EA App Issues on Mac - Can't connect to Gallery or Update

Hey all, 

Wanted to start playing Sims 4 so downloaded the EA App for the first time on my Mac (running Sequoia 15.3). The app is housed within my Mac applications however the game is stored on my external hard drive. 

I'm not having issues opening the game, the base and all packs run normally however I can't connect to the gallery or get game updates in-app (Sims Delivery Express or whatever they are calling it now). 

I've unistalled and reinstalled, cleared the cache/cookies, ran app recovery and basically what feels like every other suggested solution I've found within the forum but nothing seems to work and I'm feeling very frustrated. 

Attached are some screenshots of the "error" messaging that I'm receiving.. any help or direction would be great appreciated!