diff --git a/surfsense_backend/app/agents/podcaster/nodes.py b/surfsense_backend/app/agents/podcaster/nodes.py
index ceb1bd64b..31a687763 100644
--- a/surfsense_backend/app/agents/podcaster/nodes.py
+++ b/surfsense_backend/app/agents/podcaster/nodes.py
@@ -99,10 +99,10 @@ async def create_merged_podcast_audio(
 ) -> dict[str, Any]:
     """Generate audio for each transcript and merge them into a single podcast file."""
 
-    configuration = Configuration.from_runnable_config(config)
+    # configuration = Configuration.from_runnable_config(config)
 
     starting_transcript = PodcastTranscriptEntry(
-        speaker_id=1, dialog=f"Welcome to {configuration.podcast_title} Podcast."
+        speaker_id=1, dialog="Welcome to Surfsense Podcast."
     )
 
     transcript = state.podcast_transcript
diff --git a/surfsense_web/app/dashboard/[search_space_id]/client-layout.tsx b/surfsense_web/app/dashboard/[search_space_id]/client-layout.tsx
index e1e51c601..eceb7ecd4 100644
--- a/surfsense_web/app/dashboard/[search_space_id]/client-layout.tsx
+++ b/surfsense_web/app/dashboard/[search_space_id]/client-layout.tsx
@@ -1,7 +1,8 @@
 "use client";
 
-import { useAtom } from "jotai";
+import { useAtom, useAtomValue } from "jotai";
 import { Loader2, PanelRight } from "lucide-react";
+import { AnimatePresence, motion } from "motion/react";
 import { usePathname, useRouter } from "next/navigation";
 import { useTranslations } from "next-intl";
 import type React from "react";
@@ -16,6 +17,7 @@ import { Separator } from "@/components/ui/separator";
 import { SidebarInset, SidebarProvider, SidebarTrigger } from "@/components/ui/sidebar";
 import { useLLMPreferences } from "@/hooks/use-llm-configs";
 import { cn } from "@/lib/utils";
+import { activeChatIdAtom } from "@/stores/chat/active-chat.atom";
 import { chatUIAtom } from "@/stores/chat/chat-ui.atom";
 
 export function DashboardClientLayout({
@@ -35,9 +37,26 @@ export function DashboardClientLayout({
 	const searchSpaceIdNum = Number(searchSpaceId);
 
 	const [chatUIState, setChatUIState] = useAtom(chatUIAtom);
+	const activeChatId = useAtomValue(activeChatIdAtom);
+	const [showIndicator, setShowIndicator] = useState(false);
 
 	const { isChatPannelOpen } = chatUIState;
 
+	// Check if we're on the researcher page
+	const isResearcherPage = pathname?.includes("/researcher");
+
+	// Show indicator when chat becomes active and panel is closed
+	useEffect(() => {
+		if (activeChatId && !isChatPannelOpen) {
+			setShowIndicator(true);
+			// Hide indicator after 5 seconds
+			const timer = setTimeout(() => setShowIndicator(false), 5000);
+			return () => clearTimeout(timer);
+		} else {
+			setShowIndicator(false);
+		}
+	}, [activeChatId, isChatPannelOpen]);
+
 	const { loading, error, isOnboardingComplete } = useLLMPreferences(searchSpaceIdNum);
 	const [hasCheckedOnboarding, setHasCheckedOnboarding] = useState(false);
 
