBlockDialog";
-import HeaderControls from "../shared/HeaderControls";
-
-/* ================= Helpers ================= */
-
-const DEFAULT_KNOBS: Knobs = {
-  voice_emotion: "neutral",
-  voice_speed: 1,
-  resolution: "720p",
-  scene_length_target: 45,
-  sample_rate: 24000,
-  bitrate: "standard",
-};
-
-const announceError = (setAnnouncement: (msg: string) => void, error: unknown) => {
-  const message = error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Unexpected error";
-  setAnnouncement(message);
-};
-
-/* ================= Dashboard ================= */
+import {
+  Header,
+  ProgressStepper,
+  EstimateCard,
+  QuerySelection,
+  ResearchSummary,
+  usePodcastWorkflow,
+  DEFAULT_KNOBS,
+  getStepLabel,
+} from "./PodcastDashboard/index";
 
 const PodcastDashboard: React.FC = () => {
-  const navigate = useNavigate();
   const projectState = usePodcastProjectState();
   const [showProjectList, setShowProjectList] = useState(false);
   const {
@@ -91,250 +38,39 @@ const PodcastDashboard: React.FC = () => {
     showScriptEditor,
     showRenderQueue,
     currentStep,
-    setProject,
-    setAnalysis,
-    setQueries,
-    setSelectedQueries,
-    setResearch,
-    setRawResearch,
-    setEstimate,
     setScriptData,
-    updateRenderJob,
-    setKnobs,
-    setResearchProvider,
-    setBudgetCap,
     setShowScriptEditor,
     setShowRenderQueue,
-    initializeProject,
+    setResearchProvider,
+    updateRenderJob,
     resetState,
     loadProjectFromDb,
+    setCurrentStep,
   } = projectState;
 
-  const [isAnalyzing, setIsAnalyzing] = useState(false);
-  const [isResearching, setIsResearching] = useState(false);
-  const [announcement, setAnnouncement] = useState("");
-  const [showResumeAlert, setShowResumeAlert] = useState(false);
-  const [showPreflightDialog, setShowPreflightDialog] = useState(false);
-  const [preflightResponse, setPreflightResponse] = useState<any>(null);
-  const [preflightOperationName, setPreflightOperationName] = useState<string>("");
-
-  // Budget tracking
-  const budgetTracking = useBudgetTracking(projectState.budgetCap || 50);
-  
-  // Preflight check hook
-  const preflightCheck = usePreflightCheck({
-    onBlocked: (response) => {
-      setPreflightResponse(response);
-      setShowPreflightDialog(true);
+  const workflow = usePodcastWorkflow({
+    projectState,
+    onError: (msg: string) => {
+      // Error handling is done through workflow's own announcement system
+      console.error("Workflow error:", msg);
     },
   });
 
-  // Update budget cap when project state changes
-  useEffect(() => {
-    if (projectState.budgetCap) {
-      budgetTracking.setBudgetCap(projectState.budgetCap);
-    }
-  }, [projectState.budgetCap, budgetTracking]);
-
-  // Check if we have a saved project on mount
-  useEffect(() => {
-    if (project && currentStep && currentStep !== "create") {
-      setShowResumeAlert(true);
-      setTimeout(() => setShowResumeAlert(false), 5000);
-    }
-  }, []); // Only on mount
-
-  useEffect(() => {
-    if (announcement) {
-      const t = setTimeout(() => setAnnouncement(""), 4000);
-      return () => clearTimeout(t);
-    }
-    return undefined;
-  }, [announcement]);
-
-  const handleCreate = async (payload: CreateProjectPayload) => {
-    // Prevent duplicate submits that can spam story setup API
-    if (isAnalyzing) return;
-    setResearch(null);
-    setRawResearch(null);
-    setScriptData(null);
-    setShowScriptEditor(false);
-    setShowRenderQueue(false);
-    try {
-      setIsAnalyzing(true);
-      setAnnouncement("Analyzing your idea — AI suggestions incoming");
-      const result = await podcastApi.createProject(payload);
-      await initializeProject(payload, result.projectId);
-      setProject({ id: result.projectId, idea: payload.ideaOrUrl, duration: payload.duration, speakers: payload.speakers });
-      setAnalysis(result.analysis);
-      setEstimate(result.estimate);
-      setQueries(result.queries);
-      setSelectedQueries(new Set(result.queries.map((q) => q.id)));
-      setKnobs(payload.knobs);
-      setBudgetCap(payload.budgetCap);
-      setAnnouncement("Analysis complete");
-    } catch (error) {
-      announceError(setAnnouncement, error);
-    } finally {
-      setIsAnalyzing(false);
-    }
-  };
-
-  const handleRunResearch = async () => {
-    // Prevent duplicate research calls
-    if (isResearching) return;
-    if (!project) {
-      setAnnouncement("Create a project first.");
-      return;
-    }
-    if (selectedQueries.size === 0) {
-      setAnnouncement("Select at least one query to research.");
-      return;
-    }
-    
-    // Preflight check before research
-    setPreflightOperationName("Research");
-    const approvedQueries = queries.filter((q) => selectedQueries.has(q.id));
-    const preflightResult = await preflightCheck.check({
-      provider: researchProvider === "exa" ? "exa" : "gemini",
-      operation_type: researchProvider === "exa" ? "exa_neural_search" : "google_grounding",
-      tokens_requested: researchProvider === "exa" ? 0 : 1200,
-      actual_provider_name: researchProvider || "google",
-    });
-
-    if (!preflightResult.can_proceed) {
-      return; // Dialog will be shown by onBlocked callback
-    }
-
-    try {
-      setIsResearching(true);
-      setAnnouncement(`Starting ${researchProvider === "exa" ? "deep" : "standard"} research — this may take a moment...`);
-      setResearch(null);
-      setRawResearch(null);
-      setScriptData(null);
-      setShowScriptEditor(false);
-      setShowRenderQueue(false);
-      
-      try {
-        const { research: mapped, raw } = await podcastApi.runResearch({
-          projectId: project.id,
-          topic: project.idea,
-          approvedQueries,
-          provider: researchProvider,
-          onProgress: (message) => {
-            // Update announcement with progress messages
-            setAnnouncement(message);
-          },
-        });
-        setResearch(mapped);
-        setRawResearch(raw);
-        setAnnouncement("Research complete — review fact cards below");
-      } catch (researchError) {
-        const errorMessage = researchError instanceof Error 
-          ? researchError.message 
-          : "Research failed. Please try again or switch to Standard Research.";
-        
-        // Provide helpful error messages
-        if (errorMessage.includes("Exa") || errorMessage.includes("exa")) {
-          setAnnouncement(`Deep research failed: ${errorMessage}. Try Standard Research instead.`);
-        } else if (errorMessage.includes("timeout")) {
-          setAnnouncement("Research timed out. Please try again with fewer queries.");
-        } else {
-          setAnnouncement(`Research failed: ${errorMessage}`);
-        }
-        
-        // Log full error for debugging
-        console.error("Research error:", researchError);
-        throw researchError;
-      }
-    } catch (error) {
-      announceError(setAnnouncement, error);
-    } finally {
-      setIsResearching(false);
-    }
-  };
-
-  const handleGenerateScript = async () => {
-    // Avoid re-triggering script generation preflight
-    if (showScriptEditor) return;
-    if (!project || !research) {
-      setAnnouncement("Project or research missing — cannot generate script");
-      return;
-    }
-
-    // Preflight check before script generation
-    setPreflightOperationName("Script Generation");
-    const preflightResult = await preflightCheck.check({
-      provider: "gemini",
-      operation_type: "script_generation",
-      tokens_requested: 2000,
-      actual_provider_name: "gemini",
-    });
-
-    if (!preflightResult.can_proceed) {
-      return; // Dialog will be shown by onBlocked callback
-    }
-
-    setScriptData(null);
-    setShowRenderQueue(false);
-    setShowScriptEditor(true);
-  };
-
-  const handleProceedToRendering = (script: Script) => {
-    setScriptData(script);
-    // Initialize render jobs if empty
-    if (renderJobs.length === 0) {
-      script.scenes.forEach((scene) => {
-        updateRenderJob(scene.id, {
-          sceneId: scene.id,
-          title: scene.title,
-          status: "idle" as const,
-          progress: 0,
-          previewUrl: null,
-          finalUrl: null,
-          jobId: null,
-        });
-      });
-    }
-    setShowRenderQueue(true);
-    setShowScriptEditor(false);
-  };
-
-  const selectedCount = selectedQueries.size;
-  const canGenerateScript = Boolean(project && research && rawResearch);
-
-  const toggleQuery = (id: string) => {
-    if (isResearching) return;
-    const current = selectedQueries;
-    const next = new Set<string>(current);
-    if (next.has(id)) next.delete(id);
-    else next.add(id);
-    setSelectedQueries(next);
-  };
-
-  const activeStep = useMemo(() => {
-    if (showRenderQueue) return 3;
-    if (showScriptEditor) return 2;
-    if (research) return 1;
-    if (analysis) return 0;
-    return -1;
-  }, [showRenderQueue, showScriptEditor, research, analysis]);
-
-  const steps = [
-    { label: "Analysis", icon: <PsychologyIcon />, description: "AI analyzes your idea" },
-    { label: "Research", icon: <SearchIcon />, description: "Gather facts and citations" },
-    { label: "Script", icon: <EditNoteIcon />, description: "Edit and approve scenes" },
-    { label: "Render", icon: <PlayArrowIcon />, description: "Generate audio files" },
-  ];
-
-  const handleSelectProject = async (projectId: string) => {
+  const handleSelectProject = useCallback(async (projectId: string) => {
     try {
       await loadProjectFromDb(projectId);
       setShowProjectList(false);
     } catch (error) {
-      setAnnouncement(`Failed to load project: ${error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Unknown error"}`);
+      const errorMsg = `Failed to load project: ${error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Unknown error"}`;
+      // Use workflow's setAnnouncement - workflow is stable from hook
+      workflow.setAnnouncement(errorMsg);
     }
-  };
+  }, [loadProjectFromDb, workflow.setAnnouncement]);
+
+  const handleNewEpisode = useCallback(() => {
+    resetState();
+    setShowProjectList(false);
+  }, [resetState]);
 
   if (showProjectList) {
     return <ProjectList onSelectProject={handleSelectProject} />;
@@ -362,147 +98,93 @@ const PodcastDashboard: React.FC = () => {
       >
         <Stack spacing={3}>
           {/* Header */}
-          <Stack direction="row" justifyContent="space-between" alignItems="flex-start" flexWrap="wrap" gap={2}>
-            <Box>
-              <Typography
-                variant="h3"
-                sx={{
-                  color: "#1e293b",
-                  fontWeight: 800,
-                  mb: 0.5,
-                  display: "flex",
-                  alignItems: "center",
-                  gap: 1.5,
-                }}
-              >
-                <MicIcon fontSize="large" sx={{ color: "#667eea" }} />
-                AI Podcast Maker
-              </Typography>
-              <Typography variant="body2" color="text.secondary">
-                Create professional podcast episodes with AI-powered research, smart scriptwriting, and natural voice narration
-              </Typography>
-            </Box>
-            <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center">
-              <HeaderControls colorMode="light" showAlerts={true} showUser={true} />
-              <SecondaryButton onClick={() => window.open("/docs", "_blank")} startIcon={<InfoIcon />}>
-                Help
-              </SecondaryButton>
-              <SecondaryButton
-                onClick={() => navigate("/asset-library?source_module=podcast_maker&asset_type=audio")}
-                startIcon={<LibraryMusicIcon />}
-                tooltip="View all podcast episodes in Asset Library"
-              >
-                My Episodes
-              </SecondaryButton>
-              <SecondaryButton
-                onClick={() => setShowProjectList(true)}
-                startIcon={<MicIcon />}
-                tooltip="View and resume saved projects"
-              >
-                My Projects
-              </SecondaryButton>
-              <PrimaryButton
-                onClick={() => {
-                  resetState();
-                  setShowProjectList(false);
-                }}
-                startIcon={<AutoAwesomeIcon />}
-              >
-                New Episode
-              </PrimaryButton>
-            </Stack>
-          </Stack>
+          <Header onShowProjects={() => setShowProjectList(true)} onNewEpisode={handleNewEpisode} />
 
           <Divider sx={{ borderColor: "rgba(0,0,0,0.08)" }} />
 
           {/* Progress Stepper */}
-          {project && activeStep >= 0 && (
-            <Paper
-              sx={{
-                p: 2.5,
-                background: "#f8fafc",
-                border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.08)",
-                borderRadius: 2,
+          {project && workflow.activeStep >= 0 && (
+            <ProgressStepper
+              activeStep={workflow.activeStep}
+              completedSteps={[
+                ...(analysis ? [0] : []), // Analysis step
+                ...(research ? [1] : []), // Research step
+                ...(scriptData ? [2] : []), // Script step
+                ...(scriptData && renderJobs.length > 0 ? [3] : []), // Render step (if script exists and has jobs)
+              ]}
+              onStepClick={(stepIndex) => {
+                // Navigate to the clicked step
+                // Step indices: 0 = Analysis, 1 = Research, 2 = Script, 3 = Render
+                if (stepIndex === 0) {
+                  // Navigate to Analysis
+                  setShowScriptEditor(false);
+                  setShowRenderQueue(false);
+                  setCurrentStep('analysis');
+                } else if (stepIndex === 1) {
+                  // Navigate to Research
+                  if (!analysis) {
+                    workflow.setAnnouncement("Complete Analysis first to access Research.");
+                    return;
+                  }
+                  setShowScriptEditor(false);
+                  setShowRenderQueue(false);
+                  setCurrentStep('research');
+                } else if (stepIndex === 2) {
+                  // Navigate to Script
+                  if (!research) {
+                    workflow.setAnnouncement("Complete Research first to access Script Editor.");
+                    return;
+                  }
+                  setShowRenderQueue(false);
+                  setShowScriptEditor(true);
+                  setCurrentStep('script');
+                } else if (stepIndex === 3) {
+                  // Navigate to Render
+                  if (!scriptData) {
+                    workflow.setAnnouncement("Generate and approve script first to access Render Queue.");
+                    return;
+                  }
+                  setShowScriptEditor(false);
+                  setShowRenderQueue(true);
+                  setCurrentStep('render');
+                }
               }}
-            >
-              <Stepper activeStep={activeStep} orientation="horizontal" sx={{ "& .MuiStepLabel-root": { cursor: "pointer" } }}>
-                {steps.map((step, index) => (
-                  <Step key={step.label} completed={index < activeStep}>
-                    <StepLabel
-                      StepIconComponent={({ active, completed }) => (
-                        <Box
-                          sx={{
-                            width: 40,
-                            height: 40,
-                            borderRadius: "50%",
-                            display: "flex",
-                            alignItems: "center",
-                            justifyContent: "center",
-                            background: completed
-                              ? "linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)"
-                              : active
-                              ? alpha("#667eea", 0.15)
-                              : "#e2e8f0",
-                            border: active ? "2px solid #667eea" : "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.1)",
-                            color: completed || active ? "#fff" : "#64748b",
-                          }}
-                        >
-                          {completed ? <CheckCircleIcon /> : step.icon}
-                        </Box>
-                      )}
-                    >
-                      <Typography variant="subtitle2">{step.label}</Typography>
-                      <Typography variant="caption" color="text.secondary">
-                        {step.description}
-                      </Typography>
-                    </StepLabel>
-                  </Step>
-                ))}
-              </Stepper>
-            </Paper>
+            />
           )}
 
           {/* Resume Alert */}
-          {showResumeAlert && project && (
+          {workflow.showResumeAlert && project && (
             <Alert
               severity="success"
-              onClose={() => setShowResumeAlert(false)}
+              onClose={() => workflow.setShowResumeAlert(false)}
               sx={{
                 background: "#d1fae5",
                 border: "1px solid #a7f3d0",
                 "& .MuiAlert-icon": { color: "#10b981" },
               }}
             >
-              <Typography variant="body2">
-                <strong>Project Restored:</strong> Resuming from{" "}
-                {currentStep === "analysis"
-                  ? "Analysis"
-                  : currentStep === "research"
-                  ? "Research"
-                  : currentStep === "script"
-                  ? "Script Editing"
-                  : "Rendering"}{" "}
-                step. Your progress has been saved.
-              </Typography>
+              <Box component="span" sx={{ fontSize: "0.875rem" }}>
+                <strong>Project Restored:</strong> Resuming from {getStepLabel(currentStep)} step. Your progress has been saved.
+              </Box>
             </Alert>
           )}
 
           {/* Announcements */}
-          {announcement && (
+          {workflow.announcement && (
             <Alert
               severity="info"
-              onClose={() => setAnnouncement("")}
+              onClose={() => workflow.setAnnouncement("")}
               sx={{
                 background: "#dbeafe",
                 border: "1px solid #bfdbfe",
                 "& .MuiAlert-icon": { color: "#3b82f6" },
               }}
             >
-              {announcement}
+              {workflow.announcement}
             </Alert>
           )}
 
-          {(isAnalyzing || isResearching) && (
+          {(workflow.isAnalyzing || workflow.isResearching) && (
             <Alert
               severity="warning"
               icon={<CircularProgress size={20} />}
@@ -511,17 +193,21 @@ const PodcastDashboard: React.FC = () => {
                 border: "1px solid #fde68a",
               }}
             >
-              <Typography variant="body2">
-                {isAnalyzing ? "Analyzing your idea with AI..." : "Running research... This may take a moment."}
-              </Typography>
+              <Box component="span" sx={{ fontSize: "0.875rem" }}>
+                {workflow.isAnalyzing ? "Analyzing your idea with AI..." : "Running research... This may take a moment."}
+              </Box>
             </Alert>
           )}
 
           {/* Create Modal */}
           {!project && (
             <>
-              <CreateModal open onCreate={handleCreate} defaultKnobs={DEFAULT_KNOBS} isSubmitting={isAnalyzing} />
-              {/* Recent Episodes Preview */}
+              <CreateModal
+                open
+                onCreate={workflow.handleCreate}
+                defaultKnobs={DEFAULT_KNOBS}
+                isSubmitting={workflow.isAnalyzing}
+              />
               <RecentEpisodesPreview onSelectEpisode={() => {}} />
             </>
           )}
@@ -531,217 +217,32 @@ const PodcastDashboard: React.FC = () => {
             {analysis && !showScriptEditor && !showRenderQueue && (
               <AnalysisPanel
                 analysis={analysis}
-                onRegenerate={() => setAnalysis({ ...analysis })}
+                onRegenerate={() => {}}
               />
             )}
 
             {estimate && !showScriptEditor && !showRenderQueue && (
-              <GlassyCard
-                sx={{
-                  ...glassyCardSx,
-                  background: "#ffffff",
-                  border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06)",
-                  boxShadow: "0 10px 28px rgba(15,23,42,0.06)",
-                  color: "#0f172a",
-                }}
-                aria-label="estimate"
-              >
-                <Stack spacing={2}>
-                  <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ display: "flex", alignItems: "center", gap: 1, color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 700 }}>
-                    <InsightsIcon />
-                    Estimated Cost
-                  </Typography>
-                  <Typography variant="h4" sx={{ color: "#4f46e5", fontWeight: 800 }}>
-                    ${estimate.total.toFixed(2)}
-                  </Typography>
-                  <Divider sx={{ borderColor: "rgba(0,0,0,0.08)" }} />
-                  <Stack direction="row" spacing={2} flexWrap="wrap" useFlexGap>
-                    <Chip
-                      label={`Voice: $${estimate.ttsCost.toFixed(2)}`}
-                      size="small"
-                      title="Voice narration cost"
-                      sx={{ background: "#eef2ff", color: "#0f172a", border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06)" }}
-                    />
-                    <Chip
-                      label={`Visuals: $${estimate.avatarCost.toFixed(2)}`}
-                      size="small"
-                      title="Avatar/video cost"
-                      sx={{ background: "#eef2ff", color: "#0f172a", border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06)" }}
-                    />
-                    <Chip
-                      label={`Research: $${estimate.researchCost.toFixed(2)}`}
-                      size="small"
-                      title="Research and fact-checking cost"
-                      sx={{ background: "#eef2ff", color: "#0f172a", border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06)" }}
-                    />
-                  </Stack>
-                </Stack>
-              </GlassyCard>
+              <EstimateCard estimate={estimate} />
             )}
 
             {queries.length > 0 && !showScriptEditor && !showRenderQueue && (
-              <GlassyCard
-                sx={{
-                  ...glassyCardSx,
-                  background: "#ffffff",
-                  border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06)",
-                  boxShadow: "0 10px 28px rgba(15,23,42,0.06)",
-                  color: "#0f172a",
-                }}
-              >
-                <Stack spacing={3}>
-                  <Stack direction="row" justifyContent="space-between" alignItems="center" flexWrap="wrap" gap={2}>
-                    <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ display: "flex", alignItems: "center", gap: 1, color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 700 }}>
-                      <SearchIcon />
-                      Research Queries
-                    </Typography>
-                    <Stack direction="row" spacing={2} alignItems="center">
-                      <FormControl size="small" sx={{ minWidth: 180 }}>
-                        <InputLabel>Provider</InputLabel>
-                        <Select
-                          value={researchProvider}
-                          onChange={(e) => setResearchProvider(e.target.value as ResearchProvider)}
-                          label="Provider"
-                          disabled={isResearching}
-                          size="small"
-                          sx={{
-                            backgroundColor: "#f8fafc",
-                            "&:hover": {
-                              backgroundColor: "#f1f5f9",
-                            },
-                          }}
-                        >
-                          <MenuItem value="google">
-                            <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center">
-                              <SearchIcon fontSize="small" />
-                              <span>Standard Research</span>
-                            </Stack>
-                          </MenuItem>
-                          <MenuItem value="exa">
-                            <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center">
-                              <AutoAwesomeIcon fontSize="small" />
-                              <span>Deep Research</span>
-                            </Stack>
-                          </MenuItem>
-                        </Select>
-                      </FormControl>
-                      <Chip
-                        label={`${selectedCount} / ${queries.length} selected`}
-                        size="small"
-                        color={selectedCount > 0 ? "primary" : "default"}
-                      />
-                    </Stack>
-                  </Stack>
-
-                  <Divider sx={{ borderColor: "rgba(0,0,0,0.08)" }} />
-
-                  <Tooltip
-                    title={
-                      researchProvider === "google"
-                        ? "Standard Research: Fast, fact-checked results with source citations"
-                        : "Deep Research: Comprehensive analysis with competitor insights and trending topics"
-                    }
-                    arrow
-                  >
-                    <Alert
-                      severity="info"
-                      sx={{
-                        background: "#e0f2fe",
-                        border: "1px solid #bae6fd",
-                        color: "#0f172a",
-                      }}
-                    >
-                      <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#0f172a" }}>
-                        {researchProvider === "google"
-                          ? "Select at least one query (recommended: 3+ for balanced coverage). Standard research provides fact-checked results with source citations."
-                          : "Select queries for deep research. This mode provides comprehensive analysis with competitor insights and trending topics."}
-                      </Typography>
-                    </Alert>
-                  </Tooltip>
-
-                  <List>
-                    {queries.map((q) => (
-                      <ListItem key={q.id} disablePadding>
-                        <ListItemButton
-                          onClick={() => toggleQuery(q.id)}
-                          disabled={isResearching}
-                          sx={{
-                            borderRadius: 2,
-                            mb: 1,
-                            border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.08)",
-                            background: "#f8fafc",
-                            "&:hover": { background: alpha("#667eea", 0.08) },
-                          }}
-                        >
-                          <Checkbox checked={selectedQueries.has(q.id)} edge="start" />
-                          <ListItemText
-                            primary={q.query}
-                            secondary={q.rationale}
-                            primaryTypographyProps={{ variant: "body2", fontWeight: 600, color: "#0f172a" }}
-                            secondaryTypographyProps={{ variant: "caption", sx: { color: "#475569" } }}
-                          />
-                        </ListItemButton>
-                      </ListItem>
-                    ))}
-                  </List>
-
-                  <Box sx={{ display: "flex", justifyContent: "flex-end" }}>
-                    <PrimaryButton
-                      onClick={handleRunResearch}
-                      disabled={!project || selectedCount === 0 || isResearching}
-                      loading={isResearching}
-                      startIcon={<SearchIcon />}
-                      tooltip={
-                        selectedCount === 0
-                          ? "Select at least one query to run research"
-                          : `Run research with ${selectedCount} selected ${selectedCount === 1 ? "query" : "queries"}`
-                      }
-                    >
-                      {isResearching ? "Running Research..." : "Run Research"}
-                    </PrimaryButton>
-                  </Box>
-                </Stack>
-              </GlassyCard>
+              <QuerySelection
+                queries={queries}
+                selectedQueries={selectedQueries}
+                researchProvider={researchProvider}
+                isResearching={workflow.isResearching}
+                onToggleQuery={workflow.toggleQuery}
+                onProviderChange={setResearchProvider}
+                onRunResearch={workflow.handleRunResearch}
+              />
             )}
 
