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