@@ -161,24 +180,112 @@ export function DashboardClientLayout({
 								<div className="flex items-center gap-2">
 									<LanguageSwitcher />
 									<ThemeTogglerComponent />
-									<button
-										type="button"
-										onClick={() =>
-											setChatUIState((prev) => ({
-												...prev,
-												isChatPannelOpen: !isChatPannelOpen,
-											}))
-										}
-										className={cn(" shrink-0 rounded-full w-fit hover:bg-muted")}
-									>
-										<PanelRight className="h-4 w-4" />
-									</button>
+									{/* Only show artifacts toggle on researcher page */}
+									{isResearcherPage && (
+										<motion.div
+											className="relative"
+											animate={
+												showIndicator
+													? {
+															scale: [1, 1.05, 1],
+														}
+													: {}
+											}
+											transition={{
+												duration: 2,
+												repeat: showIndicator ? Number.POSITIVE_INFINITY : 0,
+												ease: "easeInOut",
+											}}
+										>
+											<motion.button
+												type="button"
+												onClick={() => {
+													setChatUIState((prev) => ({
+														...prev,
+														isChatPannelOpen: !isChatPannelOpen,
+													}));
+													setShowIndicator(false);
+												}}
+												className={cn(
+													"shrink-0 rounded-full p-2 transition-all duration-300 relative",
+													showIndicator
+														? "bg-primary/20 hover:bg-primary/30 shadow-lg shadow-primary/25"
+														: "hover:bg-muted",
+													activeChatId && !showIndicator && "hover:bg-primary/10"
+												)}
+												title="Toggle Artifacts Panel"
+												whileHover={{ scale: 1.05 }}
+												whileTap={{ scale: 0.95 }}
+											>
+												<motion.div
+													animate={
+														showIndicator
+															? {
+																	rotate: [0, -10, 10, -10, 0],
+																}
+															: {}
+													}
+													transition={{
+														duration: 0.5,
+														repeat: showIndicator ? Number.POSITIVE_INFINITY : 0,
+														repeatDelay: 2,
+													}}
+												>
+													<PanelRight
+														className={cn(
+															"h-4 w-4 transition-colors",
+															showIndicator && "text-primary"
+														)}
+													/>
+												</motion.div>
+											</motion.button>
+
+											{/* Pulsing indicator badge */}
+											<AnimatePresence>
+												{showIndicator && (
+													<motion.div
+														initial={{ opacity: 0, scale: 0 }}
+														animate={{ opacity: 1, scale: 1 }}
+														exit={{ opacity: 0, scale: 0 }}
+														className="absolute -right-1 -top-1 pointer-events-none"
+													>
+														<motion.div
+															animate={{
+																scale: [1, 1.3, 1],
+															}}
+															transition={{
+																duration: 1.5,
+																repeat: Number.POSITIVE_INFINITY,
+																ease: "easeInOut",
+															}}
+															className="relative"
+														>
+															<div className="h-2.5 w-2.5 rounded-full bg-primary shadow-lg" />
+															<motion.div
+																animate={{
+																	scale: [1, 2.5, 1],
+																	opacity: [0.6, 0, 0.6],
+																}}
+																transition={{
+																	duration: 1.5,
+																	repeat: Number.POSITIVE_INFINITY,
+																	ease: "easeInOut",
+																}}
+																className="absolute inset-0 h-2.5 w-2.5 rounded-full bg-primary"
+															/>
+														</motion.div>
+													</motion.div>
+												)}
+											</AnimatePresence>
+										</motion.div>
+									)}
 								</div>
 							</div>
 						</header>
 						<div className="grow flex-1 overflow-auto">{children}</div>
 					</div>
-					<ChatPanelContainer />
+					{/* Only render chat panel on researcher page */}
+					{isResearcherPage && <ChatPanelContainer />}
 				</main>
 			</SidebarInset>
 		</SidebarProvider>
diff --git a/surfsense_web/components/chat/ChatPanel/ChatPanelContainer.tsx b/surfsense_web/components/chat/ChatPanel/ChatPanelContainer.tsx
index a4eb30ef9..098d6324a 100644
--- a/surfsense_web/components/chat/ChatPanel/ChatPanelContainer.tsx
+++ b/surfsense_web/components/chat/ChatPanel/ChatPanelContainer.tsx
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ export function ChatPanelContainer() {
 		<div
 			className={cn(
 				"shrink-0 bg-background/95 backdrop-blur supports-[backdrop-filter]:bg-background/60 flex flex-col h-full transition-all",
-				isChatPannelOpen ? "w-64" : "w-0"
+				isChatPannelOpen ? "w-96" : "w-0"
 			)}
 		>
 			{isChatLoading || chatError ? (
diff --git a/surfsense_web/components/chat/ChatPanel/ChatPanelView.tsx b/surfsense_web/components/chat/ChatPanel/ChatPanelView.tsx
index 1d4ac4c71..848028e1f 100644
--- a/surfsense_web/components/chat/ChatPanel/ChatPanelView.tsx
+++ b/surfsense_web/components/chat/ChatPanel/ChatPanelView.tsx
@@ -1,7 +1,8 @@
 "use client";
 