             {research && !showScriptEditor && !showRenderQueue && (
-              <GlassyCard sx={glassyCardSx}>
-                <Stack spacing={3}>
-                  <Stack direction="row" justifyContent="space-between" alignItems="flex-start" flexWrap="wrap" gap={2}>
-                    <Box>
-                      <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ display: "flex", alignItems: "center", gap: 1, mb: 0.5 }}>
-                        <InsightsIcon />
-                        Research Summary
-                      </Typography>
-                      <Typography variant="body2" color="text.secondary">
-                        {research.summary}
-                      </Typography>
-                    </Box>
-                    <PrimaryButton
-                      onClick={handleGenerateScript}
-                      disabled={!canGenerateScript}
-                      startIcon={<EditNoteIcon />}
-                      tooltip={!canGenerateScript ? "Complete research to generate script" : "Generate AI-powered script from research"}
-                    >
-                      Generate Script
-                    </PrimaryButton>
-                  </Stack>
-
-                  {research.factCards.length > 0 && (
-                    <>
-                      <Divider sx={{ borderColor: "rgba(0,0,0,0.08)" }} />
-                      <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ mb: 1 }}>
-                        Fact Cards ({research.factCards.length})
-                      </Typography>
-                      <Box sx={{ display: "grid", gridTemplateColumns: { xs: "1fr", sm: "1fr 1fr", lg: "1fr 1fr 1fr" }, gap: 2 }}>
-                        {research.factCards.map((fact) => (
-                          <FactCard key={fact.id} fact={fact} />
-                        ))}
-                      </Box>
-                    </>
-                  )}
-                </Stack>
-              </GlassyCard>
+              <ResearchSummary
+                research={research}
+                canGenerateScript={workflow.canGenerateScript}
+                onGenerateScript={workflow.handleGenerateScript}
+              />
             )}
 
             {showScriptEditor && project && research && rawResearch && (
@@ -756,8 +257,8 @@ const PodcastDashboard: React.FC = () => {
                 script={scriptData}
                 onScriptChange={(s) => setScriptData(s)}
                 onBackToResearch={() => setShowScriptEditor(false)}
-                onProceedToRendering={(s) => handleProceedToRendering(s)}
-                onError={(msg) => setAnnouncement(msg)}
+                onProceedToRendering={(s) => workflow.handleProceedToRendering(s)}
+                onError={(msg) => workflow.setAnnouncement(msg)}
               />
             )}
 
@@ -776,11 +277,12 @@ const PodcastDashboard: React.FC = () => {
                 budgetCap={projectState.budgetCap}
                 avatarImageUrl={null}
                 onUpdateJob={updateRenderJob}
+                onUpdateScript={(updatedScript) => setScriptData(updatedScript)}
                 onBack={() => {
                   setShowRenderQueue(false);
                   setShowScriptEditor(true);
                 }}
-                onError={(msg) => setAnnouncement(msg)}
+                onError={(msg) => workflow.setAnnouncement(msg)}
               />
             )}
           </Stack>
@@ -789,13 +291,13 @@ const PodcastDashboard: React.FC = () => {
 
       {/* Preflight Block Dialog */}
       <PreflightBlockDialog
-        open={showPreflightDialog}
+        open={workflow.showPreflightDialog}
         onClose={() => {
-          setShowPreflightDialog(false);
-          setPreflightResponse(null);
+          workflow.setShowPreflightDialog(false);
+          workflow.setPreflightResponse(null);
         }}
-        response={preflightResponse}
-        operationName={preflightOperationName}
+        response={workflow.preflightResponse}
+        operationName={workflow.preflightOperationName}
       />
     </Box>
   );

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/PodcastDashboard/EstimateCard.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+import React from "react";
+import { Stack, Typography, Chip, Divider } from "@mui/material";
+import { Insights as InsightsIcon } from "@mui/icons-material";
+import { PodcastEstimate } from "../types";
+import { GlassyCard, glassyCardSx } from "../ui";
+
+interface EstimateCardProps {
+  estimate: PodcastEstimate;
+}
+
+export const EstimateCard: React.FC<EstimateCardProps> = ({ estimate }) => {
+  return (
+    <GlassyCard
+      sx={{
+        ...glassyCardSx,
+        background: "#ffffff",
+        border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06)",
+        boxShadow: "0 10px 28px rgba(15,23,42,0.06)",
+        color: "#0f172a",
+      }}
+      aria-label="estimate"
+    >
+      <Stack spacing={2}>
+        <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ display: "flex", alignItems: "center", gap: 1, color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 700 }}>
+          <InsightsIcon />
+          Estimated Cost
+        </Typography>
+        <Typography variant="h4" sx={{ color: "#4f46e5", fontWeight: 800 }}>
+          ${estimate.total.toFixed(2)}
+        </Typography>
+        <Divider sx={{ borderColor: "rgba(0,0,0,0.08)" }} />
+        <Stack direction="row" spacing={2} flexWrap="wrap" useFlexGap>
+          <Chip
+            label={`Voice: $${estimate.ttsCost.toFixed(2)}`}
+            size="small"
+            title="Voice narration cost"
+            sx={{ background: "#eef2ff", color: "#0f172a", border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06)" }}
+          />
+          <Chip
+            label={`Visuals: $${estimate.avatarCost.toFixed(2)}`}
+            size="small"
+            title="Avatar/video cost"
+            sx={{ background: "#eef2ff", color: "#0f172a", border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06)" }}
+          />
+          <Chip
+            label={`Research: $${estimate.researchCost.toFixed(2)}`}
+            size="small"
+            title="Research and fact-checking cost"
+            sx={{ background: "#eef2ff", color: "#0f172a", border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06)" }}
+          />
+        </Stack>
+      </Stack>
+    </GlassyCard>
+  );
+};
+

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/PodcastDashboard/Header.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+import React from "react";
+import { Box, Stack, Typography } from "@mui/material";
+import {
+  Mic as MicIcon,
+  Info as InfoIcon,
+  AutoAwesome as AutoAwesomeIcon,
+  LibraryMusic as LibraryMusicIcon,
+} from "@mui/icons-material";
+import { useNavigate } from "react-router-dom";
+import { PrimaryButton, SecondaryButton } from "../ui";
+import HeaderControls from "../../shared/HeaderControls";
+
+interface HeaderProps {
+  onShowProjects: () => void;
+  onNewEpisode: () => void;
+}
+
+export const Header: React.FC<HeaderProps> = ({ onShowProjects, onNewEpisode }) => {
+  const navigate = useNavigate();
+
+  return (
+    <Stack direction="row" justifyContent="space-between" alignItems="flex-start" flexWrap="wrap" gap={2}>
+      <Box>
+        <Typography
+          variant="h3"
+          sx={{
+            color: "#1e293b",
+            fontWeight: 800,
+            mb: 0.5,
+            display: "flex",
+            alignItems: "center",
+            gap: 1.5,
+          }}
+        >
+          <MicIcon fontSize="large" sx={{ color: "#667eea" }} />
+          AI Podcast Maker
+        </Typography>
+        <Typography variant="body2" color="text.secondary">
+          Create professional podcast episodes with AI-powered research, smart scriptwriting, and natural voice narration
+        </Typography>
+      </Box>
+      <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center">
+        <HeaderControls colorMode="light" showAlerts={true} showUser={true} />
+        <SecondaryButton onClick={() => window.open("/docs", "_blank")} startIcon={<InfoIcon />}>
+          Help
+        </SecondaryButton>
+        <SecondaryButton
+          onClick={() => navigate("/asset-library?source_module=podcast_maker&asset_type=audio")}
+          startIcon={<LibraryMusicIcon />}
+          tooltip="View all podcast episodes in Asset Library"
+        >
+          My Episodes
+        </SecondaryButton>
+        <SecondaryButton
+          onClick={onShowProjects}
+          startIcon={<MicIcon />}
+          tooltip="View and resume saved projects"
+        >
+          My Projects
+        </SecondaryButton>
+        <PrimaryButton onClick={onNewEpisode} startIcon={<AutoAwesomeIcon />}>
+          New Episode
+        </PrimaryButton>
+      </Stack>
+    </Stack>
+  );
+};
+

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/PodcastDashboard/ProgressStepper.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,105 @@
+import React from "react";
+import { Box, Paper, Stepper, Step, StepLabel, Typography, alpha } from "@mui/material";
+import {
+  Psychology as PsychologyIcon,
+  Search as SearchIcon,
+  EditNote as EditNoteIcon,
+  PlayArrow as PlayArrowIcon,
+  CheckCircle as CheckCircleIcon,
+} from "@mui/icons-material";
+
+interface ProgressStepperProps {
+  activeStep: number;
+  completedSteps?: number[]; // Steps that have been completed (have data)
+  onStepClick?: (stepIndex: number) => void;
+}
+
+const steps = [
+  { label: "Analysis", icon: <PsychologyIcon />, description: "AI analyzes your idea" },
+  { label: "Research", icon: <SearchIcon />, description: "Gather facts and citations" },
+  { label: "Script", icon: <EditNoteIcon />, description: "Edit and approve scenes" },
+  { label: "Render", icon: <PlayArrowIcon />, description: "Generate audio files" },
+];
+
+export const ProgressStepper: React.FC<ProgressStepperProps> = ({ activeStep, completedSteps = [], onStepClick }) => {
+  if (activeStep < 0) return null;
+
+  const handleStepClick = (stepIndex: number) => {
+    // Allow navigation to any completed step (has data), not just steps before active step
+    const isCompleted = completedSteps.includes(stepIndex);
+    if (isCompleted && onStepClick) {
+      onStepClick(stepIndex);
+    }
+  };
+
+  return (
+    <Paper
+      sx={{
+        p: 2.5,
+        background: "#f8fafc",
+        border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.08)",
+        borderRadius: 2,
+      }}
+    >
+      <Stepper activeStep={activeStep} orientation="horizontal">
+        {steps.map((step, index) => {
+          const isCompleted = completedSteps.includes(index);
+          const isClickable = isCompleted && onStepClick !== undefined;
+          
+          return (
+            <Step key={step.label} completed={isCompleted}>
+              <StepLabel
+                onClick={() => handleStepClick(index)}
+                sx={{
+                  cursor: isClickable ? "pointer" : "default",
+                  "&:hover": isClickable
+                    ? {
+                        "& .MuiStepLabel-label": {
+                          color: "#667eea",
+                        },
+                      }
+                    : {},
+                }}
+                StepIconComponent={({ active, completed }) => (
+                  <Box
+                    sx={{
+                      width: 40,
+                      height: 40,
+                      borderRadius: "50%",
+                      display: "flex",
+                      alignItems: "center",
+                      justifyContent: "center",
+                      background: completed
+                        ? "linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)"
+                        : active
+                        ? alpha("#667eea", 0.15)
+                        : "#e2e8f0",
+                      border: active ? "2px solid #667eea" : "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.1)",
+                      color: completed || active ? "#fff" : "#64748b",
+                      transition: "all 0.2s ease",
+                      ...(isClickable && {
+                        cursor: "pointer",
+                        "&:hover": {
+                          transform: "scale(1.05)",
+                          boxShadow: "0 2px 8px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.3)",
+                        },
+                      }),
+                    }}
+                  >
+                    {completed ? <CheckCircleIcon /> : step.icon}
+                  </Box>
+                )}
+              >
+                <Typography variant="subtitle2">{step.label}</Typography>
+                <Typography variant="caption" color="text.secondary">
+                  {step.description}
+                </Typography>
+              </StepLabel>
+            </Step>
+          );
+        })}
+      </Stepper>
+    </Paper>
+  );
+};
+

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/PodcastDashboard/QuerySelection.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,169 @@
+import React from "react";
+import {
+  Stack,
+  Typography,
+  Chip,
+  Tooltip,
+  Alert,
+  List,
+  ListItem,
+  ListItemButton,
+  ListItemText,
+  Checkbox,
+  FormControl,
+  InputLabel,
+  Select,
+  MenuItem,
+  Box,
+  alpha,
+} from "@mui/material";
+import { Search as SearchIcon, AutoAwesome as AutoAwesomeIcon } from "@mui/icons-material";
+import { ResearchProvider } from "../../../services/blogWriterApi";
+import { Query } from "../types";
+import { GlassyCard, glassyCardSx, PrimaryButton } from "../ui";
+
+interface QuerySelectionProps {
+  queries: Query[];
+  selectedQueries: Set<string>;
+  researchProvider: ResearchProvider;
+  isResearching: boolean;
+  onToggleQuery: (id: string) => void;
+  onProviderChange: (provider: ResearchProvider) => void;
+  onRunResearch: () => void;
+}
+
+export const QuerySelection: React.FC<QuerySelectionProps> = ({
+  queries,
+  selectedQueries,
+  researchProvider,
+  isResearching,
+  onToggleQuery,
+  onProviderChange,
+  onRunResearch,
+}) => {
+  const selectedCount = selectedQueries.size;
+
+  return (
+    <GlassyCard
+      sx={{
+        ...glassyCardSx,
+        background: "#ffffff",
+        border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06)",
+        boxShadow: "0 10px 28px rgba(15,23,42,0.06)",
+        color: "#0f172a",
+      }}
+    >
+      <Stack spacing={3}>
+        <Stack direction="row" justifyContent="space-between" alignItems="center" flexWrap="wrap" gap={2}>
+          <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ display: "flex", alignItems: "center", gap: 1, color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 700 }}>
+            <SearchIcon />
+            Research Queries
+          </Typography>
+          <Stack direction="row" spacing={2} alignItems="center">
+            <FormControl size="small" sx={{ minWidth: 180 }}>
+              <InputLabel>Provider</InputLabel>
+              <Select
+                value={researchProvider}
+                onChange={(e) => onProviderChange(e.target.value as ResearchProvider)}
+                label="Provider"
+                disabled={isResearching}
+                size="small"
+                sx={{
+                  backgroundColor: "#f8fafc",
+                  "&:hover": {
+                    backgroundColor: "#f1f5f9",
+                  },
+                }}
+              >
+                <MenuItem value="google">
+                  <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center">
+                    <SearchIcon fontSize="small" />
+                    <span>Standard Research</span>
+                  </Stack>
+                </MenuItem>
+                <MenuItem value="exa">
+                  <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center">
+                    <AutoAwesomeIcon fontSize="small" />
+                    <span>Deep Research</span>
+                  </Stack>
+                </MenuItem>
+              </Select>
+            </FormControl>
+            <Chip
+              label={`${selectedCount} / ${queries.length} selected`}
+              size="small"
+              color={selectedCount > 0 ? "primary" : "default"}
+            />
+          </Stack>
+        </Stack>
+
+        <Tooltip
+          title={
+            researchProvider === "google"
+              ? "Standard Research: Fast, fact-checked results with source citations"
+              : "Deep Research: Comprehensive analysis with competitor insights and trending topics"
+          }
+          arrow
+        >
+          <Alert
+            severity="info"
+            sx={{
+              background: "#e0f2fe",
+              border: "1px solid #bae6fd",
+              color: "#0f172a",
+            }}
+          >
+            <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#0f172a" }}>
+              {researchProvider === "google"
+                ? "Select at least one query (recommended: 3+ for balanced coverage). Standard research provides fact-checked results with source citations."
+                : "Select queries for deep research. This mode provides comprehensive analysis with competitor insights and trending topics."}
+            </Typography>
+          </Alert>
+        </Tooltip>
+
+        <List>
+          {queries.map((q) => (
+            <ListItem key={q.id} disablePadding>
+              <ListItemButton
+                onClick={() => onToggleQuery(q.id)}
+                disabled={isResearching}
+                sx={{
+                  borderRadius: 2,
+                  mb: 1,
+                  border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.08)",
+                  background: "#f8fafc",
+                  "&:hover": { background: alpha("#667eea", 0.08) },
+                }}
+              >
+                <Checkbox checked={selectedQueries.has(q.id)} edge="start" />
+                <ListItemText
+                  primary={q.query}
+                  secondary={q.rationale}
+                  primaryTypographyProps={{ variant: "body2", fontWeight: 600, color: "#0f172a" }}
+                  secondaryTypographyProps={{ variant: "caption", sx: { color: "#475569" } }}
+                />
+              </ListItemButton>
+            </ListItem>
+          ))}
+        </List>
+
+        <Box sx={{ display: "flex", justifyContent: "flex-end" }}>
+          <PrimaryButton
+            onClick={onRunResearch}
+            disabled={selectedCount === 0 || isResearching}
+            loading={isResearching}
+            startIcon={<SearchIcon />}
+            tooltip={
+              selectedCount === 0
+                ? "Select at least one query to run research"
+                : `Run research with ${selectedCount} selected ${selectedCount === 1 ? "query" : "queries"}`
+            }
+          >
+            {isResearching ? "Running Research..." : "Run Research"}
+          </PrimaryButton>
+        </Box>
+      </Stack>
+    </GlassyCard>
+  );
+};
+

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/PodcastDashboard/ResearchSummary.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,148 @@
+import React from "react";
+import { Stack, Typography, Chip, Divider, Box, alpha } from "@mui/material";
+import {
+  Insights as InsightsIcon,
+  Search as SearchIcon,
+  AttachMoney as AttachMoneyIcon,
+  EditNote as EditNoteIcon,
+} from "@mui/icons-material";
+import { Research } from "../types";
+import { GlassyCard, glassyCardSx, PrimaryButton } from "../ui";
+import { FactCard } from "../FactCard";
+
+interface ResearchSummaryProps {
+  research: Research;
+  canGenerateScript: boolean;
+  onGenerateScript: () => void;
+}
+
+export const ResearchSummary: React.FC<ResearchSummaryProps> = ({
+  research,
+  canGenerateScript,
+  onGenerateScript,
+}) => {
+  return (
+    <GlassyCard sx={glassyCardSx}>
+      <Stack spacing={3}>
+        <Stack direction="row" justifyContent="space-between" alignItems="flex-start" flexWrap="wrap" gap={2}>
+          <Box sx={{ flex: 1 }}>
+            <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ display: "flex", alignItems: "center", gap: 1, mb: 1 }}>
+              <InsightsIcon />
+              Research Summary
+            </Typography>
+            <Typography variant="body2" color="text.secondary" sx={{ mb: 2, lineHeight: 1.7 }}>
+              {research.summary}
+            </Typography>
+
+            {/* Research Metadata */}
+            <Stack direction="row" spacing={2} flexWrap="wrap" useFlexGap sx={{ mb: 2 }}>
+              {research.searchQueries && research.searchQueries.length > 0 && (
+                <Chip
+                  icon={<SearchIcon />}
+                  label={`${research.searchQueries.length} search${research.searchQueries.length > 1 ? "es" : ""}`}
+                  size="small"
+                  sx={{
+                    background: alpha("#667eea", 0.1),
+                    color: "#667eea",
+                    fontWeight: 600,
+                    border: "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.2)",
+                  }}
+                />
+              )}
+              {research.searchType && (
+                <Chip
+                  label={`${research.searchType.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + research.searchType.slice(1)} search`}
+                  size="small"
+                  sx={{
+                    background: alpha("#10b981", 0.1),
+                    color: "#059669",
+                    fontWeight: 600,
+                    border: "1px solid rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.2)",
+                  }}
+                />
+              )}
+              {research.sourceCount !== undefined && (
+                <Chip
+                  label={`${research.sourceCount} source${research.sourceCount !== 1 ? "s" : ""}`}
+                  size="small"
+                  sx={{
+                    background: alpha("#6366f1", 0.1),
+                    color: "#4f46e5",
+                    fontWeight: 600,
+                    border: "1px solid rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.2)",
+                  }}
+                />
+              )}
+              {research.cost !== undefined && (
+                <Chip
+                  icon={<AttachMoneyIcon sx={{ fontSize: "0.875rem !important" }} />}
+                  label={`$${research.cost.toFixed(3)}`}
+                  size="small"
+                  sx={{
+                    background: alpha("#f59e0b", 0.1),
+                    color: "#d97706",
+                    fontWeight: 600,
+                    border: "1px solid rgba(245, 158, 11, 0.2)",
+                  }}
+                />
+              )}
+            </Stack>
+
+            {/* Search Queries Used */}
+            {research.searchQueries && research.searchQueries.length > 0 && (
+              <Box sx={{ mb: 2 }}>
+                <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ mb: 1, color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600 }}>
+                  Search Queries Used
+                </Typography>
+                <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} flexWrap="wrap" useFlexGap>
+                  {research.searchQueries.map((query, idx) => (
+                    <Chip
+                      key={idx}
+                      label={query}
+                      size="small"
+                      variant="outlined"
+                      sx={{
+                        borderColor: "rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.3)",
+                        color: "#475569",
+                        background: alpha("#f8fafc", 0.8),
+                        fontSize: "0.8125rem",
+                      }}
+                    />
+                  ))}
+                </Stack>
+              </Box>
+            )}
+          </Box>
+          <PrimaryButton
+            onClick={onGenerateScript}
+            disabled={!canGenerateScript}
+            startIcon={<EditNoteIcon />}
+            tooltip={!canGenerateScript ? "Complete research to generate script" : "Generate AI-powered script from research"}
+          >
+            Generate Script
+          </PrimaryButton>
+        </Stack>
+
+        {research.factCards.length > 0 && (
+          <>
+            <Divider sx={{ borderColor: "rgba(0,0,0,0.08)" }} />
+            <Stack direction="row" justifyContent="space-between" alignItems="center" sx={{ mb: 1.5 }}>
+              <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600 }}>
+                Research Sources & Facts ({research.factCards.length})
+              </Typography>
+              <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#64748b" }}>
+                Click any card to view source details
+              </Typography>
+            </Stack>
+            <Box sx={{ display: "grid", gridTemplateColumns: { xs: "1fr", sm: "1fr 1fr", lg: "1fr 1fr 1fr" }, gap: 2 }}>
+              {research.factCards.map((fact) => (
+                <FactCard key={fact.id} fact={fact} />
+              ))}
+            </Box>
+          </>
+        )}
+      </Stack>
+    </GlassyCard>
+  );
+};
+

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/PodcastDashboard/index.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+export { Header } from "./Header";
+export { ProgressStepper } from "./ProgressStepper";
+export { EstimateCard } from "./EstimateCard";
+export { QuerySelection } from "./QuerySelection";
+export { ResearchSummary } from "./ResearchSummary";
+export { usePodcastWorkflow } from "./usePodcastWorkflow";
+export * from "./utils";
+

