WavePad Plays back files with horrible pops and clicks but other programs do not

Bocci

Hi,

I'm studying French and using Wavepad to cut up lessons into small clips for later review. Every single file i open is filled with random pops and clicks that don't exist when played back using other programs like VLC or Window Media Player. Is there some setting somewhere I can change to prevent the clicks? To be clear, i'm not looking to use the pop and click removal tool because I think this is a WavePad bug or misconfigured setting.

screenshot of the waveform:

https://imgur.com/a/Fivi4hq

Here is the actual file:

https://we.tl/t-IdaUjgJYZE