 import { useAtom, useAtomValue } from "jotai";
-import { AlertCircle, Pencil, Play, Podcast, RefreshCw } from "lucide-react";
+import { AlertCircle, Pencil, Play, Podcast, RefreshCw, Sparkles } from "lucide-react";
+import { motion } from "motion/react";
 import { useCallback, useContext, useTransition } from "react";
 import { cn } from "@/lib/utils";
 import { activeChatAtom } from "@/stores/chat/active-chat.atom";
@@ -41,23 +42,26 @@ export function ChatPanelView(props: ChatPanelViewProps) {
 
 	return (
 		<div className="w-full">
-			<div
-				className={cn(
-					"w-full  cursor-pointer p-4 border-b",
-					!isChatPannelOpen && "flex items-center justify-center"
-				)}
-				title={podcastIsStale ? "Regenerate Podcast" : "Generate Podcast"}
-			>
+			<div className={cn("w-full p-4", !isChatPannelOpen && "flex items-center justify-center")}>
 				{isChatPannelOpen ? (
 					<div className="space-y-3">
 						{/* Show stale podcast warning if applicable */}
 						{podcastIsStale && (
-							<div className="rounded-lg p-3 bg-amber-50 dark:bg-amber-950/30 border border-amber-200 dark:border-amber-800">
+							<motion.div
+								initial={{ opacity: 0, y: -10 }}
+								animate={{ opacity: 1, y: 0 }}
+								className="rounded-xl p-3 bg-gradient-to-br from-amber-50 to-orange-50 dark:from-amber-950/30 dark:to-orange-950/20 border border-amber-200/50 dark:border-amber-800/50 shadow-sm"
+							>
 								<div className="flex gap-2 items-start">
-									<AlertCircle className="h-4 w-4 text-amber-600 dark:text-amber-500 mt-0.5 flex-shrink-0" />
-									<div className="text-sm text-amber-800 dark:text-amber-200">
-										<p className="font-medium">Podcast is outdated</p>
-										<p className="text-xs mt-1 opacity-90">
+									<motion.div
+										animate={{ rotate: [0, 10, -10, 0] }}
+										transition={{ duration: 0.5, repeat: Infinity, repeatDelay: 3 }}
+									>
+										<AlertCircle className="h-4 w-4 text-amber-600 dark:text-amber-400 mt-0.5 flex-shrink-0" />
+									</motion.div>
+									<div className="text-sm text-amber-900 dark:text-amber-100">
+										<p className="font-semibold">Podcast Outdated</p>
+										<p className="text-xs mt-1 opacity-80">
 											{getPodcastStalenessMessage(
 												chatDetails?.state_version || 0,
 												podcast?.chat_state_version
@@ -65,41 +69,96 @@ export function ChatPanelView(props: ChatPanelViewProps) {
 										</p>
 									</div>
 								</div>
-							</div>
+							</motion.div>
 						)}
 