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/PodcastDashboard/usePodcastWorkflow.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,302 @@
+import { useState, useEffect, useMemo, useCallback } from "react";
+import { ResearchProvider, ResearchConfig } from "../../../services/blogWriterApi";
+import { podcastApi } from "../../../services/podcastApi";
+import { usePreflightCheck } from "../../../hooks/usePreflightCheck";
+import { useBudgetTracking } from "../../../hooks/useBudgetTracking";
+import { CreateProjectPayload, Query, Research, Script, Job } from "../types";
+import { usePodcastProjectState } from "../../../hooks/usePodcastProjectState";
+import { sanitizeExaConfig, announceError, getStepLabel } from "./utils";
+
+type PodcastProjectStateReturn = ReturnType<typeof usePodcastProjectState>;
+
+interface UsePodcastWorkflowProps {
+  projectState: PodcastProjectStateReturn;
+  onError: (message: string) => void;
+}
+
+export const usePodcastWorkflow = ({ projectState, onError }: UsePodcastWorkflowProps) => {
+  const {
+    project,
+    analysis,
+    queries,
+    selectedQueries,
+    research,
+    rawResearch,
+    researchProvider,
+    showScriptEditor,
+    showRenderQueue,
+    currentStep,
+    renderJobs,
+    budgetCap,
+    setProject,
+    setAnalysis,
+    setQueries,
+    setSelectedQueries,
+    setResearch,
+    setRawResearch,
+    setEstimate,
+    setScriptData,
+    setShowScriptEditor,
+    setShowRenderQueue,
+    setKnobs,
+    setResearchProvider,
+    setBudgetCap,
+    updateRenderJob,
+    initializeProject,
+  } = projectState;
+
+  const [isAnalyzing, setIsAnalyzing] = useState(false);
+  const [isResearching, setIsResearching] = useState(false);
+  const [announcement, setAnnouncement] = useState("");
+  const [showResumeAlert, setShowResumeAlert] = useState(false);
+  const [showPreflightDialog, setShowPreflightDialog] = useState(false);
+  const [preflightResponse, setPreflightResponse] = useState<any>(null);
+  const [preflightOperationName, setPreflightOperationName] = useState<string>("");
+
+  const budgetTracking = useBudgetTracking(budgetCap || 50);
+  const preflightCheck = usePreflightCheck({
+    onBlocked: (response) => {
+      setPreflightResponse(response);
+      setShowPreflightDialog(true);
+    },
+  });
+
+  // Update budget cap when project state changes
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (budgetCap) {
+      budgetTracking.setBudgetCap(budgetCap);
+    }
+    // eslint-disable-next-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps
+  }, [budgetCap]);
+
+  // Check if we have a saved project on mount
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (project && currentStep && currentStep !== "create") {
+      setShowResumeAlert(true);
+      setTimeout(() => setShowResumeAlert(false), 5000);
+    }
+  }, []); // Only on mount
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (announcement) {
+      const t = setTimeout(() => setAnnouncement(""), 4000);
+      return () => clearTimeout(t);
+    }
+    return undefined;
+  }, [announcement]);
+
+  const handleCreate = useCallback(async (payload: CreateProjectPayload) => {
+    if (isAnalyzing) return;
+    setResearch(null);
+    setRawResearch(null);
+    setScriptData(null);
+    setShowScriptEditor(false);
+    setShowRenderQueue(false);
+    try {
+      setIsAnalyzing(true);
+      setAnnouncement("Analyzing your idea — AI suggestions incoming");
+      const result = await podcastApi.createProject(payload);
+      await initializeProject(payload, result.projectId);
+      setProject({ id: result.projectId, idea: payload.ideaOrUrl, duration: payload.duration, speakers: payload.speakers });
+      setAnalysis(result.analysis);
+      setEstimate(result.estimate);
+      setQueries(result.queries);
+      setSelectedQueries(new Set(result.queries.map((q) => q.id)));
+      setKnobs(payload.knobs);
+      setBudgetCap(payload.budgetCap);
+      setAnnouncement("Analysis complete");
+    } catch (error: any) {
+      if (error?.response?.status === 429 || error?.response?.data?.detail) {
+        const errorDetail = error.response.data.detail;
+        if (typeof errorDetail === 'object' && errorDetail.error && errorDetail.error.includes('limit')) {
+          const usageInfo = errorDetail.usage_info || {};
+          const blockedResponse = {
+            can_proceed: false,
+            estimated_cost: 0,
+            operations: [{
+              provider: errorDetail.provider || 'huggingface',
+              operation_type: 'ai_text_generation',
+              cost: 0,
+              allowed: false,
+              limit_info: usageInfo.limit_info || null,
+              message: errorDetail.message || errorDetail.error || 'Subscription limit exceeded',
+            }],
+            total_cost: 0,
+            usage_summary: usageInfo.usage_summary || null,
+            cached: false,
+          };
+          setPreflightResponse(blockedResponse);
+          setPreflightOperationName('Podcast Analysis');
+          setShowPreflightDialog(true);
+          setAnnouncement("Subscription limit reached. Please upgrade to continue.");
+        } else {
+          const message = typeof errorDetail === 'string' ? errorDetail : errorDetail.message || errorDetail.error || 'Request limit exceeded';
+          announceError(setAnnouncement, new Error(message));
+        }
+      } else {
+        announceError(setAnnouncement, error);
+      }
+    } finally {
+      setIsAnalyzing(false);
+    }
+  }, [isAnalyzing, setResearch, setRawResearch, setScriptData, setShowScriptEditor, setShowRenderQueue, initializeProject, setProject, setAnalysis, setEstimate, setQueries, setSelectedQueries, setKnobs, setBudgetCap]);
+
+  const handleRunResearch = useCallback(async () => {
+    if (isResearching) return;
+    if (!project) {
+      setAnnouncement("Create a project first.");
+      return;
+    }
+    if (selectedQueries.size === 0) {
+      setAnnouncement("Select at least one query to research.");
+      return;
+    }
+
+    setPreflightOperationName("Research");
+    const approvedQueries = queries.filter((q) => selectedQueries.has(q.id));
+    const preflightResult = await preflightCheck.check({
+      provider: researchProvider === "exa" ? "exa" : "gemini",
+      operation_type: researchProvider === "exa" ? "exa_neural_search" : "google_grounding",
+      tokens_requested: researchProvider === "exa" ? 0 : 1200,
+      actual_provider_name: researchProvider || "exa",
+    });
+
+    if (!preflightResult.can_proceed) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    try {
+      setIsResearching(true);
+      setAnnouncement(`Starting ${researchProvider === "exa" ? "deep" : "standard"} research — this may take a moment...`);
+      setResearch(null);
+      setRawResearch(null);
+      setScriptData(null);
+      setShowScriptEditor(false);
+      setShowRenderQueue(false);
+
+      try {
+        const { research: mapped, raw } = await podcastApi.runResearch({
+          projectId: project.id,
+          topic: project.idea,
+          approvedQueries,
+          provider: researchProvider,
+          exaConfig: sanitizeExaConfig(analysis?.exaSuggestedConfig),
+          onProgress: (message) => {
+            setAnnouncement(message);
+          },
+        });
+        setResearch(mapped);
+        setRawResearch(raw);
+        setAnnouncement("Research complete — review fact cards below");
+      } catch (researchError) {
+        const errorMessage = researchError instanceof Error
+          ? researchError.message
+          : "Research failed. Please try again or switch to Standard Research.";
+
+        if (errorMessage.includes("Exa") || errorMessage.includes("exa")) {
+          setAnnouncement(`Deep research failed: ${errorMessage}. Try Standard Research instead.`);
+        } else if (errorMessage.includes("timeout")) {
+          setAnnouncement("Research timed out. Please try again with fewer queries.");
+        } else {
+          setAnnouncement(`Research failed: ${errorMessage}`);
+        }
+
+        console.error("Research error:", researchError);
+        throw researchError;
+      }
+    } catch (error) {
+      announceError(setAnnouncement, error);
+    } finally {
+      setIsResearching(false);
+    }
+  }, [isResearching, project, selectedQueries, queries, researchProvider, preflightCheck, analysis, setResearch, setRawResearch, setScriptData, setShowScriptEditor, setShowRenderQueue]);
+
+  const handleGenerateScript = useCallback(async () => {
+    if (showScriptEditor) return;
+    if (!project || !research) {
+      setAnnouncement("Project or research missing — cannot generate script");
+      return;
+    }
+
+    setPreflightOperationName("Script Generation");
+    const preflightResult = await preflightCheck.check({
+      provider: "gemini",
+      operation_type: "script_generation",
+      tokens_requested: 2000,
+      actual_provider_name: "gemini",
+    });
+
+    if (!preflightResult.can_proceed) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    setScriptData(null);
+    setShowRenderQueue(false);
+    setShowScriptEditor(true);
+  }, [showScriptEditor, project, research, preflightCheck, setScriptData, setShowRenderQueue, setShowScriptEditor]);
+
+  const handleProceedToRendering = useCallback((script: Script) => {
+    setScriptData(script);
+    if (renderJobs.length === 0) {
+      script.scenes.forEach((scene) => {
+        const hasExistingAudio = Boolean(scene.audioUrl);
+        updateRenderJob(scene.id, {
+          sceneId: scene.id,
+          title: scene.title,
+          status: hasExistingAudio ? ("completed" as const) : ("idle" as const),
+          progress: hasExistingAudio ? 100 : 0,
+          previewUrl: null,
+          finalUrl: hasExistingAudio ? scene.audioUrl : null,
+          jobId: null,
+        });
+      });
+    }
+    setShowRenderQueue(true);
+    setShowScriptEditor(false);
+  }, [renderJobs.length, setScriptData, updateRenderJob, setShowRenderQueue, setShowScriptEditor]);
+
+  const toggleQuery = useCallback((id: string) => {
+    if (isResearching) return;
+    const current = selectedQueries;
+    const next = new Set<string>(current);
+    if (next.has(id)) next.delete(id);
+    else next.add(id);
+    setSelectedQueries(next);
+  }, [isResearching, selectedQueries, setSelectedQueries]);
+
+  const activeStep = useMemo(() => {
+    if (showRenderQueue) return 3;
+    if (showScriptEditor) return 2;
+    if (research) return 1;
+    if (analysis) return 0;
+    return -1;
+  }, [showRenderQueue, showScriptEditor, research, analysis]);
+
+  const canGenerateScript = Boolean(project && research && rawResearch);
+
+  return {
+    // State
+    isAnalyzing,
+    isResearching,
+    announcement,
+    showResumeAlert,
+    showPreflightDialog,
+    preflightResponse,
+    preflightOperationName,
+    activeStep,
+    canGenerateScript,
+    // Handlers
+    handleCreate,
+    handleRunResearch,
+    handleGenerateScript,
+    handleProceedToRendering,
+    toggleQuery,
+    setAnnouncement,
+    setShowResumeAlert,
+    setShowPreflightDialog,
+    setPreflightResponse,
+    setResearchProvider,
+    getStepLabel,
+  };
+};
+

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/PodcastDashboard/utils.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+import { ResearchConfig, DateRange } from "../../../services/blogWriterApi";
+import { CreateProjectPayload, Knobs } from "../types";
+
+export const DEFAULT_KNOBS: Knobs = {
+  voice_emotion: "neutral",
+  voice_speed: 1,
+  resolution: "720p",
+  scene_length_target: 45,
+  sample_rate: 24000,
+  bitrate: "standard",
+};
+
+export const allowedDateRanges: DateRange[] = [
+  "last_week",
+  "last_month",
+  "last_3_months",
+  "last_6_months",
+  "last_year",
+  "all_time",
+];
+
+export const sanitizeExaConfig = (
+  exa?: CreateProjectPayload["knobs"] & any & { exa_suggested_config?: any } | any
+): ResearchConfig | undefined => {
+  if (!exa) return undefined;
+  const cfg = exa as {
+    exa_search_type?: "auto" | "keyword" | "neural";
+    exa_category?: string;
+    exa_include_domains?: string[];
+    exa_exclude_domains?: string[];
+    max_sources?: number;
+    include_statistics?: boolean;
+    date_range?: string;
+  };
+
+  const searchType: ResearchConfig["exa_search_type"] =
+    cfg.exa_search_type && ["auto", "keyword", "neural"].includes(cfg.exa_search_type)
+      ? cfg.exa_search_type
+      : undefined;
+
+  const dateRange: DateRange | undefined = cfg.date_range && allowedDateRanges.includes(cfg.date_range as DateRange)
+    ? (cfg.date_range as DateRange)
+    : undefined;
+
+  return {
+    provider: "exa",
+    exa_search_type: searchType,
+    exa_category: cfg.exa_category,
+    exa_include_domains: cfg.exa_include_domains,
+    exa_exclude_domains: cfg.exa_exclude_domains,
+    max_sources: cfg.max_sources,
+    include_statistics: cfg.include_statistics,
+    date_range: dateRange,
+  };
+};
+
+export const announceError = (setAnnouncement: (msg: string) => void, error: unknown) => {
+  const message = error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Unexpected error";
+  setAnnouncement(message);
+};
+
+export const getStepLabel = (step: string | null): string => {
+  switch (step) {
+    case "analysis":
+      return "Analysis";
+    case "research":
+      return "Research";
+    case "script":
+      return "Script Editing";
+    case "render":
+      return "Rendering";
+    default:
+      return "Unknown";
+  }
+};
+

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/RenderQueue.tsx

@@ -1,23 +1,15 @@
-import React, { useEffect, useState, useRef } from "react";
-import { Box, Stack, Typography, Alert, Paper, Chip, Divider, LinearProgress, Button, CircularProgress, alpha } from "@mui/material";
+import React, { useCallback } from "react";
+import { Box, Stack, Typography, Alert, Paper, alpha } from "@mui/material";
 import {
   PlayArrow as PlayArrowIcon,
   ArrowBack as ArrowBackIcon,
-  VolumeUp as VolumeUpIcon,
-  CheckCircle as CheckCircleIcon,
-  RadioButtonUnchecked as RadioButtonUncheckedIcon,
-  Info as InfoIcon,
-  OpenInNew as OpenInNewIcon,
-  Download as DownloadIcon,
-  Share as ShareIcon,
-  Refresh as RefreshIcon,
-  Videocam as VideocamIcon,
-  Cancel as CancelIcon,
 } from "@mui/icons-material";
-import { Script, Knobs, Job, RenderJobResult, TaskStatus } from "./types";
-import { podcastApi } from "../../services/podcastApi";
-import { GlassyCard, glassyCardSx, PrimaryButton, SecondaryButton } from "./ui";
-import { InlineAudioPlayer } from "./InlineAudioPlayer";
+import { Script, Knobs, Job } from "./types";
+import { SecondaryButton } from "./ui";
+import { SceneCard } from "./RenderQueue/SceneCard";
+import { SummaryStats } from "./RenderQueue/SummaryStats";
+import { GuidancePanel } from "./RenderQueue/GuidancePanel";
+import { useRenderQueue } from "./RenderQueue/useRenderQueue";
 
 interface RenderQueueProps {
   projectId: string;
@@ -27,307 +19,81 @@ interface RenderQueueProps {
   budgetCap?: number;
   avatarImageUrl?: string | null;
   onUpdateJob: (sceneId: string, updates: Partial<Job>) => void;
+  onUpdateScript?: (script: Script) => void;
   onBack: () => void;
   onError: (message: string) => void;
 }
 
-const getSceneVoiceEmotion = (knobs: Knobs) => knobs.voice_emotion || "neutral";
+export const RenderQueue: React.FC<RenderQueueProps> = ({
+  projectId,
+  script,
+  knobs,
+  jobs,
+  budgetCap,
+  avatarImageUrl,
+  onUpdateJob,
+  onUpdateScript,
+  onBack,
+  onError,
+}) => {
+  const {
+    rendering,
+    generatingImage,
+    isBusy,
+    runRender,
+    runImageGeneration,
+    runVideoRender,
+  } = useRenderQueue({
+    script,
+    jobs,
+    knobs,
+    projectId,
+    budgetCap,
+    avatarImageUrl,
+    onUpdateJob,
+    onUpdateScript,
+    onError,
+  });
 
-export const RenderQueue: React.FC<RenderQueueProps> = ({ projectId, script, knobs, jobs, budgetCap, avatarImageUrl, onUpdateJob, onBack, onError }) => {
-  const [rendering, setRendering] = useState<string | null>(null);
-  const pollingIntervals = useRef<Map<string, NodeJS.Timeout>>(new Map());
-  const isBusy = Boolean(rendering);
-
-  // Cleanup polling intervals on unmount
-  useEffect(() => {
-    return () => {
-      pollingIntervals.current.forEach((interval) => clearInterval(interval));
-      pollingIntervals.current.clear();
-    };
+  const handleDownloadAudio = useCallback((audioUrl: string, title: string) => {
+    const link = document.createElement("a");
+    link.href = audioUrl;
+    link.download = `${title.replace(/\s+/g, "-")}.mp3`;
+    link.click();
   }, []);
 
-  // Initialize jobs if empty
-  useEffect(() => {
-    if (jobs.length === 0 && script.scenes.length > 0) {
-      const initialJobs: Job[] = script.scenes.map((s) => ({
-        sceneId: s.id,
-        title: s.title,
-        status: "idle" as const,
-        progress: 0,
-        previewUrl: null,
-        finalUrl: null,
-        jobId: null,
-      }));
-      // Update all jobs at once
-      initialJobs.forEach((job) => {
-        onUpdateJob(job.sceneId, job);
-      });
-    }
-  }, [script.scenes.length, jobs.length, onUpdateJob]);
+  const handleDownloadVideo = useCallback((videoUrl: string, title: string) => {
+    const link = document.createElement("a");
+    link.href = videoUrl;
+    link.download = `${title.replace(/\s+/g, "-")}.mp4`;
+    link.click();
+  }, []);
 
-  const getScene = (sceneId: string) => script.scenes.find((s) => s.id === sceneId);
-
-  const pollTaskStatus = async (taskId: string, sceneId: string) => {
-    try {
-      const status: TaskStatus = await podcastApi.pollTaskStatus(taskId);
-      
-      onUpdateJob(sceneId, {
-        progress: status.progress ?? 0,
-        status: status.status === "completed" ? "completed" : status.status === "failed" ? "failed" : "running",
-      });
-
-      if (status.status === "completed" && status.result) {
-        const result = status.result;
-        const updates: Partial<Job> = {
-          status: "completed",
-          progress: 100,
-          videoUrl: result.video_url,
-          cost: result.cost,
-        };
-        onUpdateJob(sceneId, updates);
-        
-        // Clear polling interval
-        const interval = pollingIntervals.current.get(sceneId);
-        if (interval) {
-          clearInterval(interval);
-          pollingIntervals.current.delete(sceneId);
-        }
-      } else if (status.status === "failed") {
-        onUpdateJob(sceneId, { status: "failed", progress: 0 });
-        
-        // Clear polling interval
-        const interval = pollingIntervals.current.get(sceneId);
-        if (interval) {
-          clearInterval(interval);
-          pollingIntervals.current.delete(sceneId);
-        }
-        
-        onError(status.error || "Video generation failed");
-      }
-      
-      return status.status === "completed" || status.status === "failed";
-    } catch (error) {
-      console.error("Error polling task status:", error);
-      return false;
-    }
-  };
-
-  const startPolling = (taskId: string, sceneId: string) => {
-    // Clear any existing interval for this scene
-    const existingInterval = pollingIntervals.current.get(sceneId);
-    if (existingInterval) {
-      clearInterval(existingInterval);
-    }
-
-    // Poll every 3 seconds
-    const interval = setInterval(async () => {
-      const isComplete = await pollTaskStatus(taskId, sceneId);
-      if (isComplete) {
-        clearInterval(interval);
-        pollingIntervals.current.delete(sceneId);
-      }
-    }, 3000);
-
-    pollingIntervals.current.set(sceneId, interval);
-  };
-
-  const cancelRender = async (sceneId: string) => {
-    const job = jobs.find((j) => j.sceneId === sceneId);
-    if (job?.taskId) {
+  const handleShare = useCallback(async (audioUrl: string, title: string) => {
+    if (navigator.share && audioUrl) {
       try {
-        await podcastApi.cancelTask(job.taskId);
-        onUpdateJob(sceneId, { status: "cancelled", progress: 0 });
-        
-        // Clear polling interval
-        const interval = pollingIntervals.current.get(sceneId);
-        if (interval) {
-          clearInterval(interval);
-          pollingIntervals.current.delete(sceneId);
-        }
-      } catch (error) {
-        console.error("Error cancelling task:", error);
-        onError("Failed to cancel render job");
+        await navigator.share({
+          title,
+          text: `Check out this podcast episode: ${title}`,
+          url: audioUrl,
+        });
+      } catch (err) {
+        // User cancelled or error
       }
+    } else {
+      // Fallback: copy to clipboard
+      await navigator.clipboard.writeText(audioUrl);
+      alert("Audio URL copied to clipboard!");
     }
-  };
+  }, []);
 
-  const runRender = async (sceneId: string, mode: "preview" | "full") => {
-    // Prevent double-fire while another render is in-flight
-    if (rendering && rendering !== sceneId) return;
-    const job = jobs.find((j) => j.sceneId === sceneId);
-    if (job && job.status !== "idle") return;
-    const scene = getScene(sceneId);
-    if (!scene) return;
-
-    // Estimate cost (rough estimate: ~$0.05 per 1000 chars)
-    const textLength = scene.lines.map((l) => l.text).join(" ").length;
-    const estimatedCost = (textLength / 1000) * 0.05;
-
-    // Check budget cap if provided
-    if (budgetCap && budgetCap > 0) {
-      const currentSpent = jobs
-        .filter((j) => j.status === "completed" && j.cost)
-        .reduce((sum, j) => sum + (j.cost || 0), 0);
-      
-      if (currentSpent + estimatedCost > budgetCap) {
-        onError(`Budget cap exceeded. Estimated cost: $${estimatedCost.toFixed(4)}, Budget remaining: $${(budgetCap - currentSpent).toFixed(2)}`);
-        return;
-      }
-    }
-
-    setRendering(sceneId);
-    onUpdateJob(sceneId, {
-      status: mode === "preview" ? "previewing" : "running",
-      progress: mode === "preview" ? 25 : 40,
-    });
-    try {
-      const result: RenderJobResult = await podcastApi.renderSceneAudio({
-        scene,
-        voiceId: "Wise_Woman",
-        emotion: getSceneVoiceEmotion(knobs),
-        speed: knobs.voice_speed,
-      });
-
-      const updates: Partial<Job> = {
-        status: "completed",
-        progress: 100,
-        cost: result.cost,
-        provider: result.provider,
-        voiceId: result.voiceId,
-        fileSize: result.fileSize,
-      };
-
-      if (mode === "preview") {
-        updates.previewUrl = result.audioUrl;
-        window.open(result.audioUrl, "_blank");
-      } else {
-        updates.finalUrl = result.audioUrl;
-
-        // Save to asset library when final render completes
-        try {
-          await podcastApi.saveAudioToAssetLibrary({
-            audioUrl: result.audioUrl,
-            filename: result.audioFilename,
-            title: `${script.scenes.find((s) => s.id === sceneId)?.title || "Scene"} - ${projectId}`,
-            description: `Podcast episode scene audio: ${scene.title}`,
-            projectId,
-            sceneId,
-            cost: result.cost,
-            provider: result.provider,
-            model: result.model,
-            fileSize: result.fileSize,
-          });
-        } catch (assetError) {
-          console.error("Failed to save to asset library:", assetError);
-          // Don't fail the render if asset save fails
-        }
-      }
-
-      onUpdateJob(sceneId, updates);
-    } catch (error) {
-      onUpdateJob(sceneId, { status: "failed", progress: 0 });
-      const message = error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Render failed";
-      onError(message);
-    } finally {
-      setRendering(null);
-    }
-  };
-
-  const runVideoRender = async (sceneId: string) => {
-    // Prevent double-fire while another render is in-flight
-    if (rendering && rendering !== sceneId) return;
-    const scene = getScene(sceneId);
-    if (!scene) return;
-
-    if (!avatarImageUrl) {
-      onError("Avatar image is required for video generation. Please upload an avatar image in project settings.");
-      return;
-    }
-
-    const job = jobs.find((j) => j.sceneId === sceneId);
-    if (!job?.finalUrl) {
-      onError("Please generate audio first before creating video.");
-      return;
-    }
-
-    // Estimate cost (video generation is ~$0.30 per 5 seconds at 720p)
-    const estimatedCost = 0.30; // Base cost per video
-
-    // Check budget cap if provided
-    if (budgetCap && budgetCap > 0) {
-      const currentSpent = jobs
-        .filter((j) => j.status === "completed" && j.cost)
-        .reduce((sum, j) => sum + (j.cost || 0), 0);
-      
-      if (currentSpent + estimatedCost > budgetCap) {
-        onError(`Budget cap exceeded. Estimated cost: $${estimatedCost.toFixed(2)}, Budget remaining: $${(budgetCap - currentSpent).toFixed(2)}`);
-        return;
-      }
-    }
-
-    setRendering(sceneId);
-    onUpdateJob(sceneId, {
-      status: "running",
-      progress: 5,
-    });
-
-    try {
-      const result = await podcastApi.generateVideo({
-        projectId,
-        sceneId,
-        sceneTitle: scene.title,
-        audioUrl: job.finalUrl,
-        avatarImageUrl: avatarImageUrl,
-        resolution: knobs.resolution || "720p",
-      });
-
-      // Start polling for video generation status
-      onUpdateJob(sceneId, {
-        taskId: result.taskId,
-        status: "running",
-        progress: 5,
-      });
-
-      startPolling(result.taskId, sceneId);
-    } catch (error) {
-      onUpdateJob(sceneId, { status: "failed", progress: 0 });
-      const message = error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Video generation failed";
-      onError(message);
-    } finally {
-      setRendering(null);
-    }
-  };
-
-  const getStatusColor = (status: Job["status"]) => {
-    switch (status) {
-      case "completed":
-        return "success";
-      case "failed":
-        return "error";
-      case "running":
-      case "previewing":
-        return "info";
-      default:
-        return "default";
-    }
-  };
-
-  const getStatusIcon = (status: Job["status"]) => {
-    switch (status) {
-      case "completed":
-        return <CheckCircleIcon />;
-      case "failed":
-        return <InfoIcon />;
-      case "running":
-      case "previewing":
-        return <CircularProgress size={16} />;
-      default:
-        return <RadioButtonUncheckedIcon />;
-    }
-  };
+  const allScenesCompleted =
+    (jobs.length > 0 && jobs.every((j) => j.status === "completed" && j.imageUrl)) ||
+    (script.scenes.length > 0 && script.scenes.every((s) => s.audioUrl && s.imageUrl));
 
   return (
     <Box sx={{ mt: 3 }}>
+      {/* Header */}
       <Stack direction="row" spacing={2} alignItems="center" sx={{ mb: 3 }}>
         <SecondaryButton onClick={onBack} startIcon={<ArrowBackIcon />}>
           Back to Script
@@ -349,204 +115,99 @@ export const RenderQueue: React.FC<RenderQueueProps> = ({ projectId, script, kno
         </Typography>
       </Stack>
 
+      {/* Info Alert */}
       <Alert severity="info" sx={{ mb: 3, background: alpha("#3b82f6", 0.1), border: "1px solid rgba(59,130,246,0.3)" }}>
         <Typography variant="body2">
           <strong>Audio Generation:</strong> Preview creates a quick sample to test voice and pacing. Full render generates the complete, production-ready audio file for your episode.
         </Typography>
       </Alert>
 
