Low Risk

search_episodes

Search indexed podcast episodes by keyword or show name and return the show/episode GUIDs needed for transcript retrieval.

Risk signalsAccepts freeform code/query input (query)

Part of the Podcasts server.

search_episodes is read-only, but an agent in a loop can still rack up calls and cost. PolicyLayer caps every call before it runs. Live in minutes.

SECURE PODCASTS →

Free to start. No card required.

AI agents call search_episodes to retrieve information from Podcasts without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions -- but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.

Even though search_episodes only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.

Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "search_episodes": {}
  }
}

See the full Podcasts policy for all 5 tools.

Get this rule live on your own Podcasts server in minutes. PolicyLayer enforces it on every call, before it runs.

ENFORCE ON MY PODCASTS →

These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access search_episodes gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Every attack above starts with a tool call. PolicyLayer checks each one against your policy first, so search_episodes only ever does what you allow.

SECURE PODCASTS →

Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.

What does the search_episodes tool do? +

Search indexed podcast episodes by keyword or show name and return the show/episode GUIDs needed for transcript retrieval.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Podcasts MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on search_episodes? +

Register the Podcasts MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for search_episodes: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Podcasts. Nothing to install.

What risk level is search_episodes? +

search_episodes is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit search_episodes? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the search_episodes rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block search_episodes completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for search_episodes. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides search_episodes? +

search_episodes is provided by the Podcasts MCP server (https://podcasts.petabloom.com/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Podcasts tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 5 Podcasts tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

Free to start. No card required.

4,600+ MCP servers and 31,000+ tools scanned and risk-classified.

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