-						<div
-							role="button"
-							tabIndex={0}
-							onClick={handleGeneratePost}
-							onKeyDown={(e) => {
-								if (e.key === "Enter") {
-									e.preventDefault();
-									handleGeneratePost();
-								}
-							}}
-							className={cn(
-								"w-full space-y-3 rounded-xl p-3 transition-colors",
-								podcastIsStale
-									? "bg-gradient-to-r from-amber-400/50 to-orange-300/50 dark:from-amber-500/30 dark:to-orange-600/30 hover:from-amber-400/60 hover:to-orange-300/60"
-									: "bg-gradient-to-r from-slate-400/50 to-slate-200/50 dark:from-slate-400/30 dark:to-slate-800/60 hover:from-slate-400/60 hover:to-slate-200/60"
-							)}
+						<motion.div
+							whileHover={{ scale: 1.02 }}
+							whileTap={{ scale: 0.98 }}
+							initial={{ opacity: 0 }}
+							animate={{ opacity: 1 }}
+							transition={{ duration: 0.3 }}
 						>
-							<div className="w-full flex items-center justify-between">
-								{podcastIsStale ? (
-									<RefreshCw strokeWidth={1} className="h-5 w-5" />
-								) : (
-									<Podcast strokeWidth={1} className="h-5 w-5" />
+							<div
+								role="button"
+								tabIndex={0}
+								onClick={handleGeneratePost}
+								onKeyDown={(e) => {
+									if (e.key === "Enter") {
+										e.preventDefault();
+										handleGeneratePost();
+									}
+								}}
+								className={cn(
+									"relative w-full rounded-2xl p-4 transition-all duration-300 cursor-pointer group overflow-hidden",
+									"border-2",
+									podcastIsStale
+										? "bg-gradient-to-br from-amber-500/10 via-orange-500/10 to-amber-500/10 dark:from-amber-500/20 dark:via-orange-500/20 dark:to-amber-500/20 border-amber-400/50 hover:border-amber-400 hover:shadow-lg hover:shadow-amber-500/20"
+										: "bg-gradient-to-br from-primary/10 via-primary/5 to-primary/10 border-primary/30 hover:border-primary/60 hover:shadow-lg hover:shadow-primary/20"
 								)}
-								<ConfigModal generatePodcast={generatePodcast} />
+							>
+								{/* Background gradient animation */}
+								<motion.div
+									className={cn(
+										"absolute inset-0 opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-500",
+										podcastIsStale
+											? "bg-gradient-to-r from-transparent via-amber-400/10 to-transparent"
+											: "bg-gradient-to-r from-transparent via-primary/10 to-transparent"
+									)}
+									animate={{
+										x: ["-100%", "100%"],
+									}}
+									transition={{
+										duration: 3,
+										repeat: Infinity,
+										ease: "linear",
+									}}
+								/>
+
+								<div className="relative z-10 space-y-3">
+									<div className="flex items-center justify-between">
+										<div className="flex items-center gap-3">
+											<motion.div
+												className={cn(
+													"p-2.5 rounded-xl",
+													podcastIsStale
+														? "bg-amber-500/20 dark:bg-amber-500/30"
+														: "bg-primary/20 dark:bg-primary/30"
+												)}
+												animate={{
+													rotate: podcastIsStale ? [0, 360] : 0,
+												}}
+												transition={{
+													duration: 2,
+													repeat: podcastIsStale ? Infinity : 0,
+													ease: "linear",
+												}}
+											>
+												{podcastIsStale ? (
+													<RefreshCw className="h-5 w-5 text-amber-600 dark:text-amber-400" />
+												) : (
+													<Sparkles className="h-5 w-5 text-primary" />
+												)}
+											</motion.div>
+											<div>
+												<p className="text-sm font-semibold">
+													{podcastIsStale ? "Regenerate Podcast" : "Generate Podcast"}
+												</p>
+												<p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+													{podcastIsStale
+														? "Update with latest changes"
+														: "Create podcasts of your chat"}
+												</p>
+											</div>
+										</div>
+										<ConfigModal generatePodcast={generatePodcast} />
+									</div>
+								</div>
 							</div>
-							<p className="text-sm font-medium text-left">
-								{podcastIsStale ? "Regenerate Podcast" : "Generate Podcast"}
-							</p>
-						</div>
+						</motion.div>
 					</div>
 				) : (
-					<button
+					<motion.button
 						title={podcastIsStale ? "Regenerate Podcast" : "Generate Podcast"}
 						type="button"
 						onClick={() =>
@@ -108,37 +167,39 @@ export function ChatPanelView(props: ChatPanelViewProps) {
 								isChatPannelOpen: !isChatPannelOpen,
 							}))
 						}
+						whileHover={{ scale: 1.1 }}
+						whileTap={{ scale: 0.9 }}
 						className={cn(
-							"p-2 rounded-full hover:bg-muted transition-colors",
-							podcastIsStale && "text-amber-600 dark:text-amber-500"
+							"p-2.5 rounded-full transition-colors shadow-sm",
+							podcastIsStale
+								? "bg-amber-500/20 hover:bg-amber-500/30 text-amber-600 dark:text-amber-400"
+								: "bg-primary/20 hover:bg-primary/30 text-primary"
 						)}
 					>
-						{podcastIsStale ? (
-							<RefreshCw strokeWidth={1} className="h-5 w-5" />
-						) : (
-							<Podcast strokeWidth={1} className="h-5 w-5" />
-						)}
-					</button>
+						{podcastIsStale ? <RefreshCw className="h-5 w-5" /> : <Sparkles className="h-5 w-5" />}
+					</motion.button>
 				)}
 			</div>
 			{podcast ? (
 				<div
 					className={cn(
-						"w-full border-b",
+						"w-full border-t",
 						!isChatPannelOpen && "flex items-center justify-center p-4"
 					)}
 				>
 					{isChatPannelOpen ? (
 						<PodcastPlayer compact podcast={podcast} />
 					) : podcast ? (
-						<button
+						<motion.button
 							title="Play Podcast"
 							type="button"
 							onClick={() => setChatUIState((prev) => ({ ...prev, isChatPannelOpen: true }))}
-							className="p-2 rounded-full hover:bg-muted transition-colors text-green-600 dark:text-green-500"
+							whileHover={{ scale: 1.1 }}
+							whileTap={{ scale: 0.9 }}
+							className="p-2.5 rounded-full bg-green-500/20 hover:bg-green-500/30 text-green-600 dark:text-green-400 transition-colors shadow-sm"
 						>
-							<Play strokeWidth={1} className="h-5 w-5" />
-						</button>
+							<Play className="h-5 w-5" />
+						</motion.button>
 					) : null}
 				</div>
 			) : null}
diff --git a/surfsense_web/components/chat/ChatPanel/ConfigModal.tsx b/surfsense_web/components/chat/ChatPanel/ConfigModal.tsx
index 2ee0d30cb..f1efdd089 100644
--- a/surfsense_web/components/chat/ChatPanel/ConfigModal.tsx
+++ b/surfsense_web/components/chat/ChatPanel/ConfigModal.tsx
@@ -44,8 +44,20 @@ export function ConfigModal(props: ConfigModalProps) {
 			<PopoverContent onClick={(e) => e.stopPropagation()} align="end" className="bg-sidebar w-96 ">
 				<form className="flex flex-col gap-3 w-full">
 					<label className="text-sm font-medium" htmlFor="prompt">
-						What subjects should the AI cover in this podcast ?
+						Special user instructions
 					</label>
+					<p className="text-xs text-slate-500 dark:text-slate-400">
+						Leave empty to use the default prompt
+					</p>
+					<div className="text-xs text-slate-500 dark:text-slate-400 space-y-1">
+						<p>Examples:</p>
+						<ul className="list-disc list-inside space-y-0.5">
+							<li>Make hosts speak in London street language</li>
+							<li>Use real-world analogies and metaphors</li>
+							<li>Add dramatic pauses like a late-night radio show</li>
+							<li>Include 90s pop culture references</li>
+						</ul>
+					</div>
 