+      {/* Summary Stats */}
+      <SummaryStats jobs={jobs} scenes={script.scenes} />
+
+      {/* Empty State */}
+      {jobs.length === 0 && script.scenes.length === 0 && (
+        <Paper
+          sx={{
+            p: 4,
+            textAlign: "center",
+            background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.05) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.05) 100%)",
+            border: "2px dashed rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.3)",
+            borderRadius: 2,
+          }}
+        >
+          <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600, mb: 1 }}>
+            No scenes to render
+          </Typography>
+          <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#64748b", mb: 3 }}>
+            Go back to the script editor to generate and approve scenes first.
+          </Typography>
+          <SecondaryButton onClick={onBack} startIcon={<ArrowBackIcon />}>
+            Back to Script Editor
+          </SecondaryButton>
+        </Paper>
+      )}
+
+      {/* Guidance Panel */}
+      {script.scenes.length > 0 && <GuidancePanel scenes={script.scenes} />}
+
+      {/* Scene Cards */}
       <Stack spacing={2}>
-        {jobs.map((job) => {
-          const scene = getScene(job.sceneId);
-          const initials = job.title
-            .split(" ")
-            .slice(0, 2)
-            .map((s) => s[0])
-            .join("")
-            .toUpperCase();
-
+        {script.scenes.map((scene) => {
+          const job = jobs.find((j) => j.sceneId === scene.id);
           return (
-            <GlassyCard key={job.sceneId} sx={glassyCardSx}>
-              <Stack spacing={2}>
-                <Stack direction="row" spacing={2} alignItems="flex-start">
-                  <Paper
-                    sx={{
-                      width: 56,
-                      height: 56,
-                      display: "flex",
-                      alignItems: "center",
-                      justifyContent: "center",
-                      background: alpha("#667eea", 0.2),
-                      border: "1px solid rgba(102,126,234,0.3)",
-                      fontWeight: 700,
-                      fontSize: "1.2rem",
-                    }}
-                  >
-                    {initials}
-                  </Paper>
-                  <Box flex={1}>
-                    <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ mb: 0.5 }}>
-                      {job.title}
-                    </Typography>
-                    <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center" flexWrap="wrap" useFlexGap>
-                      <Chip label={`Scene ${job.sceneId.slice(-4)}`} size="small" variant="outlined" />
-                      {job.cost != null && (
-                        <Chip
-                          label={`$${job.cost.toFixed(2)}`}
-                          size="small"
-                          sx={{ background: alpha("#10b981", 0.2), color: "#6ee7b7" }}
-                          title="Generation cost"
-                        />
-                      )}
-                      {job.fileSize && (
-                        <Typography variant="caption" color="text.secondary">
-                          {(job.fileSize / 1024).toFixed(1)} KB
-                        </Typography>
-                      )}
-                    </Stack>
-                    {job.finalUrl && (
-                      <Button
-                        size="small"
-                        startIcon={<OpenInNewIcon />}
-                        href={job.finalUrl}
-                        target="_blank"
-                        sx={{ mt: 1, color: "#a78bfa" }}
-                      >
-                        Download Final Audio
-                      </Button>
-                    )}
-                    {job.videoUrl && (
-                      <Button
-                        size="small"
-                        startIcon={<VideocamIcon />}
-                        href={job.videoUrl}
-                        target="_blank"
-                        sx={{ mt: 1, ml: 1, color: "#a78bfa" }}
-                      >
-                        Download Video
-                      </Button>
-                    )}
-                  </Box>
-                  <Chip
-                    icon={getStatusIcon(job.status)}
-                    label={job.status.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + job.status.slice(1)}
-                    color={getStatusColor(job.status)}
-                    size="small"
-                    sx={{
-                      textTransform: "capitalize",
-                      minWidth: 100,
-                    }}
-                  />
-                </Stack>
-
-                {job.status !== "idle" && job.status !== "completed" && (
-                  <Box>
-                    <Stack direction="row" justifyContent="space-between" sx={{ mb: 0.5 }}>
-                      <Typography variant="caption" color="text.secondary">
-                        Progress
-                      </Typography>
-                      <Typography variant="caption" color="text.secondary">
-                        {job.progress}%
-                      </Typography>
-                    </Stack>
-                    <LinearProgress
-                      variant="determinate"
-                      value={job.progress}
-                      sx={{
-                        height: 8,
-                        borderRadius: 4,
-                        background: alpha("#fff", 0.1),
-                        "& .MuiLinearProgress-bar": {
-                          background: "linear-gradient(90deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)",
-                        },
-                      }}
-                    />
-                  </Box>
-                )}
-
-                <Divider sx={{ borderColor: "rgba(255,255,255,0.1)" }} />
-
-                <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} justifyContent="flex-end">
-                  {job.status === "idle" && (
-                    <>
-                      <SecondaryButton
-                        onClick={() => runRender(job.sceneId, "preview")}
-                        disabled={isBusy}
-                        startIcon={<VolumeUpIcon />}
-                        tooltip="Preview a sample to test voice and pacing before generating the full episode"
-                      >
-                        Preview Sample
-                      </SecondaryButton>
-                      <PrimaryButton
-                        onClick={() => runRender(job.sceneId, "full")}
-                        disabled={isBusy}
-                        startIcon={<PlayArrowIcon />}
-                        tooltip="Generate the complete, production-ready audio for this scene"
-                      >
-                        Generate Audio
-                      </PrimaryButton>
-                    </>
-                  )}
-                  {job.status === "completed" && (job.previewUrl || job.finalUrl) && (
-                    <Stack spacing={1} sx={{ width: "100%" }}>
-                      <InlineAudioPlayer audioUrl={job.finalUrl || job.previewUrl || ""} title={job.title} />
-                      <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} justifyContent="flex-end">
-                        <Button
-                          size="small"
-                          variant="outlined"
-                          startIcon={<DownloadIcon />}
-                          onClick={() => {
-                            const link = document.createElement("a");
-                            link.href = job.finalUrl || job.previewUrl || "";
-                            link.download = `${job.title.replace(/\s+/g, "-")}.mp3`;
-                            link.click();
-                          }}
-                        >
-                          Download
-                        </Button>
-                        <Button
-                          size="small"
-                          variant="outlined"
-                          startIcon={<ShareIcon />}
-                          onClick={async () => {
-                            if (navigator.share && job.finalUrl) {
-                              try {
-                                await navigator.share({
-                                  title: job.title,
-                                  text: `Check out this podcast episode: ${job.title}`,
-                                  url: job.finalUrl,
-                                });
-                              } catch (err) {
-                                // User cancelled or error
-                              }
-                            } else {
-                              // Fallback: copy to clipboard
-                              await navigator.clipboard.writeText(job.finalUrl || job.previewUrl || "");
-                              alert("Audio URL copied to clipboard!");
-                            }
-                          }}
-                        >
-                          Share
-                        </Button>
-                      </Stack>
-                    </Stack>
-                  )}
-                  {job.status === "failed" && (
-                    <Button variant="outlined" color="warning" onClick={() => runRender(job.sceneId, "full")} startIcon={<RefreshIcon />}>
-                      Retry
-                    </Button>
-                  )}
-                </Stack>
-              </Stack>
-            </GlassyCard>
+            <SceneCard
+              key={scene.id}
+              scene={scene}
+              job={job}
+              rendering={rendering}
+              generatingImage={generatingImage}
+              isBusy={isBusy}
+              avatarImageUrl={avatarImageUrl}
+              onRender={runRender}
+              onImageGenerate={runImageGeneration}
+              onVideoRender={runVideoRender}
+              onDownloadAudio={handleDownloadAudio}
+              onDownloadVideo={handleDownloadVideo}
+              onShare={handleShare}
+              onError={onError}
+            />
           );
         })}
       </Stack>
 
-      <Box sx={{ mt: 3, display: "flex", justifyContent: "flex-end" }}>
-        <SecondaryButton onClick={onBack}>Done</SecondaryButton>
-      </Box>
+      {/* Footer - Video Generation Focus */}
+      <Paper
+        sx={{
+          mt: 4,
+          p: 3,
+          background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.05) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.05) 100%)",
+          border: "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15)",
+          borderRadius: 2,
+        }}
+      >
+        <Stack spacing={2}>
+          <Stack direction="row" justifyContent="space-between" alignItems="center" flexWrap="wrap" spacing={2}>
+            <SecondaryButton onClick={onBack} startIcon={<ArrowBackIcon />}>
+              Back to Script
+            </SecondaryButton>
+            {allScenesCompleted ? (
+              <Stack spacing={1} alignItems="flex-end">
+                <Typography variant="body1" sx={{ color: "#10b981", fontWeight: 700, fontSize: "1rem" }}>
+                  🎉 All scenes ready for video generation!
+                </Typography>
+                <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#64748b" }}>
+                  Generate videos for individual scenes or download them.
+                </Typography>
+              </Stack>
+            ) : (
+              <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#64748b" }}>
+                Complete audio and image generation for all scenes to enable video generation.
+              </Typography>
+            )}
+          </Stack>
+        </Stack>
+      </Paper>
     </Box>
   );
 };
-

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/RenderQueue/GuidancePanel.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+import React from "react";
+import { Box, Stack, Typography, Alert, Paper, alpha } from "@mui/material";
+import { PlayArrow as PlayArrowIcon } from "@mui/icons-material";
+import { Script } from "../types";
+
+interface GuidancePanelProps {
+  scenes: Script["scenes"];
+}
+
+export const GuidancePanel: React.FC<GuidancePanelProps> = ({ scenes }) => {
+  const scenesNeedingAudio = scenes.filter((s) => !s.audioUrl).length;
+  const allScenesHaveAudio = scenes.length > 0 && scenesNeedingAudio === 0;
+
+  return (
+    <Paper
+      sx={{
+        p: 3,
+        mb: 3,
+        background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.1) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.1) 100%)",
+        border: "2px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.3)",
+        borderRadius: 2,
+        boxShadow: "0 2px 8px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15)",
+      }}
+    >
+      <Stack spacing={2}>
+        <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 700, display: "flex", alignItems: "center", gap: 1.5, fontSize: "1.125rem" }}>
+          <PlayArrowIcon sx={{ color: "#667eea", fontSize: "1.5rem" }} />
+          What's Next? Generate Audio for Your Scenes
+        </Typography>
+        <Stack spacing={1.5}>
+          <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#475569", lineHeight: 1.7, fontSize: "0.9375rem" }}>
+            <strong>For each scene below:</strong>
+          </Typography>
+          <Box component="ul" sx={{ m: 0, pl: 2.5, color: "#475569" }}>
+            <Typography component="li" variant="body2" sx={{ mb: 1, lineHeight: 1.7 }}>
+              <strong>If audio is missing:</strong> Click <strong style={{ color: "#667eea" }}>"Generate Audio"</strong> to create the audio file for that scene
+            </Typography>
+            <Typography component="li" variant="body2" sx={{ mb: 1, lineHeight: 1.7 }}>
+              <strong>If audio exists:</strong> The scene is ready! You can download it or proceed to video generation
+            </Typography>
+            <Typography component="li" variant="body2" sx={{ lineHeight: 1.7 }}>
+              <strong>Optional:</strong> Use <strong>"Preview Sample"</strong> to test voice and pacing before full generation
+            </Typography>
+          </Box>
+          {scenesNeedingAudio > 0 && (
+            <Alert
+              severity="info"
+              sx={{
+                mt: 1,
+                background: alpha("#3b82f6", 0.1),
+                border: "1px solid rgba(59,130,246,0.3)",
+                "& .MuiAlert-icon": {
+                  color: "#3b82f6",
+                },
+              }}
+            >
+              <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#1e40af", fontWeight: 600 }}>
+                📢 {scenesNeedingAudio} scene{scenesNeedingAudio !== 1 ? "s" : ""} need{scenesNeedingAudio === 1 ? "s" : ""} audio generation. Scroll down and click the <strong>"Generate Audio"</strong> buttons below!
+              </Typography>
+            </Alert>
+          )}
+          {allScenesHaveAudio && (
+            <Alert
+              severity="success"
+              sx={{
+                mt: 1,
+                background: alpha("#10b981", 0.1),
+                border: "1px solid rgba(16,185,129,0.3)",
+                "& .MuiAlert-icon": {
+                  color: "#10b981",
+                },
+              }}
+            >
+              <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#059669", fontWeight: 600 }}>
+                ✅ All scenes have audio! Your podcast is ready. You can download individual scenes or proceed to video generation.
+              </Typography>
+            </Alert>
+          )}
+        </Stack>
+      </Stack>
+    </Paper>
+  );
+};
+

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/RenderQueue/SceneActionButtons.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,179 @@
+import React from "react";
+import { Stack } from "@mui/material";
+import {
+  VolumeUp as VolumeUpIcon,
+  PlayArrow as PlayArrowIcon,
+  Refresh as RefreshIcon,
+  Image as ImageIcon,
+  Videocam as VideocamIcon,
+  Download as DownloadIcon,
+  Share as ShareIcon,
+} from "@mui/icons-material";
+import { Scene, Job } from "../types";
+import { PrimaryButton, SecondaryButton } from "../ui";
+
+interface SceneActionButtonsProps {
+  scene: Scene;
+  job?: Job;
+  hasAudio: boolean;
+  hasImage: boolean;
+  hasVideo: boolean;
+  audioUrl: string;
+  rendering: string | null;
+  generatingImage: string | null;
+  isBusy: boolean;
+  onRender: (sceneId: string, mode: "preview" | "full") => void;
+  onImageGenerate: (sceneId: string) => void;
+  onVideoRender: (sceneId: string) => void;
+  onDownloadAudio: (audioUrl: string, title: string) => void;
+  onDownloadVideo: (videoUrl: string, title: string) => void;
+  onShare: (audioUrl: string, title: string) => void;
+  onError: (message: string) => void;
+}
+
+export const SceneActionButtons: React.FC<SceneActionButtonsProps> = ({
+  scene,
+  job,
+  hasAudio,
+  hasImage,
+  hasVideo,
+  audioUrl,
+  rendering,
+  generatingImage,
+  isBusy,
+  onRender,
+  onImageGenerate,
+  onVideoRender,
+  onDownloadAudio,
+  onDownloadVideo,
+  onShare,
+  onError,
+}) => {
+  const isGeneratingImage = generatingImage === scene.id;
+  const needsAudio = !hasAudio && (!job || job.status === "idle");
+
+  // No audio - show generate buttons
+  if (needsAudio) {
+    return (
+      <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} justifyContent="flex-end">
+        <SecondaryButton
+          onClick={() => onRender(scene.id, "preview")}
+          disabled={isBusy}
+          startIcon={<VolumeUpIcon />}
+          tooltip="Preview a sample to test voice and pacing"
+        >
+          Preview Sample
+        </SecondaryButton>
+        <PrimaryButton
+          onClick={() => onRender(scene.id, "full")}
+          disabled={isBusy}
+          startIcon={<PlayArrowIcon />}
+          tooltip="Generate the complete, production-ready audio for this scene"
+        >
+          Generate Audio
+        </PrimaryButton>
+      </Stack>
+    );
+  }
+
+  // Failed - show retry
+  if (job?.status === "failed") {
+    return (
+      <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} justifyContent="flex-end">
+        <SecondaryButton
+          onClick={() => onRender(scene.id, "full")}
+          startIcon={<RefreshIcon />}
+          tooltip="Retry audio generation"
+        >
+          Retry
+        </SecondaryButton>
+      </Stack>
+    );
+  }
+
+  // Has audio - show all action buttons
+  return (
+    <Stack direction="row" spacing={1.5} justifyContent="flex-end" flexWrap="wrap" useFlexGap>
+      {/* Generate Image */}
+      <PrimaryButton
+        onClick={() => onImageGenerate(scene.id)}
+        disabled={isGeneratingImage || hasImage}
+        loading={isGeneratingImage}
+        startIcon={<ImageIcon />}
+        tooltip={
+          hasImage
+            ? "Image already generated for this scene"
+            : isGeneratingImage
+            ? "Generating image..."
+            : "Generate image for video (optional)"
+        }
+        sx={{ minWidth: 160 }}
+      >
+        {isGeneratingImage ? "Generating..." : hasImage ? "Image Ready" : "Generate Image"}
+      </PrimaryButton>
+
+      {/* Generate Video */}
+      <PrimaryButton
+        onClick={() => onVideoRender(scene.id)}
+        disabled={isBusy || !hasImage || hasVideo}
+        startIcon={<VideocamIcon />}
+        tooltip={
+          hasVideo
+            ? "Video already generated"
+            : !hasImage
+            ? "Generate an image first to create video"
+            : isBusy
+            ? "Another operation in progress"
+            : "Generate video for this scene"
+        }
+        sx={{ minWidth: 160 }}
+      >
+        {hasVideo ? "Video Ready" : "Generate Video"}
+      </PrimaryButton>
+
+      {/* Download Video */}
+      {hasVideo && job?.videoUrl && (
+        <SecondaryButton
+          onClick={() => onDownloadVideo(job.videoUrl!, scene.title)}
+          startIcon={<VideocamIcon />}
+          tooltip="Download video file"
+        >
+          Download Video
+        </SecondaryButton>
+      )}
+
+      {/* Download Audio */}
+      <SecondaryButton
+        onClick={() => {
+          if (!audioUrl) {
+            onError("Audio URL not found. Please regenerate audio.");
+            return;
+          }
+          onDownloadAudio(audioUrl, scene.title);
+        }}
+        startIcon={<DownloadIcon />}
+        tooltip={hasAudio ? "Download this scene's audio file" : "No audio available. Generate audio first."}
+        disabled={!hasAudio}
+      >
+        Download Audio
+      </SecondaryButton>
+
+      {/* Share */}
+      <SecondaryButton
+        onClick={() => {
+          if (!audioUrl) {
+            onError("Audio URL not found. Please regenerate audio.");
+            return;
+          }
+          onShare(audioUrl, scene.title);
+        }}
+        startIcon={<ShareIcon />}
+        tooltip={hasAudio ? "Share this scene's audio" : "No audio available. Generate audio first."}
+        disabled={!hasAudio}
+      >
+        Share
+      </SecondaryButton>
+    </Stack>
+  );
+};
+

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/RenderQueue/SceneCard.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,415 @@
+import React, { useState, useEffect } from "react";
+import { Box, Stack, Typography, Alert, Paper, Chip, Divider, LinearProgress, CircularProgress, alpha } from "@mui/material";
+import {
+  CheckCircle as CheckCircleIcon,
+  RadioButtonUnchecked as RadioButtonUncheckedIcon,
+  Info as InfoIcon,
+  OpenInNew as OpenInNewIcon,
+  Videocam as VideocamIcon,
+} from "@mui/icons-material";
+import { Scene, Job } from "../types";
+import { GlassyCard, glassyCardSx } from "../ui";
+import { InlineAudioPlayer } from "../InlineAudioPlayer";
+import { SceneActionButtons } from "./SceneActionButtons";
+import { aiApiClient } from "../../../api/client";
+
+interface SceneCardProps {
+  scene: Scene;
+  job?: Job;
+  rendering: string | null;
+  generatingImage: string | null;
+  isBusy: boolean;
+  avatarImageUrl?: string | null;
+  onRender: (sceneId: string, mode: "preview" | "full") => void;
+  onImageGenerate: (sceneId: string) => void;
+  onVideoRender: (sceneId: string) => void;
+  onDownloadAudio: (audioUrl: string, title: string) => void;
+  onDownloadVideo: (videoUrl: string, title: string) => void;
+  onShare: (audioUrl: string, title: string) => void;
+  onError: (message: string) => void;
+}
+
+const getInitials = (title: string): string => {
+  return title
+    .split(" ")
+    .slice(0, 2)
+    .map((s) => s[0])
+    .join("")
+    .toUpperCase();
+};
+
+const getStatusColor = (status: Job["status"]) => {
+  switch (status) {
+    case "completed":
+      return "success";
+    case "failed":
+      return "error";
+    case "running":
+    case "previewing":
+      return "info";
+    default:
+      return "default";
+  }
+};
+
+const getStatusIcon = (status: Job["status"]) => {
+  switch (status) {
+    case "completed":
+      return <CheckCircleIcon />;
+    case "failed":
+      return <InfoIcon />;
+    case "running":
+    case "previewing":
+      return <CircularProgress size={16} />;
+    default:
+      return <RadioButtonUncheckedIcon />;
+  }
+};
+
+export const SceneCard: React.FC<SceneCardProps> = ({
+  scene,
+  job,
+  rendering,
+  generatingImage,
+  isBusy,
+  avatarImageUrl,
+  onRender,
+  onImageGenerate,
+  onVideoRender,
+  onDownloadAudio,
+  onDownloadVideo,
+  onShare,
+  onError,
+}) => {
+  const hasAudio = Boolean(scene.audioUrl || job?.finalUrl || job?.previewUrl);
+  const hasImage = Boolean(scene.imageUrl || job?.imageUrl);
+  const hasVideo = Boolean(job?.videoUrl);
+  const audioUrl = job?.finalUrl || job?.previewUrl || scene.audioUrl || "";
+  const imageUrl = job?.imageUrl || scene.imageUrl || "";
+  const status = job?.status || (hasAudio ? "completed" : "idle");
+  const initials = getInitials(scene.title);
+
+  // Load image as blob if it's an authenticated endpoint
+  const [imageBlobUrl, setImageBlobUrl] = useState<string | null>(null);
+  
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (!imageUrl) {
+      setImageBlobUrl(null);
+      return;
+    }
+
+    console.log('[SceneCard] Loading image:', { imageUrl, hasImage, sceneId: scene.id });
+
+    // Check if this is a podcast image endpoint that requires authentication
+    const isPodcastImage = imageUrl.includes('/api/podcast/images/') || imageUrl.includes('/api/story/images/');
+    
+    if (!isPodcastImage) {
+      // Regular URL (external), use directly
+      console.log('[SceneCard] Using external image URL directly');
+      setImageBlobUrl(imageUrl);
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // Fetch as blob for authenticated endpoints
+    let isMounted = true;
+    const currentImageUrl = imageUrl;
+
+    const loadImageBlob = async () => {
+      try {
+        // Normalize path
+        let imagePath = currentImageUrl.startsWith('/') ? currentImageUrl : `/${currentImageUrl}`;
+        
+        // Convert /api/story/images/ to /api/podcast/images/ if needed
+        if (imagePath.includes('/api/story/images/')) {
+          const filename = imagePath.split('/api/story/images/').pop() || '';
+          imagePath = `/api/podcast/images/${filename}`;
+        }
+        
+        // Ensure it's a podcast image endpoint
+        if (!imagePath.includes('/api/podcast/images/')) {
+          const filename = imagePath.split('/').pop() || currentImageUrl;
+          imagePath = `/api/podcast/images/${filename}`;
+        }
+
+        // Remove query parameters if present
+        imagePath = imagePath.split('?')[0];
+
+        console.log('[SceneCard] Fetching image blob from:', imagePath);
+
+        const response = await aiApiClient.get(imagePath, {
+          responseType: 'blob',
+        });
+        
+        if (!isMounted || imageUrl !== currentImageUrl) {
+          console.log('[SceneCard] Component unmounted or URL changed, skipping blob URL set');
+          return;
+        }
+        
+        const blob = response.data;
+        const newBlobUrl = URL.createObjectURL(blob);
+        
+        console.log('[SceneCard] Image blob loaded successfully, created blob URL');
+        
+        setImageBlobUrl((prevBlobUrl) => {
+          // Clean up previous blob URL if exists
+          if (prevBlobUrl && prevBlobUrl !== newBlobUrl && prevBlobUrl.startsWith('blob:')) {
+            URL.revokeObjectURL(prevBlobUrl);
+          }
+          return newBlobUrl;
+        });
+      } catch (err) {
+        console.error('[SceneCard] Failed to load image blob:', err);
+        if (isMounted && imageUrl === currentImageUrl) {
+          // Try adding query token as fallback
+          try {
+            // Normalize path again for fallback
+            let fallbackPath = currentImageUrl.startsWith('/') ? currentImageUrl : `/${currentImageUrl}`;
+            
+            // Convert /api/story/images/ to /api/podcast/images/ if needed
+            if (fallbackPath.includes('/api/story/images/')) {
+              const filename = fallbackPath.split('/api/story/images/').pop() || '';
+              fallbackPath = `/api/podcast/images/${filename}`;
+            }
+            
+            // Ensure it's a podcast image endpoint
+            if (!fallbackPath.includes('/api/podcast/images/')) {
+              const filename = fallbackPath.split('/').pop() || currentImageUrl;
+              fallbackPath = `/api/podcast/images/${filename}`;
+            }
+
+            // Remove query parameters if present
+            fallbackPath = fallbackPath.split('?')[0];
+
+            // Get auth token from localStorage or use aiApiClient's default token
+            const token = localStorage.getItem('clerk_dashboard_token') || '';
+            if (token) {
+              const urlWithToken = `${fallbackPath}?token=${encodeURIComponent(token)}`;
+              console.log('[SceneCard] Trying URL with query token');
+              setImageBlobUrl(urlWithToken);
+            } else {
+              // Fallback to original URL
+              console.log('[SceneCard] No token available, using original URL');
+              setImageBlobUrl(imageUrl);
+            }
+          } catch (fallbackErr) {
+            console.error('[SceneCard] Fallback also failed:', fallbackErr);
+            setImageBlobUrl(imageUrl);
+          }
+        }
+      }
+    };
+
+    loadImageBlob();
+
+    return () => {
+      isMounted = false;
+      // Cleanup blob URL when component unmounts or URL changes
+      setImageBlobUrl((prevBlobUrl) => {
+        if (prevBlobUrl && prevBlobUrl.startsWith('blob:')) {
+          URL.revokeObjectURL(prevBlobUrl);
+        }
+        return null;
+      });
+    };
+  }, [imageUrl, hasImage, scene.id]);
+
+  return (
+    <GlassyCard sx={glassyCardSx}>
+      <Stack spacing={2}>
+        {/* Header */}
+        <Stack direction="row" spacing={2} alignItems="flex-start">
+          <Paper
+            sx={{
+              width: 56,
+              height: 56,
+              display: "flex",
+              alignItems: "center",
+              justifyContent: "center",
+              background: alpha("#667eea", 0.2),
+              border: "1px solid rgba(102,126,234,0.3)",
+              fontWeight: 700,
+              fontSize: "1.2rem",
+            }}
+          >
+            {initials}
+          </Paper>
+          <Box flex={1}>
+            <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ mb: 0.5, color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600 }}>
+              {scene.title}
+            </Typography>
+            <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center" flexWrap="wrap" useFlexGap>
+              <Chip label={`Scene ${scene.id.slice(-4)}`} size="small" variant="outlined" />
+              {job?.cost != null && (
+                <Chip
+                  label={`$${job.cost.toFixed(2)}`}
+                  size="small"
+                  sx={{ background: alpha("#10b981", 0.2), color: "#6ee7b7" }}
+                  title="Generation cost"
+                />
+              )}
+              {job?.fileSize && (
+                <Typography variant="caption" color="text.secondary">
+                  {(job.fileSize / 1024).toFixed(1)} KB
+                </Typography>
+              )}
+              {!job && (
+                <Chip
+                  label={hasAudio ? "Audio Ready" : "Needs Audio"}
+                  size="small"
+                  color={hasAudio ? "success" : "warning"}
+                  sx={{
+                    background: hasAudio ? alpha("#10b981", 0.2) : alpha("#f59e0b", 0.2),
+                    color: hasAudio ? "#059669" : "#d97706",
+                    fontWeight: 600,
+                  }}
+                />
+              )}
+            </Stack>
+            {job?.finalUrl && (
+              <Box sx={{ mt: 1 }}>
+                <Box
+                  component="a"
+                  href={job.finalUrl}
+                  target="_blank"
+                  rel="noopener noreferrer"
+                  sx={{ color: "#a78bfa", textDecoration: "none", display: "inline-flex", alignItems: "center", gap: 0.5 }}
+                >
+                  <OpenInNewIcon sx={{ fontSize: 16 }} />
+                  <Typography variant="caption">Download Final Audio</Typography>
+                </Box>
+              </Box>
+            )}
+            {hasVideo && job?.videoUrl && (
+              <Box sx={{ mt: 1 }}>
+                <Box
+                  component="a"
+                  href={job.videoUrl}
+                  target="_blank"
+                  rel="noopener noreferrer"
+                  sx={{ color: "#a78bfa", textDecoration: "none", display: "inline-flex", alignItems: "center", gap: 0.5 }}
+                >
+                  <VideocamIcon sx={{ fontSize: 16 }} />
+                  <Typography variant="caption">Download Video</Typography>
+                </Box>
+              </Box>
+            )}
+          </Box>
+          {job && (
+            <Chip
+              icon={getStatusIcon(status)}
+              label={status.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + status.slice(1)}
+              color={getStatusColor(status)}
+              size="small"
+              sx={{
+                textTransform: "capitalize",
+                minWidth: 100,
+              }}
+            />
+          )}
+        </Stack>
+
+        {/* Progress Bar */}
+        {job && job.status !== "idle" && job.status !== "completed" && (
+          <Box>
+            <Stack direction="row" justifyContent="space-between" sx={{ mb: 0.5 }}>
+              <Typography variant="caption" color="text.secondary">
+                Progress
+              </Typography>
+              <Typography variant="caption" color="text.secondary">
+                {job.progress}%
+              </Typography>
+            </Stack>
+            <LinearProgress
+              variant="determinate"
+              value={job.progress}
+              sx={{
+                height: 8,
+                borderRadius: 4,
+                background: alpha("#fff", 0.1),
+                "& .MuiLinearProgress-bar": {
+                  background: "linear-gradient(90deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)",
+                },
+              }}
+            />
+          </Box>
+        )}
+
+        <Divider sx={{ borderColor: "rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.08)" }} />
+
+        {/* Success Alert for Pre-generated Audio */}
+        {hasAudio && !job && (
+          <Alert severity="success" sx={{ width: "100%", background: alpha("#10b981", 0.1), border: "1px solid rgba(16,185,129,0.3)" }}>
+            <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#059669", fontWeight: 500 }}>
+              ✅ Audio already generated in Script Editor. Ready to use!
+            </Typography>
+          </Alert>
+        )}
+
+        {/* Audio Player */}
+        {hasAudio && audioUrl && (
+          <InlineAudioPlayer audioUrl={audioUrl} title={scene.title} />
+        )}
+
+        {/* Image Preview */}
+        {hasImage && (imageBlobUrl || imageUrl) && (
+          <Box
+            sx={{
+              width: "100%",
+              borderRadius: 2,
+              overflow: "hidden",
+              border: "1px solid rgba(102,126,234,0.2)",
+              background: alpha("#667eea", 0.05),
+            }}
+          >
+            <Box
+              component="img"
+              src={imageBlobUrl || imageUrl}
+              alt={scene.title}
+              sx={{
+                width: "100%",
+                height: "auto",
+                display: "block",
+                maxHeight: 400,
+                objectFit: "cover",
+              }}
+              onError={(e) => {
+                console.error('[SceneCard] Image failed to load:', {
+                  src: e.currentTarget.src,
+                  imageUrl,
+                  imageBlobUrl,
+                  hasImage,
+                });
+              }}
+              onLoad={() => {
+                console.log('[SceneCard] Image loaded successfully:', {
+                  src: imageBlobUrl || imageUrl,
+                });
+              }}
+            />
+          </Box>
+        )}
+
+        {/* Action Buttons */}
+        <SceneActionButtons
+          scene={scene}
+          job={job}
+          hasAudio={hasAudio}
+          hasImage={hasImage}
+          hasVideo={hasVideo}
+          audioUrl={audioUrl}
+          rendering={rendering}
+          generatingImage={generatingImage}
+          isBusy={isBusy}
+          onRender={onRender}
+          onImageGenerate={onImageGenerate}
+          onVideoRender={onVideoRender}
+          onDownloadAudio={onDownloadAudio}
+          onDownloadVideo={onDownloadVideo}
+          onShare={onShare}
+          onError={onError}
+        />
+      </Stack>
+    </GlassyCard>
+  );
+};
+

