Is it a link to Patreon.com or a link on patreon.com that takes you to somewhere other than patreon? Could you share the link?

Thanks!

Episode links automatically open Google music app on my phone, instead of opening the link in a new tab. I must have selected "do you want to use Google music to open links like this" at some point but now I cannot figure out how to restore default

I understand. That sounds like it is related to your default app settings. What smartphone do you have?

If I disable the play music app, then I can download. I must, of course, then reenable the app to listen. Moto G6 play.

You'll likely have to reset the default preferences for Firefox and maybe Google Play. Each device has their own way of navigating to the default app preferences. Try the following

1. From the Home screen, swipe up to access all apps.
2. Navigate to the Settings icon > Apps & notifications icon > Advanced.
3. Tap Default apps.
4. Locate the specific topic and trying setting Firefox as the default.

If that doesn't help, try going into the device settings for Firefox through the Settings icon > Apps & notifications and see if you are able to reset the defaults there. Do not clear data for a specific application as it will erase the application data stored on the device.