 					<textarea
 						name="prompt"
diff --git a/surfsense_web/components/chat/ChatPanel/PodcastPlayer/PodcastPlayer.tsx b/surfsense_web/components/chat/ChatPanel/PodcastPlayer/PodcastPlayer.tsx
index e17306f66..f789ab848 100644
--- a/surfsense_web/components/chat/ChatPanel/PodcastPlayer/PodcastPlayer.tsx
+++ b/surfsense_web/components/chat/ChatPanel/PodcastPlayer/PodcastPlayer.tsx
@@ -202,94 +202,116 @@ export function PodcastPlayer({
 	if (compact) {
 		return (
 			<>
-				<div className="flex flex-col gap-3 p-3">
-					<div className="flex items-center gap-2">
-						<motion.div
-							className="w-8 h-8 bg-primary/20 rounded-md flex items-center justify-center flex-shrink-0"
-							animate={{ scale: isPlaying ? [1, 1.05, 1] : 1 }}
-							transition={{
-								repeat: isPlaying ? Infinity : 0,
-								duration: 2,
-							}}
-						>
-							<Podcast className="h-4 w-4 text-primary" />
-						</motion.div>
-						<h4 className="font-medium text-xs line-clamp-1 flex-grow">{podcast.title}</h4>
-						{onClose && (
-							<motion.div whileHover={{ scale: 1.1 }} whileTap={{ scale: 0.95 }}>
-								<Button
-									variant="ghost"
-									size="icon"
-									onClick={onClose}
-									className="h-6 w-6 flex-shrink-0"
-								>
-									<X className="h-3 w-3" />
-								</Button>
-							</motion.div>
+				<div className="flex flex-col gap-4 p-4">
+					{/* Audio Visualizer */}
+					<motion.div
+						className="relative h-1 bg-gradient-to-r from-primary/20 via-primary/40 to-primary/20 rounded-full overflow-hidden"
+						initial={{ opacity: 0 }}
+						animate={{ opacity: 1 }}
+						transition={{ duration: 0.5 }}
+					>
+						{isPlaying && (
+							<motion.div
+								className="absolute inset-0 bg-gradient-to-r from-transparent via-primary to-transparent"
+								animate={{
+									x: ["-100%", "100%"],
+								}}
+								transition={{
+									duration: 2,
+									repeat: Infinity,
+									ease: "linear",
+								}}
+							/>
 						)}
-					</div>
+					</motion.div>
 