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/RenderQueue/SummaryStats.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+import React from "react";
+import { Box, Stack, Typography, Paper } from "@mui/material";
+import { Script, Job } from "../types";
+
+interface SummaryStatsProps {
+  jobs: Job[];
+  scenes: Script["scenes"];
+}
+
+export const SummaryStats: React.FC<SummaryStatsProps> = ({ jobs, scenes }) => {
+  const totalScenes = jobs.length > 0 ? jobs.length : scenes.length;
+  const readyToRender = jobs.length > 0
+    ? jobs.filter((j) => j.status === "idle").length
+    : scenes.filter((s) => !s.audioUrl).length;
+  const completed = jobs.length > 0
+    ? jobs.filter((j) => j.status === "completed").length
+    : scenes.filter((s) => s.audioUrl).length;
+  const inProgress = jobs.length > 0
+    ? jobs.filter((j) => j.status === "running" || j.status === "previewing").length
+    : 0;
+
+  if (totalScenes === 0) return null;
+
+  return (
+    <Paper
+      sx={{
+        p: 2.5,
+        mb: 3,
+        background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.08) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.08) 100%)",
+        border: "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15)",
+        borderRadius: 2,
+      }}
+    >
+      <Stack direction="row" spacing={3} flexWrap="wrap" useFlexGap>
+        <Box>
+          <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#64748b", fontWeight: 500, display: "block", mb: 0.5 }}>
+            Total Scenes
+          </Typography>
+          <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 700 }}>
+            {totalScenes}
+          </Typography>
+        </Box>
+        <Box>
+          <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#64748b", fontWeight: 500, display: "block", mb: 0.5 }}>
+            Ready to Render
+          </Typography>
+          <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ color: "#667eea", fontWeight: 700 }}>
+            {readyToRender}
+          </Typography>
+        </Box>
+        <Box>
+          <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#64748b", fontWeight: 500, display: "block", mb: 0.5 }}>
+            Completed
+          </Typography>
+          <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ color: "#10b981", fontWeight: 700 }}>
+            {completed}
+          </Typography>
+        </Box>
+        <Box>
+          <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#64748b", fontWeight: 500, display: "block", mb: 0.5 }}>
+            In Progress
+          </Typography>
+          <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ color: "#3b82f6", fontWeight: 700 }}>
+            {inProgress}
+          </Typography>
+        </Box>
+      </Stack>
+    </Paper>
+  );
+};
+

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/RenderQueue/index.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+export { SceneCard } from "./SceneCard";
+export { SceneActionButtons } from "./SceneActionButtons";
+export { SummaryStats } from "./SummaryStats";
+export { GuidancePanel } from "./GuidancePanel";
+export { useRenderQueue } from "./useRenderQueue";
+

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/RenderQueue/useRenderQueue.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,376 @@
+import { useState, useEffect, useRef, useCallback } from "react";
+import { Script, Knobs, Job, RenderJobResult, TaskStatus } from "../types";
+import { podcastApi } from "../../../services/podcastApi";
+
+interface UseRenderQueueProps {
+  script: Script;
+  jobs: Job[];
+  knobs: Knobs;
+  projectId: string;
+  budgetCap?: number;
+  avatarImageUrl?: string | null;
+  onUpdateJob: (sceneId: string, updates: Partial<Job>) => void;
+  onUpdateScript?: (script: Script) => void;
+  onError: (message: string) => void;
+}
+
+const getSceneVoiceEmotion = (knobs: Knobs) => knobs.voice_emotion || "neutral";
+
+export const useRenderQueue = ({
+  script,
+  jobs,
+  knobs,
+  projectId,
+  budgetCap,
+  avatarImageUrl,
+  onUpdateJob,
+  onUpdateScript,
+  onError,
+}: UseRenderQueueProps) => {
+  const [rendering, setRendering] = useState<string | null>(null);
+  const [generatingImage, setGeneratingImage] = useState<string | null>(null);
+  const [combiningAudio, setCombiningAudio] = useState(false);
+  const [combinedAudioResult, setCombinedAudioResult] = useState<{
+    url: string;
+    filename: string;
+    duration: number;
+    sceneCount: number;
+  } | null>(null);
+  const pollingIntervals = useRef<Map<string, NodeJS.Timeout>>(new Map());
+
+  // Cleanup polling intervals on unmount
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const intervals = pollingIntervals.current;
+    return () => {
+      intervals.forEach((interval) => clearInterval(interval));
+      intervals.clear();
+    };
+  }, []);
+
+  // Initialize jobs if empty
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (jobs.length === 0 && script.scenes.length > 0) {
+      const initialJobs: Job[] = script.scenes.map((s) => {
+        const hasExistingAudio = Boolean(s.audioUrl);
+        return {
+          sceneId: s.id,
+          title: s.title,
+          status: hasExistingAudio ? ("completed" as const) : ("idle" as const),
+          progress: hasExistingAudio ? 100 : 0,
+          previewUrl: null,
+          finalUrl: hasExistingAudio ? s.audioUrl || null : null,
+          imageUrl: s.imageUrl || null, // Include existing imageUrl from scene
+          jobId: null,
+        };
+      });
+      initialJobs.forEach((job) => {
+        onUpdateJob(job.sceneId, job);
+      });
+    }
+  }, [script.scenes.length, jobs.length, onUpdateJob, script.scenes]);
+
+  const getScene = useCallback((sceneId: string) => script.scenes.find((s) => s.id === sceneId), [script.scenes]);
+
+  const pollTaskStatus = useCallback(async (taskId: string, sceneId: string) => {
+    try {
+      const status: TaskStatus = await podcastApi.pollTaskStatus(taskId);
+
+      onUpdateJob(sceneId, {
+        progress: status.progress ?? 0,
+        status: status.status === "completed" ? "completed" : status.status === "failed" ? "failed" : "running",
+      });
+
+      if (status.status === "completed" && status.result) {
+        const result = status.result;
+        onUpdateJob(sceneId, {
+          status: "completed",
+          progress: 100,
+          videoUrl: result.video_url,
+          cost: result.cost,
+        });
+
+        const interval = pollingIntervals.current.get(sceneId);
+        if (interval) {
+          clearInterval(interval);
+          pollingIntervals.current.delete(sceneId);
+        }
+      } else if (status.status === "failed") {
+        onUpdateJob(sceneId, { status: "failed", progress: 0 });
+        const interval = pollingIntervals.current.get(sceneId);
+        if (interval) {
+          clearInterval(interval);
+          pollingIntervals.current.delete(sceneId);
+        }
+        onError(status.error || "Video generation failed");
+      }
+
+      return status.status === "completed" || status.status === "failed";
+    } catch (error) {
+      console.error("Error polling task status:", error);
+      return false;
+    }
+  }, [onUpdateJob, onError]);
+
+  const startPolling = useCallback((taskId: string, sceneId: string) => {
+    const existingInterval = pollingIntervals.current.get(sceneId);
+    if (existingInterval) {
+      clearInterval(existingInterval);
+    }
+
+    const interval = setInterval(async () => {
+      const isComplete = await pollTaskStatus(taskId, sceneId);
+      if (isComplete) {
+        clearInterval(interval);
+        pollingIntervals.current.delete(sceneId);
+      }
+    }, 3000);
+
+    pollingIntervals.current.set(sceneId, interval);
+  }, [pollTaskStatus]);
+
+  const runRender = useCallback(async (sceneId: string, mode: "preview" | "full") => {
+    if (rendering && rendering !== sceneId) return;
+    const job = jobs.find((j) => j.sceneId === sceneId);
+    if (job && job.status !== "idle") return;
+    const scene = getScene(sceneId);
+    if (!scene) return;
+
+    const textLength = scene.lines.map((l) => l.text).join(" ").length;
+    const estimatedCost = (textLength / 1000) * 0.05;
+
+    if (budgetCap && budgetCap > 0) {
+      const currentSpent = jobs
+        .filter((j) => j.status === "completed" && j.cost)
+        .reduce((sum, j) => sum + (j.cost || 0), 0);
+
+      if (currentSpent + estimatedCost > budgetCap) {
+        onError(`Budget cap exceeded. Estimated cost: $${estimatedCost.toFixed(4)}, Budget remaining: $${(budgetCap - currentSpent).toFixed(2)}`);
+        return;
+      }
+    }
+
+    setRendering(sceneId);
+    onUpdateJob(sceneId, {
+      status: mode === "preview" ? "previewing" : "running",
+      progress: mode === "preview" ? 25 : 40,
+    });
+
+    try {
+      const result: RenderJobResult = await podcastApi.renderSceneAudio({
+        scene,
+        voiceId: "Wise_Woman",
+        emotion: scene.emotion || getSceneVoiceEmotion(knobs),
+        speed: knobs.voice_speed,
+      });
+
+      const updates: Partial<Job> = {
+        status: "completed",
+        progress: 100,
+        cost: result.cost,
+        provider: result.provider,
+        voiceId: result.voiceId,
+        fileSize: result.fileSize,
+      };
+
+      if (mode === "preview") {
+        updates.previewUrl = result.audioUrl;
+        window.open(result.audioUrl, "_blank");
+      } else {
+        updates.finalUrl = result.audioUrl;
+        try {
+          await podcastApi.saveAudioToAssetLibrary({
+            audioUrl: result.audioUrl,
+            filename: result.audioFilename,
+            title: `${scene.title} - ${projectId}`,
+            description: `Podcast episode scene audio: ${scene.title}`,
+            projectId,
+            sceneId,
+            cost: result.cost,
+            provider: result.provider,
+            model: result.model,
+            fileSize: result.fileSize,
+          });
+        } catch (assetError) {
+          console.error("Failed to save to asset library:", assetError);
+        }
+      }
+
+      onUpdateJob(sceneId, updates);
+    } catch (error) {
+      onUpdateJob(sceneId, { status: "failed", progress: 0 });
+      const message = error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Render failed";
+      onError(message);
+    } finally {
+      setRendering(null);
+    }
+  }, [rendering, jobs, getScene, knobs, budgetCap, projectId, onUpdateJob, onError]);
+
+  const runImageGeneration = useCallback(async (sceneId: string) => {
+    if (generatingImage && generatingImage !== sceneId) return;
+    const scene = getScene(sceneId);
+    if (!scene) return;
+
+    setGeneratingImage(sceneId);
+    try {
+      const sceneContent = scene.lines.map((line) => line.text).join(" ");
+      const result = await podcastApi.generateSceneImage({
+        sceneId: scene.id,
+        sceneTitle: scene.title,
+        sceneContent: sceneContent,
+        width: 1024,
+        height: 1024,
+      });
+
+      // Update job with image URL
+      onUpdateJob(sceneId, {
+        imageUrl: result.image_url,
+      });
+
+      // Also update the scene's imageUrl so it persists
+      if (onUpdateScript) {
+        const updatedScenes = script.scenes.map((s) =>
+          s.id === sceneId ? { ...s, imageUrl: result.image_url } : s
+        );
+        onUpdateScript({ ...script, scenes: updatedScenes });
+      }
+    } catch (error) {
+      const message = error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Image generation failed";
+      onError(message);
+    } finally {
+      setGeneratingImage(null);
+    }
+  }, [generatingImage, getScene, onUpdateJob, onError]);
+
+  const runVideoRender = useCallback(async (sceneId: string) => {
+    if (rendering && rendering !== sceneId) return;
+    const scene = getScene(sceneId);
+    if (!scene) return;
+
+    const sceneImageUrl = scene.imageUrl || avatarImageUrl;
+    if (!sceneImageUrl) {
+      onError("Scene image is required for video generation. Please generate images for scenes first.");
+      return;
+    }
+
+    const job = jobs.find((j) => j.sceneId === sceneId);
+    if (!job?.finalUrl) {
+      onError("Please generate audio first before creating video.");
+      return;
+    }
+
+    const estimatedCost = 0.30;
+    if (budgetCap && budgetCap > 0) {
+      const currentSpent = jobs
+        .filter((j) => j.status === "completed" && j.cost)
+        .reduce((sum, j) => sum + (j.cost || 0), 0);
+
+      if (currentSpent + estimatedCost > budgetCap) {
+        onError(`Budget cap exceeded. Estimated cost: $${estimatedCost.toFixed(2)}, Budget remaining: $${(budgetCap - currentSpent).toFixed(2)}`);
+        return;
+      }
+    }
+
+    setRendering(sceneId);
+    onUpdateJob(sceneId, {
+      status: "running",
+      progress: 5,
+    });
+
+    try {
+      const result = await podcastApi.generateVideo({
+        projectId,
+        sceneId,
+        sceneTitle: scene.title,
+        audioUrl: job.finalUrl,
+        avatarImageUrl: sceneImageUrl,
+        resolution: knobs.resolution || "720p",
+      });
+
+      onUpdateJob(sceneId, {
+        taskId: result.taskId,
+        status: "running",
+        progress: 5,
+      });
+
+      startPolling(result.taskId, sceneId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      onUpdateJob(sceneId, { status: "failed", progress: 0 });
+      const message = error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Video generation failed";
+      onError(message);
+    } finally {
+      setRendering(null);
+    }
+  }, [rendering, getScene, avatarImageUrl, jobs, budgetCap, projectId, knobs, onUpdateJob, onError, startPolling]);
+
+  const combineAudio = useCallback(async () => {
+    try {
+      setCombiningAudio(true);
+
+      const sceneIds: string[] = [];
+      const sceneAudioUrls: string[] = [];
+
+      script.scenes.forEach((scene) => {
+        if (scene.audioUrl) {
+          // Ensure we're using the correct URL format (not blob URLs)
+          const audioUrl = scene.audioUrl.startsWith('blob:') ? '' : scene.audioUrl;
+          if (audioUrl) {
+            sceneIds.push(scene.id);
+            sceneAudioUrls.push(audioUrl);
+          }
+        }
+      });
+
+      jobs.forEach((job) => {
+        // Prefer finalUrl over previewUrl, and ensure it's not a blob URL
+        const audioUrl = job.finalUrl || job.previewUrl;
+        if (audioUrl && !audioUrl.startsWith('blob:') && !sceneAudioUrls.includes(audioUrl)) {
+          sceneIds.push(job.sceneId);
+          sceneAudioUrls.push(audioUrl);
+        }
+      });
+
+      if (sceneIds.length === 0) {
+        onError("No audio files found to combine.");
+        return;
+      }
+
+      const result = await podcastApi.combineAudio({
+        projectId,
+        sceneIds,
+        sceneAudioUrls,
+      });
+
+      // Store combined audio result for preview
+      setCombinedAudioResult({
+        url: result.combined_audio_url,
+        filename: result.combined_audio_filename,
+        duration: result.total_duration,
+        sceneCount: result.scene_count,
+      });
+
+      // Auto-download the combined audio
+      const link = document.createElement("a");
+      link.href = result.combined_audio_url;
+      link.download = `podcast-episode-${projectId.slice(-8)}.mp3`;
+      link.click();
+    } catch (error) {
+      const message = error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to combine audio";
+      onError(`Failed to combine audio: ${message}`);
+    } finally {
+      setCombiningAudio(false);
+    }
+  }, [script.scenes, jobs, projectId, onError]);
+
+  return {
+    rendering,
+    generatingImage,
+    combiningAudio,
+    combinedAudioResult,
+    isBusy: Boolean(rendering),
+    runRender,
+    runImageGeneration,
+    runVideoRender,
+    combineAudio,
+  };
+};
+

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/ScriptEditor/LineEditor.tsx

@@ -1,19 +1,16 @@
 import React, { useEffect, useState } from "react";
-import { Stack, Box, Typography, TextField, Button, Chip, CircularProgress, alpha } from "@mui/material";
-import { VolumeUp as VolumeUpIcon } from "@mui/icons-material";
+import { Stack, Box, Typography, TextField, Button, Chip, alpha } from "@mui/material";
 import { Line } from "../types";
 import { GlassyCard, glassyCardSx } from "../ui";
 
 interface LineEditorProps {
   line: Line;
   onChange: (l: Line) => void;
-  onPreview: (text: string) => Promise<{ ok: boolean; message: string; audioUrl?: string }>;
 }
 
-export const LineEditor: React.FC<LineEditorProps> = ({ line, onChange, onPreview }) => {
+export const LineEditor: React.FC<LineEditorProps> = ({ line, onChange }) => {
   const [editing, setEditing] = useState(false);
   const [text, setText] = useState(line.text);
-  const [previewing, setPreviewing] = useState(false);
   useEffect(() => setText(line.text), [line.text]);
 
   const handleSave = () => {
@@ -21,33 +18,37 @@ export const LineEditor: React.FC<LineEditorProps> = ({ line, onChange, onPrevie
     setEditing(false);
   };
 
-  const handlePreview = async () => {
-    setPreviewing(true);
-    try {
-      const res = await onPreview(text);
-      if (res.audioUrl) {
-        window.open(res.audioUrl, "_blank");
-      } else {
-        alert(res.message);
-      }
-    } finally {
-      setPreviewing(false);
-    }
-  };
-
   return (
     <GlassyCard
       whileHover={{ y: -2 }}
       sx={{
         ...glassyCardSx,
-        p: 2,
-        transition: "all 0.2s",
+        p: 2.5,
+        transition: "all 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1)",
+        borderLeft: "3px solid transparent",
+        "&:hover": {
+          borderLeftColor: "#667eea",
+          boxShadow: "0 4px 6px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.08), 0 8px 24px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.06)",
+        },
       }}
     >
       <Stack spacing={2}>
         <Stack direction="row" justifyContent="space-between" alignItems="flex-start">
           <Box flex={1}>
-            <Chip label={line.speaker} size="small" sx={{ mb: 1, background: alpha("#667eea", 0.2), color: "#a78bfa" }} />
+            <Chip 
+              label={line.speaker} 
+              size="small" 
+              sx={{ 
+                mb: 1.5, 
+                background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.12) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.12) 100%)",
+                color: "#667eea", 
+                fontWeight: 600,
+                fontSize: "0.75rem",
+                height: 24,
+                border: "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.2)",
+                boxShadow: "0 1px 2px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.05)",
+              }} 
+            />
             {editing ? (
               <TextField
                 fullWidth
@@ -57,47 +58,97 @@ export const LineEditor: React.FC<LineEditorProps> = ({ line, onChange, onPrevie
                 onChange={(e) => setText(e.target.value)}
                 sx={{
                   "& .MuiOutlinedInput-root": {
-                    color: "white",
-                    "& fieldset": { borderColor: "rgba(255,255,255,0.2)" },
+                    color: "#0f172a",
+                    backgroundColor: "#f8fafc",
+                    borderRadius: 2,
+                    "& fieldset": { 
+                      borderColor: "rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.12)",
+                      borderWidth: 1.5,
+                    },
+                    "&:hover fieldset": { 
+                      borderColor: "rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.4)",
+                    },
+                    "&.Mui-focused fieldset": { 
+                      borderColor: "#667eea",
+                      borderWidth: 2,
+                    },
+                  },
+                  "& .MuiInputBase-input": {
+                    color: "#0f172a",
+                    fontWeight: 400,
+                    fontSize: "0.9375rem",
+                    lineHeight: 1.6,
                   },
                 }}
               />
             ) : (
-              <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ lineHeight: 1.7, color: "rgba(255,255,255,0.9)" }}>
+              <Typography 
+                variant="body2" 
+                sx={{ 
+                  lineHeight: 1.75, 
+                  color: "#0f172a", 
+                  fontWeight: 400,
+                  fontSize: "0.9375rem",
+                  letterSpacing: "0.01em",
+                }}
+              >
                 {line.text}
               </Typography>
             )}
             {line.usedFactIds && line.usedFactIds.length > 0 && (
-              <Stack direction="row" spacing={0.5} sx={{ mt: 1 }} flexWrap="wrap" useFlexGap>
-                <Typography variant="caption" color="text.secondary">
+              <Stack direction="row" spacing={0.5} sx={{ mt: 1.5 }} flexWrap="wrap" useFlexGap>
+                <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#64748b", fontWeight: 500, fontSize: "0.75rem" }}>
                   Facts:
                 </Typography>
                 {line.usedFactIds.map((id) => (
-                  <Chip key={id} label={id} size="small" variant="outlined" sx={{ fontSize: "0.65rem", height: 20 }} />
+                  <Chip 
+                    key={id} 
+                    label={id} 
+                    size="small" 
+                    variant="outlined" 
+                    sx={{ 
+                      fontSize: "0.6875rem", 
+                      height: 22,
+                      color: "#64748b",
+                      borderColor: "rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.12)",
+                      fontWeight: 500,
+                    }} 
+                  />
                 ))}
               </Stack>
             )}
           </Box>
-          <Stack spacing={1} sx={{ ml: 2 }}>
+          <Box sx={{ ml: 2 }}>
             <Button
               size="small"
               variant={editing ? "contained" : "outlined"}
               onClick={editing ? handleSave : () => setEditing(true)}
-              sx={{ minWidth: 80 }}
+              sx={{ 
+                minWidth: 85,
+                color: editing ? "white" : "#667eea",
+                borderColor: editing ? "transparent" : "#667eea",
+                backgroundColor: editing 
+                  ? "linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)"
+                  : "transparent",
+                fontWeight: 600,
+                fontSize: "0.8125rem",
+                textTransform: "none",
+                borderRadius: 2,
+                borderWidth: editing ? 0 : 1.5,
+                boxShadow: editing ? "0 2px 4px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.2)" : "none",
+                "&:hover": {
+                  borderColor: editing ? "transparent" : "#5568d3",
+                  backgroundColor: editing 
+                    ? "linear-gradient(135deg, #5568d3 0%, #6b3fa0 100%)"
+                    : alpha("#667eea", 0.08),
+                  boxShadow: editing ? "0 4px 8px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.3)" : "none",
+                },
+                transition: "all 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1)",
+              }}
             >
               {editing ? "Save" : "Edit"}
             </Button>
-            <Button
-              size="small"
-              variant="outlined"
-              startIcon={previewing ? <CircularProgress size={14} /> : <VolumeUpIcon />}
-              onClick={handlePreview}
-              disabled={previewing || editing}
-              sx={{ minWidth: 120 }}
-            >
-              Preview TTS
-            </Button>
-          </Stack>
+          </Box>
         </Stack>
       </Stack>
     </GlassyCard>

