My Apple Podcast library disappeared without warning from my iPhone

I had a large, very carefully curated collection of podcasts in my Apple Podcasts app on my iPhone 14 Pro, honed over many years. Then, without warning or any obvious reason, my library entirely disappeared. Initially the downloaded podcasts were still visible in the 'Downloads' section, but within about an hour of the library disappearing, all the downloads disappeared too. This didn't coincide with any updates of the Podcasts app, or my iPhone operating system (18.1.1), or with the phone being switched off, running out of battery etc. I have plenty of storage available on my phone. I have tried turning the phone off and on again, and have reinstalled the app. Nothing has worked, and I've not been able to find any answers online despite finding a few examples of people having similar problems and, worryingly, on multiple occasions. Any help greatly appreciated although I fear they are lost forever - in which case, recommendations for alternative podcast apps that aren't going to do this would also be welcome. Thank you.