-					<div className="flex items-center gap-1">
+					{/* Progress Bar with Time */}
+					<div className="space-y-2">
 						<Slider
 							value={[currentTime]}
 							min={0}
 							max={duration || 100}
 							step={0.1}
 							onValueChange={handleSeek}
-							className="flex-grow"
+							className="w-full cursor-pointer"
 						/>
-						<div className="text-xs text-muted-foreground whitespace-nowrap flex-shrink-0">
-							{formatTime(currentTime)} / {formatTime(duration)}
+						<div className="flex items-center justify-between text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+							<span className="font-mono">{formatTime(currentTime)}</span>
+							<span className="font-mono">{formatTime(duration)}</span>
 						</div>
 					</div>
 
-					<div className="flex items-center justify-between gap-1">
-						<motion.div whileHover={{ scale: 1.1 }} whileTap={{ scale: 0.95 }}>
-							<Button
-								variant="ghost"
-								size="icon"
-								onClick={skipBackward}
-								className="h-7 w-7"
-								disabled={!duration}
-							>
-								<SkipBack className="h-3 w-3" />
-							</Button>
-						</motion.div>
+					{/* Controls */}
+					<div className="flex items-center justify-between">
+						{/* Left: Volume */}
+						<div className="flex items-center gap-2 flex-1">
+							<motion.div whileHover={{ scale: 1.1 }} whileTap={{ scale: 0.95 }}>
+								<Button variant="ghost" size="icon" onClick={toggleMute} className="h-8 w-8">
+									{isMuted ? (
+										<VolumeX className="h-4 w-4 text-muted-foreground" />
+									) : (
+										<Volume2 className="h-4 w-4" />
+									)}
+								</Button>
+							</motion.div>
+						</div>
 
-						<motion.div whileHover={{ scale: 1.1 }} whileTap={{ scale: 0.95 }}>
-							<Button
-								variant="default"
-								size="icon"
-								onClick={togglePlayPause}
-								className="h-8 w-8 rounded-full"
-								disabled={!duration}
-							>
-								{isPlaying ? <Pause className="h-4 w-4" /> : <Play className="h-4 w-4 ml-0.5" />}
-							</Button>
-						</motion.div>
+						{/* Center: Playback Controls */}
+						<div className="flex items-center gap-1">
+							<motion.div whileHover={{ scale: 1.1 }} whileTap={{ scale: 0.95 }}>
+								<Button
+									variant="ghost"
+									size="icon"
+									onClick={skipBackward}
+									className="h-9 w-9"
+									disabled={!duration}
+								>
+									<SkipBack className="h-4 w-4" />
+								</Button>
+							</motion.div>
 
-						<motion.div whileHover={{ scale: 1.1 }} whileTap={{ scale: 0.95 }}>
-							<Button
-								variant="ghost"
-								size="icon"
-								onClick={skipForward}
-								className="h-7 w-7"
-								disabled={!duration}
+							<motion.div
+								whileHover={{ scale: 1.05 }}
+								whileTap={{ scale: 0.95 }}
+								animate={
+									isPlaying
+										? {
+												boxShadow: [
+													"0 0 0 0 rgba(var(--primary), 0)",
+													"0 0 0 8px rgba(var(--primary), 0.1)",
+													"0 0 0 0 rgba(var(--primary), 0)",
+												],
+											}
+										: {}
+								}
+								transition={{ duration: 1.5, repeat: isPlaying ? Infinity : 0 }}
 							>
-								<SkipForward className="h-3 w-3" />
-							</Button>
-						</motion.div>
+								<Button
+									variant="default"
+									size="icon"
+									onClick={togglePlayPause}
+									className="h-10 w-10 rounded-full"
+									disabled={!duration}
+								>
+									{isPlaying ? <Pause className="h-5 w-5" /> : <Play className="h-5 w-5 ml-0.5" />}
+								</Button>
+							</motion.div>
 