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/ScriptEditor/SceneEditor.tsx

@@ -1,84 +1,377 @@
-import React from "react";
-import { Stack, Box, Typography, Divider, Chip, alpha } from "@mui/material";
+import React, { useState, useEffect } from "react";
+import { Stack, Box, Typography, Divider, Chip, alpha, CircularProgress } from "@mui/material";
 import {
   EditNote as EditNoteIcon,
   CheckCircle as CheckCircleIcon,
   RadioButtonUnchecked as RadioButtonUncheckedIcon,
+  VolumeUp as VolumeUpIcon,
+  PlayArrow as PlayArrowIcon,
+  Image as ImageIcon,
 } from "@mui/icons-material";
-import { Scene, Line } from "../types";
+import { Scene, Line, Knobs } from "../types";
 import { GlassyCard, glassyCardSx, PrimaryButton } from "../ui";
 import { LineEditor } from "./LineEditor";
+import { podcastApi } from "../../../services/podcastApi";
+import { aiApiClient } from "../../../api/client";
 
 interface SceneEditorProps {
   scene: Scene;
   onUpdateScene: (s: Scene) => void;
   onApprove: (id: string) => Promise<void>;
-  onPreviewLine: (text: string) => Promise<{ ok: boolean; message: string; audioUrl?: string }>;
+  knobs: Knobs;
   approvingSceneId?: string | null;
+  generatingAudioId?: string | null;
+  onAudioGenerationStart?: (sceneId: string) => void;
+  onAudioGenerated?: (sceneId: string, audioUrl: string) => void;
+  idea?: string; // Podcast idea for image generation context
 }
 
 export const SceneEditor: React.FC<SceneEditorProps> = ({
   scene,
   onUpdateScene,
   onApprove,
-  onPreviewLine,
+  knobs,
   approvingSceneId,
+  generatingAudioId,
+  onAudioGenerationStart,
+  onAudioGenerated,
+  idea,
 }) => {
+  const [localGenerating, setLocalGenerating] = useState(false);
+  const [generatingImage, setGeneratingImage] = useState(false);
+  const [audioBlobUrl, setAudioBlobUrl] = useState<string | null>(null);
+
+  // Load audio as blob when audioUrl is available
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (!scene.audioUrl) {
+      // Clean up blob URL if audioUrl is removed
+      setAudioBlobUrl((currentBlobUrl) => {
+        if (currentBlobUrl) {
+          URL.revokeObjectURL(currentBlobUrl);
+        }
+        return null;
+      });
+      return;
+    }
+
+    let isMounted = true;
+    const currentAudioUrl = scene.audioUrl; // Capture current value
+
+    const loadAudioBlob = async () => {
+      try {
+        // Normalize path
+        let audioPath = currentAudioUrl.startsWith('/') ? currentAudioUrl : `/${currentAudioUrl}`;
+        
+        // Convert /api/story/audio/ to /api/podcast/audio/ if needed
+        if (audioPath.includes('/api/story/audio/')) {
+          const filename = audioPath.split('/api/story/audio/').pop() || '';
+          audioPath = `/api/podcast/audio/${filename}`;
+        }
+        
+        // Ensure it's a podcast audio endpoint
+        if (!audioPath.includes('/api/podcast/audio/')) {
+          const filename = audioPath.split('/').pop() || currentAudioUrl;
+          audioPath = `/api/podcast/audio/${filename}`;
+        }
+
+        // Remove query parameters if present
+        audioPath = audioPath.split('?')[0];
+
+        const response = await aiApiClient.get(audioPath, {
+          responseType: 'blob',
+        });
+        
+        if (!isMounted) {
+          // Component unmounted or audioUrl changed, don't set blob URL
+          return;
+        }
+        
+        // Double-check that audioUrl hasn't changed
+        if (scene.audioUrl !== currentAudioUrl) {
+          return;
+        }
+        
+        const blob = response.data;
+        const blobUrl = URL.createObjectURL(blob);
+        
+        setAudioBlobUrl((prevBlobUrl) => {
+          // Clean up previous blob URL if exists
+          if (prevBlobUrl && prevBlobUrl !== blobUrl) {
+            URL.revokeObjectURL(prevBlobUrl);
+          }
+          return blobUrl;
+        });
+      } catch (error) {
+        console.error(`Failed to load audio blob for scene ${scene.id}:`, error);
+        // Don't set blob URL on error - will show error state
+      }
+    };
+
+    loadAudioBlob();
+
+    // Cleanup: only mark as unmounted, don't revoke blob URL here
+    // The blob URL will be cleaned up when audioUrl changes (new effect) or component unmounts
+    return () => {
+      isMounted = false;
+    };
+  }, [scene.audioUrl, scene.id]);
+
   const updateLine = (updatedLine: Line) => {
     const updated = { ...scene, lines: scene.lines.map((l) => (l.id === updatedLine.id ? updatedLine : l)) };
     onUpdateScene(updated);
   };
+  
   const approving = approvingSceneId === scene.id;
+  const generating = generatingAudioId === scene.id || localGenerating;
+  const hasAudio = Boolean(scene.audioUrl && audioBlobUrl);
+  const hasImage = Boolean(scene.imageUrl);
 
-  const handleApprove = async () => {
-    await onApprove(scene.id);
-    onUpdateScene({ ...scene, approved: true });
+  const handleApproveAndGenerate = async () => {
+    const wasAlreadyApproved = scene.approved;
+    const sceneId = scene.id;
+    
+    try {
+      // Set generating state
+      setLocalGenerating(true);
+      if (onAudioGenerationStart) {
+        onAudioGenerationStart(sceneId);
+      }
+
+      // If scene is not approved yet, approve it first
+      // This will update the parent script state
+      if (!scene.approved) {
+        await onApprove(sceneId);
+        // The parent's approveScene already updated the script state
+        // We need to wait for React to propagate the updated scene prop
+        // For now, we'll update it locally too to ensure UI updates immediately
+        onUpdateScene({ ...scene, approved: true });
+      }
+
+      // Use the current scene (which should now be approved)
+      // If scene prop hasn't updated yet, use the local update we just made
+      const currentScene = { ...scene, approved: true };
+      
+      // Generate audio
+      const result = await podcastApi.renderSceneAudio({
+        scene: currentScene,
+        voiceId: "Wise_Woman",
+        emotion: scene.emotion || knobs.voice_emotion || "neutral",
+        speed: knobs.voice_speed || 1.0,
+      });
+
+      // Update scene with audio URL and ensure approved state
+      // This will sync with parent script state
+      const updatedScene = { ...currentScene, audioUrl: result.audioUrl, approved: true };
+      onUpdateScene(updatedScene);
+      
+      if (onAudioGenerated) {
+        onAudioGenerated(sceneId, result.audioUrl);
+      }
+    } catch (error) {
+      console.error("Failed to approve and generate audio:", error);
+      // On error, revert approval only if we just approved it in this call
+      if (!wasAlreadyApproved) {
+        onUpdateScene({ ...scene, approved: false, audioUrl: undefined });
+      }
+      throw error;
+    } finally {
+      setLocalGenerating(false);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleGenerateImage = async () => {
+    const sceneId = scene.id;
+    
+    try {
+      setGeneratingImage(true);
+      
+      // Build scene content from lines for context
+      const sceneContent = scene.lines.map((line) => line.text).join(" ");
+      
+      const result = await podcastApi.generateSceneImage({
+        sceneId: scene.id,
+        sceneTitle: scene.title,
+        sceneContent: sceneContent,
+        idea: idea,
+        width: 1024,
+        height: 1024,
+      });
+      
+      // Update scene with image URL
+      const updatedScene = { ...scene, imageUrl: result.image_url };
+      onUpdateScene(updatedScene);
+    } catch (error) {
+      console.error("Failed to generate image:", error);
+      throw error;
+    } finally {
+      setGeneratingImage(false);
+    }
   };
 
   return (
     <GlassyCard sx={glassyCardSx}>
-      <Stack spacing={2}>
+      <Stack spacing={2.5}>
         <Stack direction="row" justifyContent="space-between" alignItems="flex-start">
-          <Box>
-            <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ display: "flex", alignItems: "center", gap: 1, mb: 0.5 }}>
-              <EditNoteIcon fontSize="small" />
+          <Box sx={{ flex: 1 }}>
+            <Typography 
+              variant="h6" 
+              sx={{ 
+                display: "flex", 
+                alignItems: "center", 
+                gap: 1.5, 
+                mb: 1, 
+                color: "#0f172a", 
+                fontWeight: 600,
+                fontSize: "1.25rem",
+                letterSpacing: "-0.01em",
+              }}
+            >
+              <EditNoteIcon fontSize="small" sx={{ color: "#667eea", fontSize: "1.5rem" }} />
               {scene.title}
             </Typography>
-            <Stack direction="row" spacing={1} alignItems="center">
+            <Stack direction="row" spacing={1.5} alignItems="center" flexWrap="wrap">
               <Chip
                 icon={scene.approved ? <CheckCircleIcon /> : <RadioButtonUncheckedIcon />}
                 label={scene.approved ? "Approved" : "Pending Approval"}
                 size="small"
                 color={scene.approved ? "success" : "warning"}
                 sx={{
-                  background: scene.approved ? alpha("#10b981", 0.2) : alpha("#f59e0b", 0.2),
-                  color: scene.approved ? "#6ee7b7" : "#fbbf24",
-                  border: scene.approved ? "1px solid rgba(16,185,129,0.3)" : "1px solid rgba(245,158,11,0.3)",
+                  background: scene.approved 
+                    ? "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.12) 0%, rgba(5, 150, 105, 0.12) 100%)"
+                    : "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(245, 158, 11, 0.12) 0%, rgba(217, 119, 6, 0.12) 100%)",
+                  color: scene.approved ? "#059669" : "#d97706",
+                  border: scene.approved 
+                    ? "1px solid rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.25)" 
+                    : "1px solid rgba(245, 158, 11, 0.25)",
+                  fontWeight: 600,
+                  fontSize: "0.75rem",
+                  height: 26,
+                  boxShadow: "0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05)",
                 }}
               />
-              <Typography variant="caption" color="text.secondary">
+              <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#64748b", fontWeight: 500, fontSize: "0.8125rem" }}>
                 Duration: {scene.duration}s
               </Typography>
             </Stack>
           </Box>
-          <PrimaryButton
-            onClick={handleApprove}
-            disabled={scene.approved || approving}
-            loading={approving}
-            startIcon={scene.approved ? <CheckCircleIcon /> : undefined}
-            tooltip={scene.approved ? "Scene is approved and ready for rendering" : "Approve this scene to enable rendering"}
-          >
-            {scene.approved ? "Approved" : approving ? "Approving..." : "Approve Scene"}
-          </PrimaryButton>
+          <Stack direction="row" spacing={1.5} flexWrap="wrap" useFlexGap>
+            <PrimaryButton
+              onClick={handleApproveAndGenerate}
+              disabled={approving || generating}
+              loading={approving || generating}
+              startIcon={
+                hasAudio && !generating ? (
+                  <VolumeUpIcon />
+                ) : generating ? (
+                  <CircularProgress size={16} sx={{ color: "white" }} />
+                ) : (
+                  <PlayArrowIcon />
+                )
+              }
+              tooltip={
+                hasAudio && !generating
+                  ? "Regenerate audio for this scene"
+                  : generating
+                  ? "Generating audio..."
+                  : scene.approved
+                  ? "Generate audio for this scene"
+                  : "Approve scene and generate audio"
+              }
+              sx={{
+                minWidth: 200,
+              }}
+            >
+              {hasAudio && !generating
+                ? "Regenerate Audio"
+                : generating
+                ? "Generating Audio..."
+                : scene.approved
+                ? "Generate Audio"
+                : "Approve & Generate Audio"}
+            </PrimaryButton>
+            <PrimaryButton
+              onClick={handleGenerateImage}
+              disabled={generatingImage}
+              loading={generatingImage}
+              startIcon={
+                hasImage && !generatingImage ? (
+                  <ImageIcon />
+                ) : generatingImage ? (
+                  <CircularProgress size={16} sx={{ color: "white" }} />
+                ) : (
+                  <ImageIcon />
+                )
+              }
+              tooltip={
+                hasImage
+                  ? "Regenerate image for this scene"
+                  : generatingImage
+                  ? "Generating image..."
+                  : "Generate image for video (optional)"
+              }
+              sx={{
+                minWidth: 180,
+                background: hasImage 
+                  ? "linear-gradient(135deg, #10b981 0%, #059669 100%)"
+                  : "linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)",
+                "&:hover": {
+                  background: hasImage
+                    ? "linear-gradient(135deg, #059669 0%, #047857 100%)"
+                    : "linear-gradient(135deg, #764ba2 0%, #667eea 100%)",
+                },
+              }}
+            >
+              {hasImage && !generatingImage
+                ? "Regenerate Image"
+                : generatingImage
+                ? "Generating Image..."
+                : "Generate Image"}
+            </PrimaryButton>
+          </Stack>
         </Stack>
 
-        <Divider sx={{ borderColor: "rgba(255,255,255,0.1)" }} />
+        <Divider sx={{ borderColor: "rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.08)", borderWidth: 1 }} />
 
         <Stack spacing={2}>
           {scene.lines.map((line) => (
-            <LineEditor key={line.id} line={line} onChange={updateLine} onPreview={(text) => onPreviewLine(text)} />
+            <LineEditor key={line.id} line={line} onChange={updateLine} />
           ))}
         </Stack>
+
+        {scene.audioUrl && (
+          <>
+            <Divider sx={{ borderColor: "rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.08)", borderWidth: 1, mt: 1 }} />
+            <Box
+              sx={{
+                p: 2,
+                background: hasAudio
+                  ? "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.08) 0%, rgba(5, 150, 105, 0.08) 100%)"
+                  : "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(245, 158, 11, 0.08) 0%, rgba(217, 119, 6, 0.08) 100%)",
+                borderRadius: 2,
+                border: hasAudio
+                  ? "1px solid rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.2)"
+                  : "1px solid rgba(245, 158, 11, 0.2)",
+              }}
+            >
+              <Stack direction="row" alignItems="center" spacing={1.5} sx={{ mb: 1.5 }}>
+                <VolumeUpIcon sx={{ color: hasAudio ? "#059669" : "#d97706", fontSize: "1.25rem" }} />
+                <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ color: hasAudio ? "#059669" : "#d97706", fontWeight: 600 }}>
+                  {hasAudio ? "Audio Generated" : "Loading Audio..."}
+                </Typography>
+              </Stack>
+              {hasAudio && audioBlobUrl ? (
+                <audio controls style={{ width: "100%", borderRadius: 8 }}>
+                  <source src={audioBlobUrl} type="audio/mpeg" />
+                  Your browser does not support the audio element.
+                </audio>
+              ) : (
+                <Box sx={{ display: "flex", alignItems: "center", justifyContent: "center", py: 2 }}>
+                  <CircularProgress size={24} sx={{ color: "#d97706" }} />
+                </Box>
+              )}
+            </Box>
+          </>
+        )}
       </Stack>
     </GlassyCard>
   );

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/ScriptEditor/ScriptEditor.tsx

@@ -1,11 +1,13 @@
-import React, { useEffect, useState } from "react";
-import { Box, Stack, Typography, Alert, Paper, LinearProgress, CircularProgress, alpha } from "@mui/material";
-import { EditNote as EditNoteIcon, CheckCircle as CheckCircleIcon, PlayArrow as PlayArrowIcon, ArrowBack as ArrowBackIcon } from "@mui/icons-material";
+import React, { useEffect, useState, useCallback } from "react";
+import { Box, Stack, Typography, Alert, Paper, LinearProgress, CircularProgress, alpha, Collapse, IconButton, Divider } from "@mui/material";
+import { EditNote as EditNoteIcon, CheckCircle as CheckCircleIcon, PlayArrow as PlayArrowIcon, ArrowBack as ArrowBackIcon, Info as InfoIcon, ExpandMore as ExpandMoreIcon, ExpandLess as ExpandLessIcon, Download as DownloadIcon, Refresh as RefreshIcon } from "@mui/icons-material";
 import { Script, Knobs, Scene } from "../types";
 import { BlogResearchResponse } from "../../../services/blogWriterApi";
 import { podcastApi } from "../../../services/podcastApi";
 import { GlassyCard, PrimaryButton, SecondaryButton } from "../ui";
 import { SceneEditor } from "./SceneEditor";
+import { InlineAudioPlayer } from "../InlineAudioPlayer";
+import { aiApiClient } from "../../../api/client";
 
 interface ScriptEditorProps {
   projectId: string;
@@ -40,6 +42,15 @@ export const ScriptEditor: React.FC<ScriptEditorProps> = ({
   const [loading, setLoading] = useState(false);
   const [error, setError] = useState<string | null>(null);
   const [approvingSceneId, setApprovingSceneId] = useState<string | null>(null);
+  const [generatingAudioId, setGeneratingAudioId] = useState<string | null>(null);
+  const [showScriptFormatInfo, setShowScriptFormatInfo] = useState(true);
+  const [combiningAudio, setCombiningAudio] = useState(false);
+  const [combinedAudioResult, setCombinedAudioResult] = useState<{
+    url: string;
+    filename: string;
+    duration: number;
+    sceneCount: number;
+  } | null>(null);
 
   // Sync with parent state
   useEffect(() => {
@@ -90,26 +101,32 @@ export const ScriptEditor: React.FC<ScriptEditorProps> = ({
   }, [projectId, rawResearch, idea, knobs, speakers, durationMinutes]);
 
   const updateScene = (updated: Scene) => {
-    if (!script) return;
-    const updatedScript = { ...script, scenes: script.scenes.map((s) => (s.id === updated.id ? updated : s)) };
-    setScript(updatedScript);
-    onScriptChange(updatedScript);
+    // Use functional update to ensure we're working with latest state
+    setScript((currentScript) => {
+      if (!currentScript) return currentScript;
+      const updatedScript = { 
+        ...currentScript, 
+        scenes: currentScript.scenes.map((s) => (s.id === updated.id ? { ...s, ...updated } : s)) 
+      };
+      onScriptChange(updatedScript);
+      return updatedScript;
+    });
   };
 
   const approveScene = async (sceneId: string) => {
     try {
       setApprovingSceneId(sceneId);
       await podcastApi.approveScene({ projectId, sceneId });
-      const updatedScript = script
-        ? {
-            ...script,
-            scenes: script.scenes.map((s) => (s.id === sceneId ? { ...s, approved: true } : s)),
-          }
-        : null;
-      if (updatedScript) {
-        setScript(updatedScript);
+      // Use functional update to ensure we're working with latest state
+      setScript((currentScript) => {
+        if (!currentScript) return currentScript;
+        const updatedScript = {
+          ...currentScript,
+          scenes: currentScript.scenes.map((s) => (s.id === sceneId ? { ...s, approved: true } : s)),
+        };
         onScriptChange(updatedScript);
-      }
+        return updatedScript;
+      });
     } catch (err) {
       const message = err instanceof Error ? err.message : "Failed to approve scene";
       setError(message);
@@ -123,47 +140,405 @@ export const ScriptEditor: React.FC<ScriptEditorProps> = ({
   const allApproved = script && script.scenes.every((s) => s.approved);
   const approvedCount = script ? script.scenes.filter((s) => s.approved).length : 0;
   const totalScenes = script ? script.scenes.length : 0;
+  
+  // Check if all scenes have both audio and images (required for video rendering)
+  const allScenesHaveAudioAndImages = script && script.scenes.every((s) => s.audioUrl && s.imageUrl);
+  const scenesWithAudio = script ? script.scenes.filter((s) => s.audioUrl).length : 0;
+  const allScenesHaveAudio = script && script.scenes.every((s) => s.audioUrl);
+
+  const combineAudio = useCallback(async () => {
+    if (!script || !projectId) return;
+    
+    try {
+      setCombiningAudio(true);
+
+      const sceneIds: string[] = [];
+      const sceneAudioUrls: string[] = [];
+
+      script.scenes.forEach((scene) => {
+        if (scene.audioUrl) {
+          // Ensure we're using the correct URL format (not blob URLs)
+          const audioUrl = scene.audioUrl.startsWith('blob:') ? '' : scene.audioUrl;
+          if (audioUrl) {
+            sceneIds.push(scene.id);
+            sceneAudioUrls.push(audioUrl);
+          }
+        }
+      });
+
+      if (sceneIds.length === 0) {
+        onError("No audio files found to combine.");
+        return;
+      }
+
+      const result = await podcastApi.combineAudio({
+        projectId,
+        sceneIds,
+        sceneAudioUrls,
+      });
+
+      // Store combined audio result for preview
+      setCombinedAudioResult({
+        url: result.combined_audio_url,
+        filename: result.combined_audio_filename,
+        duration: result.total_duration,
+        sceneCount: result.scene_count,
+      });
+
+      // Download the combined audio as blob (for authenticated endpoints)
+      try {
+        // Normalize path
+        let audioPath = result.combined_audio_url.startsWith('/') 
+          ? result.combined_audio_url 
+          : `/${result.combined_audio_url}`;
+        
+        // Ensure it's a podcast audio endpoint
+        if (!audioPath.includes('/api/podcast/audio/')) {
+          const filename = audioPath.split('/').pop() || result.combined_audio_filename;
+          audioPath = `/api/podcast/audio/${filename}`;
+        }
+
+        // Remove query parameters if present
+        audioPath = audioPath.split('?')[0];
+
+        // Fetch as blob using authenticated client
+        const response = await aiApiClient.get(audioPath, {
+          responseType: 'blob',
+        });
+
+        // Create blob URL and download
+        const blob = response.data;
+        const blobUrl = URL.createObjectURL(blob);
+        
+        const link = document.createElement("a");
+        link.href = blobUrl;
+        link.download = result.combined_audio_filename || `podcast-episode-${projectId.slice(-8)}.mp3`;
+        document.body.appendChild(link);
+        link.click();
+        document.body.removeChild(link);
+        
+        // Clean up blob URL after a delay
+        setTimeout(() => {
+          URL.revokeObjectURL(blobUrl);
+        }, 100);
+      } catch (downloadError) {
+        console.error('Failed to download combined audio:', downloadError);
+        onError('Failed to download audio file. You can try downloading again from the preview.');
+      }
+    } catch (error) {
+      const message = error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to combine audio";
+      onError(`Failed to combine audio: ${message}`);
+    } finally {
+      setCombiningAudio(false);
+    }
+  }, [script, projectId, onError]);
 
   return (
-    <Box sx={{ mt: 3 }}>
-      <Stack direction="row" spacing={2} alignItems="center" sx={{ mb: 3 }}>
+    <Box sx={{ mt: 4 }}>
+      <Stack direction="row" spacing={2} alignItems="center" sx={{ mb: 4 }}>
         <SecondaryButton onClick={onBackToResearch} startIcon={<ArrowBackIcon />}>
           Back to Research
         </SecondaryButton>
-        <Typography
-          variant="h4"
-          sx={{
-            background: "linear-gradient(135deg, #a78bfa 0%, #60a5fa 100%)",
-            WebkitBackgroundClip: "text",
-            WebkitTextFillColor: "transparent",
-            fontWeight: 800,
-            display: "flex",
-            alignItems: "center",
-            gap: 1,
-          }}
-        >
-          <EditNoteIcon />
-          Script Editor
-        </Typography>
+        <Box sx={{ flex: 1 }}>
+          <Typography
+            variant="h4"
+            sx={{
+              background: "linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)",
+              WebkitBackgroundClip: "text",
+              WebkitTextFillColor: "transparent",
+              fontWeight: 700,
+              letterSpacing: "-0.02em",
+              display: "flex",
+              alignItems: "center",
+              gap: 1.5,
+              fontSize: { xs: "1.75rem", md: "2rem" },
+            }}
+          >
+            <EditNoteIcon sx={{ fontSize: "2rem" }} />
+            Script Editor
+          </Typography>
+          <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#64748b", mt: 0.5, ml: 5.5 }}>
+            Review and refine your podcast script before rendering
+          </Typography>
+        </Box>
       </Stack>
 
