So I have a problem that I imagine is pretty common.
I like to listen to two basic categories of podcasts. News and History and/or audiobook files. The later I want to play the newest first, the former the older first. I would like to alternate between these two catagories. An episode of book chapter or history episode, an hour of news and politics.
Is there an option that would automate this?
Yes, this is essentially what “smart shuffle” does 
Oh, sorry. I misread your question. AntennaPod currently does not support this.
Could we? If there were playlists or catagories with different play orders we could auto switch between, that would be good too.
I am confused. Why would you want to play the newest episode of an audiobook first? Isn’t that the last chapter which tells you who dunnit? 
You’re correct that this would lead to an unintended spoiler. I believe @Julian may have stated those in the opposite order of what is desired.