The Growing Podcast (+ Alt images) (Patreon)

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A new story! This one follows Sarah and Jack, a couple who started a podcast covering all things fmg-35 after Sarah grew. They are interviewed on the news to promote a special guest on their podcast, but things don't go as planned...

This story includes alternative images of Dr. Hartley, plus a look at her in another universe where she's happy. I hope you enjoy the story and images! This is a Patreon Exclusive.

📦 Grab the full res images from the attachment section of this post. ⬇️

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The Growing Podcast

The bright studio lights illuminated the set of WKTV's evening news as the familiar jingle signaled the return from commercial break. Anchor Melissa Chen, a petite woman barely over five feet tall, sat poised behind the news desk. Her co-anchor, Tom Bradshaw, a man of average height who now seemed dwarfed by many of his female colleagues, shuffled his papers and cleared his throat.

"Welcome back to WKTV News at 6," Melissa began, her voice warm and professional. "Our top story tonight continues to be the ongoing effects of the FMG-35 virus that has dramatically altered our society since its outbreak in 2035. Tonight, we have a special treat for our viewers."

Tom nodded, taking over seamlessly. "That's right, Melissa. We're joined by Jack and Sarah Thompson, hosts of the increasingly popular 'The Growing Podcast.' Their show has quickly become a go-to source for information and discussion about the FMG-35 virus and its impact on our daily lives."

The camera panned to reveal the guests. Jack Thompson, a man in his early thirties with a boyish grin and tousled brown hair, sat in a chair that seemed almost comically oversized for his 5'10" frame. Beside him, or rather, towering over him, was his wife Sarah. At an impressive 7'2", her muscular frame filled out her tailored suit in a way that was both intimidating and oddly graceful. Her long blonde hair was pulled back in a neat ponytail, and she smiled warmly at the camera.

Melissa turned to their guests. "Jack, Sarah, thank you for joining us tonight. Your podcast has really taken off in the past few months. Can you tell us a bit about how it all started?"

Sarah laughed, a rich, melodious sound. "Well, Melissa, it all began about two months after I got infected with the FMG-35 virus. I remember waking up one morning and realizing my feet were hanging off the end of the bed!"

Jack chimed in, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "And I woke up to find myself practically squished against the headboard. We knew the virus was causing changes, but experiencing it firsthand was... well, let's just say it was an eye-opener."

"I can imagine," Tom said, leaning forward with interest. "Sarah, you mentioned getting infected. Can you walk us through that experience?"

Sarah nodded, her expression becoming more serious. "Of course, Tom. Like about 90% of adult women worldwide, I contracted the virus in early 2035. The initial symptoms were mild - a slight fever, some muscle aches. But then, over the course of two weeks, the real changes began."

"Two weeks?" Melissa asked, her eyebrows raised. "That seems like a remarkably short time for such dramatic changes."

"Oh, it was," Sarah confirmed. "Each day brought new surprises. My clothes got tighter, then stopped fitting altogether. I grew taller - about an inch a day at the peak. And the muscle growth... well, let's just say I went from struggling to open jars to accidentally crushing them."

Jack laughed, patting his wife's arm affectionately. "I started hiding the good china."

The studio echoed with gentle laughter before Tom steered the conversation back on track. "Jack, you mentioned having a background in research. How has that influenced your approach to the podcast?"

Jack sat up straighter, his demeanor shifting slightly. "Well, Tom, my background is in biochemistry. When the FMG-35 virus first appeared, I was fascinated from a scientific standpoint. On the podcast, I try to break down the latest research into terms our listeners can understand. We cover everything from the ongoing efforts to develop a vaccine to the search for a cure that could reverse the effects."

"And how is that search going?" Melissa inquired.

Jack's expression turned thoughtful. "It's a complex issue. The virus has proven remarkably resistant to traditional treatments. There's been some progress in developing a vaccine to prevent future infections, but as for a cure..." He shook his head. "The changes seem to be permanent, at least for now."

Sarah jumped in, her tone optimistic. "But that's where the societal aspect comes in, which is my focus on the podcast. We're not just sitting around waiting for a cure. We're adapting, creating a new normal."

"Can you give us some examples of these adaptations?" Melissa asked.

Sarah nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. We've seen changes in everything from architecture to fashion. Doorways are being heightened, furniture is being redesigned. The clothing industry has had to completely revamp their sizing systems. But it goes beyond the physical changes. We're seeing shifts in workplace dynamics, in sports, in relationships."

"Speaking of relationships," Tom interjected, glancing between Jack and Sarah, "if you don't mind me asking, how has this affected your own marriage?"

The couple exchanged a warm look before Jack answered. "It's been an adjustment, certainly. But we've always believed that a strong relationship can weather any storm. If anything, going through this experience together has brought us closer."

Sarah nodded in agreement. "We've had to relearn some things, find new ways to, well, fit together." She winked at the camera, causing Tom to cough slightly and Melissa to hide a smile. "But at the end of the day, we're still us. Just... a bit more of me to love."