       {loading && (
-        <Alert severity="info" icon={<CircularProgress size={20} />} sx={{ mb: 3 }}>
-          <Typography variant="body2">Generating script with AI... This may take a moment.</Typography>
+        <Alert 
+          severity="info" 
+          icon={<CircularProgress size={20} />} 
+          sx={{ 
+            mb: 3,
+            background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.08) 0%, rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.08) 100%)",
+            border: "1px solid rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.2)",
+            borderRadius: 2,
+            boxShadow: "0 1px 2px rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.05)",
+            "& .MuiAlert-icon": {
+              color: "#6366f1",
+            },
+          }}
+        >
+          <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 500 }}>
+            Generating script with AI... This may take a moment.
+          </Typography>
         </Alert>
       )}
 
       {error && (
-        <Alert severity="error" sx={{ mb: 3 }}>
-          {error}
+        <Alert 
+          severity="error" 
+          sx={{ 
+            mb: 3,
+            background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(239, 68, 68, 0.08) 0%, rgba(220, 38, 38, 0.08) 100%)",
+            border: "1px solid rgba(239, 68, 68, 0.2)",
+            borderRadius: 2,
+            boxShadow: "0 1px 2px rgba(239, 68, 68, 0.05)",
+            "& .MuiAlert-icon": {
+              color: "#ef4444",
+            },
+          }}
+        >
+          <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 500 }}>
+            {error}
+          </Typography>
         </Alert>
       )}
 
       {script && (
         <Stack spacing={3}>
-          <Alert severity="info" sx={{ background: alpha("#3b82f6", 0.1), border: "1px solid rgba(59,130,246,0.3)" }}>
-            <Typography variant="body2">
-              <strong>Approval Required:</strong> Each scene must be approved before rendering. Review and edit lines as needed, then approve each scene.
+          {/* Script Format Explanation Panel */}
+          <Paper
+            sx={{
+              p: 3,
+              background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.05) 0%, rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.05) 100%)",
+              border: "1px solid rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.15)",
+              borderRadius: 2,
+              boxShadow: "0 2px 8px rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.08)",
+            }}
+          >
+            <Stack direction="row" alignItems="center" justifyContent="space-between" sx={{ mb: showScriptFormatInfo ? 2 : 0 }}>
+              <Stack direction="row" alignItems="center" spacing={1.5}>
+                <Box
+                  sx={{
+                    width: 40,
+                    height: 40,
+                    borderRadius: "50%",
+                    background: "linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)",
+                    display: "flex",
+                    alignItems: "center",
+                    justifyContent: "center",
+                    boxShadow: "0 2px 8px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.3)",
+                  }}
+                >
+                  <InfoIcon sx={{ color: "#ffffff", fontSize: "1.5rem" }} />
+                </Box>
+                <Box>
+                  <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600, fontSize: "1.1rem" }}>
+                    Why This Script Format?
+                  </Typography>
+                  <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#64748b", mt: 0.25 }}>
+                    Understanding how your script creates natural, human-like audio
+                  </Typography>
+                </Box>
+              </Stack>
+              <IconButton
+                onClick={() => setShowScriptFormatInfo(!showScriptFormatInfo)}
+                sx={{
+                  color: "#6366f1",
+                  "&:hover": {
+                    background: "rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.1)",
+                  },
+                }}
+              >
+                {showScriptFormatInfo ? <ExpandLessIcon /> : <ExpandMoreIcon />}
+              </IconButton>
+            </Stack>
+
+            <Collapse in={showScriptFormatInfo}>
+              <Stack spacing={2.5}>
+                <Box>
+                  <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", lineHeight: 1.8, mb: 2 }}>
+                    Our AI script generator creates scripts specifically optimized for <strong style={{ fontWeight: 600 }}>high-quality text-to-speech</strong>. 
+                    The format you see here is designed to produce audio that sounds natural and human-like, not robotic.
+                  </Typography>
+                </Box>
+
+                <Stack spacing={2}>
+                  <Box sx={{ display: "flex", gap: 2 }}>
+                    <Box
+                      sx={{
+                        minWidth: 32,
+                        height: 32,
+                        borderRadius: "8px",
+                        background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.1) 0%, rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.1) 100%)",
+                        display: "flex",
+                        alignItems: "center",
+                        justifyContent: "center",
+                        flexShrink: 0,
+                      }}
+                    >
+                      <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#6366f1", fontWeight: 700 }}>
+                        1
+                      </Typography>
+                    </Box>
+                    <Box>
+                      <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600, mb: 0.5 }}>
+                        Natural Pauses & Rhythm
+                      </Typography>
+                      <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#475569", lineHeight: 1.7 }}>
+                        The script includes strategic pauses between lines and when speakers change. This creates natural breathing patterns 
+                        and conversation flow, just like real human speech. Without these pauses, the audio would sound rushed and robotic.
+                      </Typography>
+                    </Box>
+                  </Box>
+
+                  <Box sx={{ display: "flex", gap: 2 }}>
+                    <Box
+                      sx={{
+                        minWidth: 32,
+                        height: 32,
+                        borderRadius: "8px",
+                        background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.1) 0%, rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.1) 100%)",
+                        display: "flex",
+                        alignItems: "center",
+                        justifyContent: "center",
+                        flexShrink: 0,
+                      }}
+                    >
+                      <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#6366f1", fontWeight: 700 }}>
+                        2
+                      </Typography>
+                    </Box>
+                    <Box>
+                      <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600, mb: 0.5 }}>
+                        Emphasis Markers
+                      </Typography>
+                      <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#475569", lineHeight: 1.7 }}>
+                        Lines marked with emphasis help highlight important points, statistics, or key insights. The AI voice will naturally 
+                        stress these parts, making your podcast more engaging and easier to follow—just like a real host would emphasize important information.
+                      </Typography>
+                    </Box>
+                  </Box>
+
+                  <Box sx={{ display: "flex", gap: 2 }}>
+                    <Box
+                      sx={{
+                        minWidth: 32,
+                        height: 32,
+                        borderRadius: "8px",
+                        background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.1) 0%, rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.1) 100%)",
+                        display: "flex",
+                        alignItems: "center",
+                        justifyContent: "center",
+                        flexShrink: 0,
+                      }}
+                    >
+                      <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#6366f1", fontWeight: 700 }}>
+                        3
+                      </Typography>
+                    </Box>
+                    <Box>
+                      <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600, mb: 0.5 }}>
+                        Short, Conversational Sentences
+                      </Typography>
+                      <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#475569", lineHeight: 1.7 }}>
+                        The script uses shorter sentences (15-20 words) written in a conversational style. This matches how people actually 
+                        speak, making the audio sound more natural. Long, complex sentences would sound awkward when spoken aloud.
+                      </Typography>
+                    </Box>
+                  </Box>
+
+                  <Box sx={{ display: "flex", gap: 2 }}>
+                    <Box
+                      sx={{
+                        minWidth: 32,
+                        height: 32,
+                        borderRadius: "8px",
+                        background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.1) 0%, rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.1) 100%)",
+                        display: "flex",
+                        alignItems: "center",
+                        justifyContent: "center",
+                        flexShrink: 0,
+                      }}
+                    >
+                      <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#6366f1", fontWeight: 700 }}>
+                        4
+                      </Typography>
+                    </Box>
+                    <Box>
+                      <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600, mb: 0.5 }}>
+                        Scene-Specific Emotions
+                      </Typography>
+                      <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#475569", lineHeight: 1.7 }}>
+                        Each scene has an emotional tone (excited, serious, curious, etc.) that guides the AI voice's delivery. This creates 
+                        variety and keeps listeners engaged, just like a real podcast host would vary their tone based on the topic.
+                      </Typography>
+                    </Box>
+                  </Box>
+
+                  <Box sx={{ display: "flex", gap: 2 }}>
+                    <Box
+                      sx={{
+                        minWidth: 32,
+                        height: 32,
+                        borderRadius: "8px",
+                        background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.1) 0%, rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.1) 100%)",
+                        display: "flex",
+                        alignItems: "center",
+                        justifyContent: "center",
+                        flexShrink: 0,
+                      }}
+                    >
+                      <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#6366f1", fontWeight: 700 }}>
+                        5
+                      </Typography>
+                    </Box>
+                    <Box>
+                      <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600, mb: 0.5 }}>
+                        Optimized for Podcast Narration
+                      </Typography>
+                      <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#475569", lineHeight: 1.7 }}>
+                        The script is optimized with slightly slower pacing and natural pronunciation settings specifically for podcast narration. 
+                        This ensures clarity and makes the content easy to understand, even when listeners are multitasking.
+                      </Typography>
+                    </Box>
+                  </Box>
+                </Stack>
+
+                <Alert
+                  severity="info"
+                  sx={{
+                    mt: 1,
+                    background: "rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.06)",
+                    border: "1px solid rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.15)",
+                    "& .MuiAlert-icon": {
+                      color: "#6366f1",
+                    },
+                  }}
+                >
+                  <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", lineHeight: 1.7 }}>
+                    <strong style={{ fontWeight: 600 }}>Tip:</strong> You can edit any line or scene to match your preferences. 
+                    The format will be preserved when rendering, ensuring your audio still sounds natural and professional.
+                  </Typography>
+                </Alert>
+              </Stack>
+            </Collapse>
+          </Paper>
+
+          <Alert 
+            severity="info" 
+            sx={{ 
+              background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.08) 0%, rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.08) 100%)",
+              border: "1px solid rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.2)",
+              borderRadius: 2,
+              boxShadow: "0 1px 2px rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.05)",
+              "& .MuiAlert-icon": {
+                color: "#6366f1",
+              },
+            }}
+          >
+            <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 500, lineHeight: 1.6 }}>
+              <strong style={{ fontWeight: 600 }}>Approval Required:</strong> Each scene must be approved before rendering. Review and edit lines as needed, then approve each scene.
             </Typography>
           </Alert>
 
@@ -179,8 +554,27 @@ export const ScriptEditor: React.FC<ScriptEditorProps> = ({
                   scene={scene}
                   onUpdateScene={updateScene}
                   onApprove={approveScene}
-                  onPreviewLine={(text) => podcastApi.previewLine(text)}
+                  knobs={knobs}
                   approvingSceneId={approvingSceneId}
+                  generatingAudioId={generatingAudioId}
+                  onAudioGenerationStart={(sceneId) => {
+                    setGeneratingAudioId(sceneId);
+                  }}
+                  onAudioGenerated={async (sceneId, audioUrl) => {
+                    setGeneratingAudioId(null);
+                    // Use functional update to ensure we're working with latest state
+                    // Ensure scene is marked as approved and has audioUrl
+                    setScript((currentScript) => {
+                      if (!currentScript) return currentScript;
+                      const updatedScenes = currentScript.scenes.map((s) =>
+                        s.id === sceneId ? { ...s, audioUrl, approved: true } : s
+                      );
+                      const updatedScript = { ...currentScript, scenes: updatedScenes };
+                      onScriptChange(updatedScript);
+                      return updatedScript;
+                    });
+                  }}
+                  idea={idea}
                 />
               </GlassyCard>
             ))}
@@ -188,39 +582,187 @@ export const ScriptEditor: React.FC<ScriptEditorProps> = ({
 
           <Paper
             sx={{
-              p: 3,
-              background: alpha("#1e293b", 0.6),
-              border: allApproved ? "2px solid rgba(16,185,129,0.4)" : "1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.1)",
+              p: 3.5,
+              background: allApproved 
+                ? "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.05) 0%, rgba(5, 150, 105, 0.05) 100%)"
+                : "#ffffff",
+              border: allApproved 
+                ? "2px solid rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.25)" 
+                : "1px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.08)",
+              borderRadius: 3,
+              boxShadow: allApproved
+                ? "0 4px 6px rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.08), 0 8px 24px rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.06)"
+                : "0 1px 3px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.06), 0 4px 12px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.04)",
+              transition: "all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1)",
             }}
           >
             <Stack direction="row" justifyContent="space-between" alignItems="center">
               <Box>
-                <Typography variant="subtitle1" sx={{ mb: 0.5, display: "flex", alignItems: "center", gap: 1 }}>
-                  <CheckCircleIcon fontSize="small" color={allApproved ? "success" : "disabled"} />
+                <Typography variant="subtitle1" sx={{ mb: 1, display: "flex", alignItems: "center", gap: 1.5, color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600, fontSize: "1.1rem" }}>
+                  <CheckCircleIcon fontSize="small" sx={{ color: allApproved ? "#10b981" : "#94a3b8", fontSize: "1.25rem" }} />
                   Approval Status
                 </Typography>
-                <Typography variant="body2" color="text.secondary">
+                <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#64748b", fontWeight: 400, lineHeight: 1.6 }}>
                   {approvedCount} of {totalScenes} scenes approved
-                  {!allApproved && " — Approve all scenes to enable rendering"}
+                  {allScenesHaveAudioAndImages && " • All scenes ready for video rendering"}
+                  {!allScenesHaveAudioAndImages && allApproved && " • Generate images for all scenes to enable video rendering"}
+                  {!allApproved && " — Approve all scenes first"}
                 </Typography>
-                {!allApproved && (
+                {!allScenesHaveAudioAndImages && (
                   <LinearProgress
                     variant="determinate"
-                    value={(approvedCount / totalScenes) * 100}
+                    value={
+                      allScenesHaveAudioAndImages
+                        ? 100
+                        : script
+                        ? (script.scenes.filter((s) => s.audioUrl && s.imageUrl).length / totalScenes) * 100
+                        : 0
+                    }
                     sx={{ mt: 1, height: 6, borderRadius: 3 }}
                   />
                 )}
               </Box>
               <PrimaryButton
                 onClick={() => script && onProceedToRendering(script)}
-                disabled={!allApproved}
+                disabled={!allScenesHaveAudioAndImages}
                 startIcon={<PlayArrowIcon />}
-                tooltip={!allApproved ? "Approve all scenes to proceed to rendering" : "Start rendering all approved scenes"}
+                tooltip={
+                  !allScenesHaveAudioAndImages
+                    ? "Generate audio and images for all scenes to proceed to video rendering"
+                    : "Proceed to video rendering (all scenes have audio and images)"
+                }
               >
                 Proceed to Rendering
               </PrimaryButton>
             </Stack>
           </Paper>
+
+          {/* Download Audio-Only Podcast Section */}
+          {allScenesHaveAudio && (
+            <Paper
+              sx={{
+                p: 3,
+                background: "linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.05) 0%, rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.05) 100%)",
+                border: "1px solid rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15)",
+                borderRadius: 2,
+              }}
+            >
+              <Stack spacing={3}>
+                <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ color: "#0f172a", fontWeight: 600 }}>
+                  Download Audio-Only Podcast
+                </Typography>
+                
+                {!combinedAudioResult ? (
+                  <>
+                    <PrimaryButton
+                      onClick={combineAudio}
+                      disabled={combiningAudio}
+                      loading={combiningAudio}
+                      startIcon={<DownloadIcon />}
+                      tooltip="Combine all scene audio files into a single podcast episode"
+                      sx={{
+                        minWidth: 280,
+                        fontSize: "1rem",
+                        py: 1.5,
+                        background: "linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%)",
+                        "&:hover": {
+                          background: "linear-gradient(135deg, #764ba2 0%, #667eea 100%)",
+                        },
+                      }}
+                    >
+                      {combiningAudio ? "Combining Audio..." : "Download Audio-Only Podcast"}
+                    </PrimaryButton>
+                    <Typography variant="caption" sx={{ color: "#64748b", fontStyle: "italic" }}>
+                      This will combine all {scenesWithAudio} scene audio files into one complete podcast episode.
+                    </Typography>
+                  </>
+                ) : (
+                  <Stack spacing={2}>
+                    {/* Success Alert */}
+                    <Alert
+                      severity="success"
+                      sx={{
+                        background: alpha("#10b981", 0.1),
+                        border: "1px solid rgba(16,185,129,0.3)",
+                        "& .MuiAlert-icon": { color: "#10b981" },
+                      }}
+                    >
+                      <Typography variant="body2" sx={{ color: "#059669", fontWeight: 500 }}>
+                        ✅ Combined audio generated successfully! ({combinedAudioResult.sceneCount} scenes,{" "}
+                        {Math.round(combinedAudioResult.duration)}s)
+                      </Typography>
+                    </Alert>
+
+                    {/* Combined Audio Preview */}
+                    <InlineAudioPlayer audioUrl={combinedAudioResult.url} title="Complete Podcast Episode" />
+
+                    {/* Action Buttons */}
+                    <Stack direction="row" spacing={2}>
+                      <SecondaryButton
+                        onClick={async () => {
+                          try {
+                            // Normalize path
+                            let audioPath = combinedAudioResult.url.startsWith('/') 
+                              ? combinedAudioResult.url 
+                              : `/${combinedAudioResult.url}`;
+                            
+                            // Ensure it's a podcast audio endpoint
+                            if (!audioPath.includes('/api/podcast/audio/')) {
+                              const filename = audioPath.split('/').pop() || combinedAudioResult.filename;
+                              audioPath = `/api/podcast/audio/${filename}`;
+                            }
+
+                            // Remove query parameters if present
+                            audioPath = audioPath.split('?')[0];
+
+                            // Fetch as blob using authenticated client
+                            const response = await aiApiClient.get(audioPath, {
+                              responseType: 'blob',
+                            });
+
+                            // Create blob URL and download
+                            const blob = response.data;
+                            const blobUrl = URL.createObjectURL(blob);
+                            
+                            const link = document.createElement("a");
+                            link.href = blobUrl;
+                            link.download = combinedAudioResult.filename || `podcast-episode-${projectId.slice(-8)}.mp3`;
+                            document.body.appendChild(link);
+                            link.click();
+                            document.body.removeChild(link);
+                            
+                            // Clean up blob URL after a delay
+                            setTimeout(() => {
+                              URL.revokeObjectURL(blobUrl);
+                            }, 100);
+                          } catch (error) {
+                            console.error('Failed to download audio:', error);
+                            onError('Failed to download audio file. Please try again.');
+                          }
+                        }}
+                        startIcon={<DownloadIcon />}
+                        tooltip="Download the combined audio file again"
+                      >
+                        Download Again
+                      </SecondaryButton>
+                      <SecondaryButton
+                        onClick={() => {
+                          setCombinedAudioResult(null);
+                          combineAudio();
+                        }}
+                        disabled={combiningAudio}
+                        loading={combiningAudio}
+                        startIcon={<RefreshIcon />}
+                        tooltip="Regenerate combined audio (useful if scenes were updated)"
+                      >
+                        Regenerate
+                      </SecondaryButton>
+                    </Stack>
+                  </Stack>
+                )}
+              </Stack>
+            </Paper>
+          )}
         </Stack>
       )}
     </Box>

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/types.ts

@@ -30,6 +30,11 @@ export type Research = {
     why: string;
     mappedFactIds: string[];
   }[];
+  searchQueries?: string[];
+  searchType?: string;
+  provider?: string;
+  cost?: number;
+  sourceCount?: number;
 };
 
 export type Line = {
@@ -37,6 +42,7 @@ export type Line = {
   speaker: string;
   text: string;
   usedFactIds?: string[];
+  emphasis?: boolean; // Mark lines that need vocal emphasis
 };
 
 export type Scene = {
@@ -45,6 +51,9 @@ export type Scene = {
   duration: number;
   lines: Line[];
   approved?: boolean;
+  emotion?: string; // Scene-specific emotion
+  audioUrl?: string; // Generated audio URL for this scene
+  imageUrl?: string; // Generated image URL for this scene (for video generation)
 };
 
 export type Script = {
@@ -75,6 +84,7 @@ export type Job = {
   voiceId?: string | null;
   fileSize?: number | null;
   avatarImageUrl?: string | null;
+  imageUrl?: string | null; // Scene-specific image URL
 };
 
 export type PodcastAnalysis = {
@@ -84,6 +94,15 @@ export type PodcastAnalysis = {
   suggestedOutlines: { id: number | string; title: string; segments: string[] }[];
   suggestedKnobs: Knobs;
   titleSuggestions: string[];
+  exaSuggestedConfig?: {
+    exa_search_type?: "auto" | "keyword" | "neural";
+    exa_category?: string;
+    exa_include_domains?: string[];
+    exa_exclude_domains?: string[];
+    max_sources?: number;
+    include_statistics?: boolean;
+    date_range?: string;
+  };
 };
 
 export type PodcastEstimate = {

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/ui/GlassyCard.tsx

@@ -5,10 +5,16 @@ import { Paper, alpha } from "@mui/material";
 export const GlassyCard = motion(Paper);
 
 export const glassyCardSx = {
-  borderRadius: 2,
-  border: "1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.08)",
+  borderRadius: 3,
+  border: "1px solid rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.06)",
   background: "#ffffff",
-  p: 2.5,
-  boxShadow: "0 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)",
+  p: 3,
+  boxShadow: "0 1px 3px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.06), 0 4px 12px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.04)",
+  color: "#0f172a",
+  transition: "all 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1)",
+  "&:hover": {
+    boxShadow: "0 4px 6px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.08), 0 8px 24px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.06)",
+    borderColor: "rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.1)",
+  },
 };
 

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/ui/PrimaryButton.tsx

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import React from "react";
-import { Button, CircularProgress, Tooltip, alpha } from "@mui/material";
+import { Button, CircularProgress, Tooltip, alpha, SxProps, Theme } from "@mui/material";
 
 interface PrimaryButtonProps {
   children: React.ReactNode;
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ interface PrimaryButtonProps {
   startIcon?: React.ReactNode;
   tooltip?: string;
   ariaLabel?: string;
+  sx?: SxProps<Theme>;
 }
 
 export const PrimaryButton: React.FC<PrimaryButtonProps> = ({
@@ -19,6 +20,7 @@ export const PrimaryButton: React.FC<PrimaryButtonProps> = ({
   startIcon,
   tooltip,
   ariaLabel,
+  sx,
 }) => {
   const button = (
     <Button
@@ -41,6 +43,7 @@ export const PrimaryButton: React.FC<PrimaryButtonProps> = ({
           background: alpha("#9ca3af", 0.3),
           color: alpha("#fff", 0.5),
         },
+        ...sx,
       }}
     >
       {children}

frontend/src/components/PodcastMaker/ui/SecondaryButton.tsx

@@ -1,10 +1,11 @@
 import React from "react";
-import { Button, Tooltip, alpha } from "@mui/material";
+import { Button, Tooltip, CircularProgress, alpha } from "@mui/material";
 
 interface SecondaryButtonProps {
   children: React.ReactNode;
   onClick?: () => void;
   disabled?: boolean;
+  loading?: boolean;
   startIcon?: React.ReactNode;
   tooltip?: string;
   ariaLabel?: string;
@@ -14,6 +15,7 @@ export const SecondaryButton: React.FC<SecondaryButtonProps> = ({
   children,
   onClick,
   disabled = false,
+  loading = false,
   startIcon,
   tooltip,
   ariaLabel,
@@ -22,8 +24,8 @@ export const SecondaryButton: React.FC<SecondaryButtonProps> = ({
     <Button
       variant="outlined"
       onClick={onClick}
-      disabled={disabled}
-      startIcon={startIcon}
+      disabled={disabled || loading}
+      startIcon={loading ? <CircularProgress size={16} /> : startIcon}
       aria-label={ariaLabel}
       sx={{
         borderColor: "rgba(255,255,255,0.2)",

frontend/src/components/billing/UsageTrends.tsx

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import React from 'react';
+import React, { Suspense } from 'react';
 import {
   Card,
   CardContent,
@@ -6,10 +6,17 @@ import {
   Box,
   Grid,
   Chip,
+  CircularProgress,
 } from '@mui/material';
+import {
+  TrendingUp as TrendingUpIcon,
+  TrendingDown as TrendingDownIcon,
+  CalendarToday as CalendarIcon,
+} from '@mui/icons-material';
 import { motion } from 'framer-motion';
 import { 
-  LineChart, 
+  LazyLineChart,
+  LazyAreaChart,
   Line, 
   XAxis, 
   YAxis, 
@@ -17,13 +24,8 @@ import {
   Tooltip, 
   ResponsiveContainer,
   Area,
-  AreaChart
-} from 'recharts';
-import { 
-  TrendingUp, 
-  TrendingDown,
-  Calendar
-} from 'lucide-react';
+  ChartLoadingFallback
+} from '../../utils/lazyRecharts';
 
