digital crown is inoperative

Hello maguid,

Is the Watch battery charged? If yes maybe a call to Apple iWatch service / repair is needed.

Apple Watch Service and Repair - Apple Support

Hello maguid,

Does pressing the Digital Crown bring up your list of Apps and can you scroll the list or are you accessing your timer and podcast via Complications on the watch?

This Apple support page may help too;

If the Digital Crown isn't working on your Apple Watch - Apple Support