-						<motion.div whileHover={{ scale: 1.1 }} whileTap={{ scale: 0.95 }}>
-							<Button
-								variant="ghost"
-								size="icon"
-								onClick={toggleMute}
-								className={`h-7 w-7 ${isMuted ? "text-muted-foreground" : "text-primary"}`}
-							>
-								{isMuted ? <VolumeX className="h-3 w-3" /> : <Volume2 className="h-3 w-3" />}
-							</Button>
-						</motion.div>
+							<motion.div whileHover={{ scale: 1.1 }} whileTap={{ scale: 0.95 }}>
+								<Button
+									variant="ghost"
+									size="icon"
+									onClick={skipForward}
+									className="h-9 w-9"
+									disabled={!duration}
+								>
+									<SkipForward className="h-4 w-4" />
+								</Button>
+							</motion.div>
+						</div>
+
+						{/* Right: Placeholder for symmetry */}
+						<div className="flex-1" />
 					</div>
 				</div>
 
diff --git a/surfsense_web/components/dashboard-breadcrumb.tsx b/surfsense_web/components/dashboard-breadcrumb.tsx
index dd23a4f28..2348ddb42 100644
--- a/surfsense_web/components/dashboard-breadcrumb.tsx
+++ b/surfsense_web/components/dashboard-breadcrumb.tsx
@@ -2,7 +2,8 @@
 
 import { usePathname } from "next/navigation";
 import { useTranslations } from "next-intl";
-import React from "react";
+import React, { useEffect, useState } from "react";
+import type { ChatDetails } from "@/app/dashboard/[search_space_id]/chats/chats-client";
 import {
 	Breadcrumb,
 	BreadcrumbItem,
@@ -11,6 +12,8 @@ import {
 	BreadcrumbPage,
 	BreadcrumbSeparator,
 } from "@/components/ui/breadcrumb";
+import { useSearchSpace } from "@/hooks/use-search-space";
+import { fetchChatDetails } from "@/lib/apis/chat-apis";
 
 interface BreadcrumbItemInterface {
 	label: string;
@@ -20,6 +23,31 @@ interface BreadcrumbItemInterface {
 export function DashboardBreadcrumb() {
 	const t = useTranslations("breadcrumb");
 	const pathname = usePathname();
+	const [chatDetails, setChatDetails] = useState<ChatDetails | null>(null);
+
+	// Extract search space ID and chat ID from pathname
+	const segments = pathname.split("/").filter(Boolean);
+	const searchSpaceId = segments[0] === "dashboard" && segments[1] ? segments[1] : null;
+	const chatId =
+		segments[0] === "dashboard" && segments[2] === "researcher" && segments[3] ? segments[3] : null;
+
+	// Fetch search space details if we have an ID
+	const { searchSpace } = useSearchSpace({
+		searchSpaceId: searchSpaceId || "",
+		autoFetch: !!searchSpaceId,
+	});
+
+	// Fetch chat details if we have a chat ID
+	useEffect(() => {
+		if (chatId) {
+			const token = localStorage.getItem("surfsense_bearer_token");
+			if (token) {
+				fetchChatDetails(chatId, token).then(setChatDetails);
+			}
+		} else {
+			setChatDetails(null);
+		}
+	}, [chatId]);
 
 	// Parse the pathname to create breadcrumb items
 	const generateBreadcrumbs = (path: string): BreadcrumbItemInterface[] => {
@@ -31,8 +59,10 @@ export function DashboardBreadcrumb() {
 
 		// Handle search space
 		if (segments[0] === "dashboard" && segments[1]) {
+			// Use the actual search space name if available, otherwise fall back to the ID
+			const searchSpaceLabel = searchSpace?.name || `${t("search_space")} ${segments[1]}`;
 			breadcrumbs.push({
-				label: `${t("search_space")} ${segments[1]}`,
+				label: searchSpaceLabel,
 				href: `/dashboard/${segments[1]}`,
 			});
 
@@ -92,6 +122,18 @@ export function DashboardBreadcrumb() {
 						return breadcrumbs;
 					}
 
+					// Handle researcher sub-sections (chat IDs)
+					if (section === "researcher") {
+						// Use the actual chat title if available, otherwise fall back to the ID
+						const chatLabel = chatDetails?.title || subSection;
+						breadcrumbs.push({
+							label: t("researcher"),
+							href: `/dashboard/${segments[1]}/researcher`,
+						});
+						breadcrumbs.push({ label: chatLabel });
+						return breadcrumbs;
+					}
+
 					// Handle connector sub-sections
 					if (section === "connectors") {
 						// Handle specific connector types