 // Types
 import { UsageTrends as UsageTrendsType, CostProjections } from '../../types/billing';
@@ -113,7 +115,7 @@ const UsageTrends: React.FC<UsageTrendsProps> = ({
         {/* Header */}
         <CardContent sx={{ pb: 1 }}>
           <Typography variant="h6" sx={{ display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', gap: 1, fontWeight: 'bold', mb: 2 }}>
-            <TrendingUp size={20} />
+            <TrendingUpIcon fontSize="small" />
             Usage Trends & Projections
           </Typography>
         </CardContent>
@@ -138,9 +140,9 @@ const UsageTrends: React.FC<UsageTrendsProps> = ({
                 >
                   <Box sx={{ display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', justifyContent: 'center', gap: 1, mb: 1 }}>
                     {costGrowth >= 0 ? (
-                      <TrendingUp size={16} color="#22c55e" />
+                      <TrendingUpIcon sx={{ fontSize: 16, color: '#22c55e' }} />
                     ) : (
-                      <TrendingDown size={16} color="#ef4444" />
+                      <TrendingDownIcon sx={{ fontSize: 16, color: '#ef4444' }} />
                     )}
                     <Typography variant="body2" color="text.secondary">
                       Cost Growth
@@ -176,9 +178,9 @@ const UsageTrends: React.FC<UsageTrendsProps> = ({
                 >
                   <Box sx={{ display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', justifyContent: 'center', gap: 1, mb: 1 }}>
                     {callsGrowth >= 0 ? (
-                      <TrendingUp size={16} color="#22c55e" />
+                      <TrendingUpIcon sx={{ fontSize: 16, color: '#22c55e' }} />
                     ) : (
-                      <TrendingDown size={16} color="#ef4444" />
+                      <TrendingDownIcon sx={{ fontSize: 16, color: '#ef4444' }} />
                     )}
                     <Typography variant="body2" color="text.secondary">
                       Calls Growth
@@ -205,7 +207,8 @@ const UsageTrends: React.FC<UsageTrendsProps> = ({
             </Typography>
             <Box sx={{ height: 200 }}>
               <ResponsiveContainer width="100%" height="100%">
-                <AreaChart data={chartData}>
+                <Suspense fallback={<ChartLoadingFallback />}>
+                  <LazyAreaChart data={chartData}>
                   <defs>
                     <linearGradient id="costGradient" x1="0" y1="0" x2="0" y2="1">
                       <stop offset="5%" stopColor="#667eea" stopOpacity={0.3}/>
@@ -234,7 +237,8 @@ const UsageTrends: React.FC<UsageTrendsProps> = ({
                     fillOpacity={1}
                     fill="url(#costGradient)"
                   />
-                </AreaChart>
+                </LazyAreaChart>
+                </Suspense>
               </ResponsiveContainer>
             </Box>
           </Box>
@@ -246,7 +250,8 @@ const UsageTrends: React.FC<UsageTrendsProps> = ({
             </Typography>
             <Box sx={{ height: 150 }}>
               <ResponsiveContainer width="100%" height="100%">
-                <LineChart data={chartData}>
+                <Suspense fallback={<ChartLoadingFallback />}>
+                  <LazyLineChart data={chartData}>
                   <CartesianGrid strokeDasharray="3 3" stroke="rgba(255,255,255,0.1)" />
                   <XAxis 
                     dataKey="period" 
@@ -267,7 +272,8 @@ const UsageTrends: React.FC<UsageTrendsProps> = ({
                     dot={{ fill: '#764ba2', strokeWidth: 2, r: 4 }}
                     activeDot={{ r: 6, stroke: '#764ba2', strokeWidth: 2 }}
                   />
-                </LineChart>
+                </LazyLineChart>
+                </Suspense>
               </ResponsiveContainer>
             </Box>
           </Box>
@@ -282,7 +288,7 @@ const UsageTrends: React.FC<UsageTrendsProps> = ({
             }}
           >
             <Typography variant="subtitle2" sx={{ mb: 2, fontWeight: 'bold', display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', gap: 1 }}>
-              <Calendar size={16} />
+              <CalendarIcon fontSize="small" />
               Monthly Projections
             </Typography>
             

frontend/src/hooks/usePodcastProjectState.ts

@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ const DEFAULT_STATE: PodcastProjectState = {
   scriptData: null,
   renderJobs: [],
   knobs: DEFAULT_KNOBS,
-  researchProvider: "google",
+  researchProvider: "exa",
   budgetCap: 50,
   showScriptEditor: false,
   showRenderQueue: false,
@@ -327,7 +327,7 @@ export const usePodcastProjectState = () => {
         scriptData: dbProject.script_data,
         renderJobs: dbProject.render_jobs || [],
         knobs: dbProject.knobs || DEFAULT_KNOBS,
-        researchProvider: dbProject.research_provider || 'google',
+        researchProvider: dbProject.research_provider || 'exa',
         budgetCap: dbProject.budget_cap || 50,
         showScriptEditor: dbProject.show_script_editor || false,
         showRenderQueue: dbProject.show_render_queue || false,

frontend/src/services/podcastApi.ts

@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
-import { blogWriterApi, BlogResearchRequest, BlogResearchResponse, ResearchProvider } from "./blogWriterApi";
+import { ResearchProvider, ResearchConfig } from "./blogWriterApi";
 import {
   storyWriterApi,
-  StoryGenerationRequest,
   StoryScene,
   StorySetupGenerationResponse,
 } from "./storyWriterApi";
@@ -22,11 +21,8 @@ import {
   Script,
 } from "../components/PodcastMaker/types";
 import { checkPreflight, PreflightOperation } from "./billingService";
-import { TaskStatusResponse } from "./blogWriterApi";
 import { TaskStatus } from "./storyWriterApi";
 
-type WaitForTaskFn = (taskId: string) => Promise<TaskStatusResponse>;
-
 const DEFAULT_KNOBS: Knobs = {
   voice_emotion: "neutral",
   voice_speed: 1,
@@ -36,7 +32,7 @@ const DEFAULT_KNOBS: Knobs = {
   bitrate: "standard",
 };
 
-const sleep = (ms: number) => new Promise((resolve) => setTimeout(resolve, ms));
+// const sleep = (ms: number) => new Promise((resolve) => setTimeout(resolve, ms));
 
 const createId = (prefix: string) => {
   if (typeof crypto !== "undefined" && typeof crypto.randomUUID === "function") {
@@ -125,33 +121,53 @@ const mapPersonaQueries = (persona: ResearchPersona | undefined, seed: string):
   return generated.slice(0, 6);
 };
 
-const mapSourcesToFacts = (sources: BlogResearchResponse["sources"]): Fact[] => {
+const mapSourcesToFacts = (sources: ExaSource[]): Fact[] => {
   if (!sources || !sources.length) return [];
-  return sources.slice(0, 12).map((source, idx) => ({
+  return sources.slice(0, 12).map((source: ExaSource, idx: number) => ({
     id: source.url || createId("fact"),
     quote: source.excerpt || source.title || "Insight",
     url: source.url || "",
     date: source.published_at || "Unknown",
-    confidence: typeof source.credibility_score === "number" ? source.credibility_score : 0.8 - idx * 0.02,
+    confidence: typeof (source as any).credibility_score === "number" ? (source as any).credibility_score : Math.max(0.5, 0.85 - idx * 0.02),
   }));
 };
 
-const mapResearchResponse = (response: BlogResearchResponse): Research => {
+type ExaSource = {
+  title?: string;
+  url?: string;
+  excerpt?: string;
+  published_at?: string;
+  highlights?: string[];
+  summary?: string;
+  source_type?: string;
+  index?: number;
+};
+
+type ExaResearchResult = {
+  sources: ExaSource[];
+  search_queries?: string[];
+  cost?: { total?: number };
+  search_type?: string;
+  provider?: string;
+  content?: string;
+};
+
+const mapExaResearchResponse = (response: ExaResearchResult): Research => {
   const factCards = mapSourcesToFacts(response.sources);
   const summary =
-    response.keyword_analysis?.summary ||
-    response.keyword_analysis?.key_insights?.join(" • ") ||
-    "Research completed. Review fact cards for details.";
-  const mappedAngles =
-    response.suggested_angles?.map((angle, idx) => ({
-      title: angle,
-      why: response.keyword_analysis?.angle_breakdown?.[angle]?.reason || "High priority topic from research insights.",
-      mappedFactIds: factCards.slice(idx, idx + 2).map((fact) => fact.id),
-    })) || [];
+    response.content?.slice(0, 1200) ||
+    (response.search_queries && response.search_queries.length
+      ? `Research completed for queries: ${response.search_queries.join(", ")}`
+      : "Research completed. Review fact cards for details.");
   return {
     summary,
     factCards,
-    mappedAngles,
+    mappedAngles: [],
+    searchQueries: response.search_queries,
+    searchType: response.search_type,
+    provider: response.provider || "exa",
+    cost: response.cost?.total,
+    sourceCount: response.sources?.length || 0,
   };
 };
 
@@ -176,71 +192,36 @@ const splitIntoLines = (text: string, speakers: number): Line[] => {
   }));
 };
 
-const storySceneToPodcastScene = (scene: StoryScene, knobs: Knobs, speakers: number): Scene => {
-  const text = scene.description || scene.audio_narration || scene.image_prompt || scene.title || "Narration";
-  return {
-    id: `scene-${scene.scene_number || createId("scene")}`,
-    title: scene.title || `Scene ${scene.scene_number}`,
-    duration: Math.max(20, knobs.scene_length_target || DEFAULT_KNOBS.scene_length_target),
-    lines: splitIntoLines(text, Math.max(1, speakers)),
-    approved: false,
-  };
-};
+// Unused helper functions - kept for reference but not currently used
+// const storySceneToPodcastScene = (scene: StoryScene, knobs: Knobs, speakers: number): Scene => {
+//   const text = scene.description || scene.audio_narration || scene.image_prompt || scene.title || "Narration";
+//   return {
+//     id: `scene-${scene.scene_number || createId("scene")}`,
+//     title: scene.title || `Scene ${scene.scene_number}`,
+//     duration: Math.max(20, knobs.scene_length_target || DEFAULT_KNOBS.scene_length_target),
+//     lines: splitIntoLines(text, Math.max(1, speakers)),
+//     approved: false,
+//   };
+// };
 
-const ensureScenes = (outline: StorySetupGenerationResponse["options"] | StoryScene[] | string | undefined): StoryScene[] => {
-  if (!outline) return [];
-  if (typeof outline === "string") {
-    return [
-      {
-        scene_number: 1,
-        title: outline.slice(0, 60),
-        description: outline,
-        image_prompt: outline,
-        audio_narration: outline,
-      } as StoryScene,
-    ];
-  }
-  if (Array.isArray(outline)) {
-    return outline as StoryScene[];
-  }
-  return [];
-};
-
-const waitForTaskCompletion = async (
-  taskId: string, 
-  poll: WaitForTaskFn,
-  onProgress?: (status: { status: string; progress?: number; message?: string }) => void
-): Promise<any> => {
-  let attempts = 0;
-  while (attempts < 120) {
-    const status = await poll(taskId);
-    
-    // Report progress if callback provided
-    if (onProgress) {
-      // Extract latest progress message if available
-      const latestMessage = status.progress_messages && status.progress_messages.length > 0
-        ? status.progress_messages[status.progress_messages.length - 1].message
-        : undefined;
-      
-      onProgress({
-        status: status.status,
-        progress: undefined, // TaskStatusResponse doesn't have progress field
-        message: latestMessage,
-      });
-    }
-    
-    if (status.status === "completed") {
-      return status.result;
-    }
-    if (status.status === "failed") {
-      const errorMsg = status.error || "Task failed";
-      throw new Error(errorMsg);
-    }
-    await sleep(2500);
-    attempts += 1;
-  }
-  throw new Error("Task polling timed out after 5 minutes");
-};
+// const ensureScenes = (outline: StorySetupGenerationResponse["options"] | StoryScene[] | string | undefined): StoryScene[] => {
+//   if (!outline) return [];
+//   if (typeof outline === "string") {
+//     return [
+//       {
+//         scene_number: 1,
+//         title: outline.slice(0, 60),
+//         description: outline,
+//         image_prompt: outline,
+//         audio_narration: outline,
+//       } as StoryScene,
+//     ];
+//   }
+//   if (Array.isArray(outline)) {
+//     return outline as StoryScene[];
+//   }
+//   return [];
+// };
 
 const ensurePreflight = async (operation: PreflightOperation) => {
   const result = await checkPreflight(operation);
@@ -275,6 +256,7 @@ export const podcastApi = {
       suggestedOutlines: outlines,
       suggestedKnobs: { ...DEFAULT_KNOBS, ...payload.knobs },
       titleSuggestions: (analysisResp.data?.title_suggestions || []).filter(Boolean),
+      exaSuggestedConfig: analysisResp.data?.exa_suggested_config || undefined,
     };
 
     const researchConfig = await getResearchConfig().catch(() => null);
@@ -303,62 +285,53 @@ export const podcastApi = {
     topic: string;
     approvedQueries: Query[];
     provider?: ResearchProvider;
+    exaConfig?: ResearchConfig;
     onProgress?: (message: string) => void;
-  }): Promise<{ research: Research; raw: BlogResearchResponse }> {
+  }): Promise<{ research: Research; raw: any }> {
     const keywords = params.approvedQueries.map((q) => q.query).filter(Boolean);
     if (!keywords.length) {
       throw new Error("At least one query must be approved for research.");
     }
 
-    const researchPayload: BlogResearchRequest = {
-      keywords,
-      topic: params.topic || keywords[0],
-      research_mode: "basic",
-      config: {
-        provider: params.provider || "google",
-        include_statistics: params.approvedQueries.some((q) => q.needsRecentStats),
-      },
-    };
+    // Ensure Exa payload respects API constraint: when requesting contents, only one of includeDomains or excludeDomains.
+    let sanitizedExaConfig: ResearchConfig | undefined = params.exaConfig;
+    if (sanitizedExaConfig && sanitizedExaConfig.exa_include_domains?.length) {
+      sanitizedExaConfig = {
+        ...sanitizedExaConfig,
+        exa_exclude_domains: undefined,
+      };
+    } else if (sanitizedExaConfig && sanitizedExaConfig.exa_exclude_domains?.length) {
+      sanitizedExaConfig = {
+        ...sanitizedExaConfig,
+        exa_include_domains: undefined,
+      };
+    }
 
     await ensurePreflight({
-      provider: params.provider === "exa" ? "exa" : "gemini",
-      operation_type: params.provider === "exa" ? "exa_neural_search" : "google_grounding",
-      tokens_requested: params.provider === "exa" ? 0 : 1200,
-      actual_provider_name: params.provider || "google",
+      provider: "exa",
+      operation_type: "exa_neural_search",
+      tokens_requested: 0,
+      actual_provider_name: "exa",
     });
 
-    const { task_id } = await blogWriterApi.startResearch(researchPayload);
-    let lastProgressMessage = "";
-    const result = (await waitForTaskCompletion(
-      task_id, 
-      blogWriterApi.pollResearchStatus,
-      (status) => {
-        // Extract latest progress message and notify caller
-        if (status.message && status.message !== lastProgressMessage) {
-          lastProgressMessage = status.message;
-          if (params.onProgress) {
-            params.onProgress(status.message);
-          }
-        } else if (status.status === "running" && !status.message) {
-          // Provide default status messages if none available
-          const defaultMessage = params.provider === "exa" 
-            ? "Deep research in progress..." 
-            : "Gathering research sources...";
-          if (params.onProgress && lastProgressMessage !== defaultMessage) {
-            lastProgressMessage = defaultMessage;
-            params.onProgress(defaultMessage);
-          }
-        }
-      }
-    )) as BlogResearchResponse;
-    const mapped = mapResearchResponse(result);
-    return { research: mapped, raw: result };
+    const response = await aiApiClient.post("/api/podcast/research/exa", {
+      topic: params.topic || keywords[0],
+      queries: keywords,
+      exa_config: sanitizedExaConfig,
+    });
+
+    const exaResult = response.data as ExaResearchResult;
+    if (params.onProgress) {
+      params.onProgress("Deep research completed with Exa.");
+    }
+    const mapped = mapExaResearchResponse(exaResult);
+    return { research: mapped, raw: exaResult };
   },
 
   async generateScript(params: {
     projectId: string;
     idea: string;
-    research?: BlogResearchResponse | null;
+    research?: ExaResearchResult | null;
     knobs: Knobs;
     speakers: number;
     durationMinutes: number;
@@ -433,22 +406,96 @@ export const podcastApi = {
     };
   },
 
-  async renderSceneAudio(params: { scene: Scene; voiceId?: string; emotion?: string; speed?: number }): Promise<RenderJobResult> {
-    const text = params.scene.lines.map((line) => line.text).join(" ");
+  async renderSceneAudio(params: {
+    scene: Scene;
+    voiceId?: string;
+    emotion?: string; // Fallback if scene doesn't have emotion
+    speed?: number;
+  }): Promise<RenderJobResult> {
+    // Use scene-specific emotion if available, otherwise fallback to provided/default
+    const sceneEmotion = params.scene.emotion || params.emotion || "neutral";
+
+    // Optimize text for Minimax Speech-02-HD TTS
+    // - Strip markdown formatting (bold, italic, etc.) - TTS reads it literally
+    // - Use pause markers <#x#> for natural speech rhythm
+    // - Add longer pauses for speaker changes
+    // - Preserve punctuation for natural breathing
+    // - Add emphasis pauses for important points
+    const text = params.scene.lines
+      .map((line, idx) => {
+        let lineText = line.text.trim();
+
+        // Strip markdown formatting - TTS reads asterisks and other markdown literally
+        // Remove bold (**text** or __text__)
+        lineText = lineText.replace(/\*\*([^*]+)\*\*/g, '$1'); // **bold**
+        lineText = lineText.replace(/\*([^*]+)\*/g, '$1'); // *bold* (single asterisk)
+        lineText = lineText.replace(/__([^_]+)__/g, '$1'); // __bold__
+        lineText = lineText.replace(/_([^_]+)_/g, '$1'); // _italic_ (single underscore)
+        // Remove any remaining stray asterisks or underscores
+        lineText = lineText.replace(/\*+/g, ''); // Remove any remaining asterisks
+        lineText = lineText.replace(/_+/g, ''); // Remove any remaining underscores
+        // Clean up extra spaces
+        lineText = lineText.replace(/\s+/g, ' ').trim();
+
+        // Preserve punctuation (Minimax uses it for natural breathing)
+        // Don't strip punctuation - it helps TTS understand natural pauses
+
+        // Add emphasis pause after lines marked with emphasis
+        if (line.emphasis) {
+          // Minimal pause after emphasized content (0.15s for subtle emphasis)
+          lineText = `${lineText}<#0.15#>`;
+        }
+
+        // Check for speaker change (longer pause for natural conversation flow)
+        const prevLine = idx > 0 ? params.scene.lines[idx - 1] : null;
+        const isSpeakerChange = prevLine && prevLine.speaker !== line.speaker;
+
+        if (isSpeakerChange) {
+          // Short pause for speaker changes (0.2s - enough for natural transition)
+          lineText = `<#0.2#>${lineText}`;
+        }
+
+        // Add minimal pause between lines (only between regular lines, very short)
+        if (idx < params.scene.lines.length - 1) {
+          if (!line.emphasis && !isSpeakerChange) {
+            // Very short pause between lines (0.08s - barely noticeable but helps flow)
+            lineText = `${lineText}<#0.08#>`;
+          }
+          // If emphasis or speaker change, the pause is already added above
+        }
+
+        return lineText;
+      })
+      .join(" ");
+
+    // Validate character limit (Minimax max: 10,000 characters)
+    const MAX_CHARS = 10000;
+    let textToUse = text;
+    if (text.length > MAX_CHARS) {
+      console.warn(
+        `[Podcast] Scene "${params.scene.title}" exceeds ${MAX_CHARS} character limit (${text.length} chars). Truncating...`
+      );
+      // Truncate at word boundary to avoid cutting mid-word
+      const truncated = text.substring(0, MAX_CHARS);
+      const lastSpace = truncated.lastIndexOf(" ");
+      textToUse = lastSpace > 0 ? truncated.substring(0, lastSpace) : truncated;
+    }
+
     await ensurePreflight({
       provider: "audio",
       operation_type: "tts_full_render",
-      tokens_requested: text.length,
+      tokens_requested: textToUse.length,
       actual_provider_name: "wavespeed",
     });
 
     const response = await aiApiClient.post("/api/podcast/audio", {
       scene_id: params.scene.id,
       scene_title: params.scene.title,
-      text,
+      text: textToUse,
       voice_id: params.voiceId || "Wise_Woman",
-      speed: params.speed || 1.0,
-      emotion: params.emotion || "neutral",
+      speed: params.speed || 1.0, // Normal speed (was 0.9, but too slow - causing duration issues)
+      emotion: sceneEmotion,
+      english_normalization: true, // Better number reading for statistics
     });
 
     return {
@@ -578,6 +625,35 @@ export const podcastApi = {
     return response.data;
   },
 
+  async generateSceneImage(params: {
+    sceneId: string;
+    sceneTitle: string;
+    sceneContent?: string;
+    idea?: string;
+    width?: number;
+    height?: number;
+  }): Promise<{
+    scene_id: string;
+    scene_title: string;
+    image_filename: string;
+    image_url: string;
+    width: number;
+    height: number;
+    provider: string;
+    model?: string;
+    cost: number;
+  }> {
+    const response = await aiApiClient.post("/api/podcast/image", {
+      scene_id: params.sceneId,
+      scene_title: params.sceneTitle,
+      scene_content: params.sceneContent,
+      idea: params.idea,
+      width: params.width || 1024,
+      height: params.height || 1024,
+    });
+    return response.data;
+  },
+
   async cancelTask(taskId: string): Promise<void> {
     // Note: Task cancellation may not be fully supported by backend yet
     // This is a placeholder for future implementation
@@ -587,6 +663,25 @@ export const podcastApi = {
       console.warn("Task cancellation not supported:", error);
     }
   },
+
+  async combineAudio(params: {
+    projectId: string;
+    sceneIds: string[];
+    sceneAudioUrls: string[];
+  }): Promise<{
+    combined_audio_url: string;
+    combined_audio_filename: string;
+    total_duration: number;
+    file_size: number;
+    scene_count: number;
+  }> {
+    const response = await aiApiClient.post("/api/podcast/combine-audio", {
+      project_id: params.projectId,
+      scene_ids: params.sceneIds,
+      scene_audio_urls: params.sceneAudioUrls,
+    });
+    return response.data;
+  },
 };
 
 export type PodcastApi = typeof podcastApi;

frontend/src/styles/global.css

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 /* Global Styles for Alwrity Onboarding */
 
+/* Optimized font loading with font-display: swap for better performance */
 @import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Inter:wght@300;400;500;600;700;800&display=swap');
 
 /* Smooth scrolling */

frontend/src/utils/lazyRecharts.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+/**
+ * Lazy-loaded Recharts wrapper
+ * 
+ * Recharts is a large library (~200+ KiB). This wrapper lazy-loads it
+ * only when charts are actually needed, reducing initial bundle size.
+ * 
+ * Usage:
+ *   import { LazyLineChart, Line, XAxis, YAxis } from '../../utils/lazyRecharts';
+ *   import { Suspense } from 'react';
+ *   
+ *   <Suspense fallback={<ChartSkeleton />}>
+ *     <LazyLineChart data={data}>
+ *       <Line />
+ *     </LazyLineChart>
+ *   </Suspense>
+ */
+
+import React, { Suspense, lazy } from 'react';
+import { Box, CircularProgress } from '@mui/material';
+
+// Loading fallback for charts
+export const ChartLoadingFallback: React.FC = () => (
+  <Box
+    display="flex"
+    alignItems="center"
+    justifyContent="center"
+    minHeight="200px"
+    sx={{ bgcolor: 'rgba(0,0,0,0.02)', borderRadius: 1 }}
+  >
+    <CircularProgress size={40} />
+  </Box>
+);
+
+// Lazy load recharts components - these are the heavy ones
+export const LazyLineChart = lazy(() => 
+  import('recharts').then(module => ({ default: module.LineChart }))
+);
+
+export const LazyBarChart = lazy(() => 
+  import('recharts').then(module => ({ default: module.BarChart }))
+);
+
+export const LazyPieChart = lazy(() => 
+  import('recharts').then(module => ({ default: module.PieChart }))
+);
+
+export const LazyAreaChart = lazy(() => 
+  import('recharts').then(module => ({ default: module.AreaChart }))
+);
+
+export const LazyRadarChart = lazy(() => 
+  import('recharts').then(module => ({ default: module.RadarChart }))
+);
+
+export const LazyComposedChart = lazy(() => 
+  import('recharts').then(module => ({ default: module.ComposedChart }))
+);
+
+// These are lightweight, can be imported directly
+export {
+  Line,
+  Bar,
+  Pie,
+  Area,
+  Radar,
+  XAxis,
+  YAxis,
+  CartesianGrid,
+  Tooltip,
+  Legend,
+  ResponsiveContainer,
+  Cell,
+  PolarGrid,
+  PolarAngleAxis,
+  PolarRadiusAxis
+} from 'recharts';
+

frontend/src/utils/lazyWix.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+/**
+ * Lazy-loaded Wix SDK wrapper
+ * 
+ * Wix SDK is only used in a few pages (WixTestPage, WixCallbackPage).
+ * This wrapper lazy-loads it only when needed.
+ */
+
+export const lazyWixSDK = () => import('@wix/sdk');
+export const lazyWixBlog = () => import('@wix/blog');
+