"And that's really what we try to focus on in the podcast," Jack added. "Yes, we cover the science and the societal changes, but at its heart, our show is about people. It's about sharing stories, finding common ground, and navigating this new world together."

Melissa smiled warmly. "That's a beautiful sentiment. Now, before we wrap up, I understand you have a special announcement for our viewers?"

Sarah's face lit up with excitement. "We do indeed, Melissa! We're thrilled to announce that our next guest on 'The Growing Podcast' will be none other than Dr. Elizabeth Hartley, the head of the research department at the University of Oxford."

Jack leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Dr. Hartley has been at the forefront of FMG-35 virus research since the very beginning. She and her team have been studying its effects in unprecedented detail."

"That sounds fascinating," Tom chimed in. "What can listeners expect from this episode?"

"Oh, it's going to be a game-changer," Sarah replied, her voice brimming with anticipation. "Dr. Hartley will be sharing some of the latest findings on both the biological and societal impacts of the virus. We're talking cutting-edge stuff that hasn't been widely publicised yet."

Jack nodded, adding, "For anyone interested in understanding the full scope of how FMG-35 has reshaped our world, this is going to be a must-listen episode. Dr. Hartley will be discussing everything from the virus's molecular structure to its long-term implications for human evolution."

"And it's not just dry scientific data," Sarah interjected. "Dr. Hartley has a wonderful way of breaking down complex concepts into understandable terms. Plus, she'll be sharing some personal insights as a woman who's undergone the transformation herself."

Melissa raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "That's quite a coup for your podcast. How did you manage to secure such a high-profile guest?"

Jack chuckled. "Well, it wasn't easy. Dr. Hartley is in high demand these days. But I think our approach resonated with her. We're not just after sensationalism or quick sound bites. We want to provide a platform for real, in-depth discussion about the virus and its effects."

"And let's be honest," Sarah added with a wink, "it probably didn't hurt that I could look her in the eye without craning my neck. There's something to be said for solidarity among us 'changed' women."

The studio filled with laughter at Sarah's quip, lightening the mood.

"Well, I'm sure our viewers will be eagerly anticipating that episode," Tom said, still chuckling. "When can they expect it to air?"

"The episode will drop next Tuesday at 8 PM GMT," Jack replied. "We're doing it live, actually, which is a first for us. We wanted to give our listeners the chance to send in questions in real-time."

Sarah nodded enthusiastically. "That's right. We'll be taking questions via social media throughout the episode. It's a great opportunity for people to get answers straight from one of the world's leading experts on FMG-35."

"This really does sound like it will be a must-watch... or rather, must-listen event," Melissa said. "Is there anything specific you're particularly excited to discuss with Dr. Hartley?"

Jack and Sarah exchanged a glance before Jack answered. "Personally, I'm fascinated by the potential long-term effects of the virus. We're only a few years into this new reality, and already the changes have been staggering. I'm eager to hear Dr. Hartley's thoughts on where we might be heading as a species."

Sarah nodded in agreement. "And I'm really looking forward to exploring the societal implications. How will these changes affect gender dynamics in the long run? What about the economic impact? There's so much to unpack."

"Well, I know I'll be tuning in," Tom said, "and I'm sure many of our viewers will be too. Jack, Sarah, thank you so much for joining us tonight and for sharing this exciting news."

"It's been our pleasure," Sarah said, her smile radiant.

"Absolutely," Jack agreed. "And we hope everyone will join us next Tuesday for what promises to be an enlightening conversation."

As the camera began to pan away, Melissa turned to the viewers. "And there you have it, folks. Make sure to catch 'The Growing Podcast' next Tuesday at 8 PM GMT for their special episode with Dr. Elizabeth Hartley. Up next, we'll be looking at the latest developments in adaptive sports. But first, a word from our sponsors."

The 'On Air' light flickered off, and the studio burst into motion as crew members rushed to prepare for the next segment. Jack stood up, stretching slightly before offering his hand to Sarah. She took it, rising to her full height and inadvertently causing a nearby intern to stumble backward in awe.

"Well," Jack said, grinning up at his wife, "I'd say that went pretty well, wouldn't you?"

Sarah laughed, bending down to place a quick kiss on his forehead. "Not bad at all, love. Now, what do you say we grab some dinner? I'm starving."

As they made their way off the set, their playful banter fading into the background noise of the busy studio, it was clear that their upcoming episode with Dr. Hartley was just the latest step in their journey to understand and navigate this new, ever-changing world.

Jack and Sarah pulled into the parking lot of Big Burger, the local fast food joint that had become a favorite of theirs since Sarah's transformation. The neon sign flickered as Jack maneuvered his truck into a spot near the back, away from the bustling drive-thru line.

"I'll grab the food," Jack said, unbuckling his seatbelt. "The usual?"

Sarah nodded, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Better make it a double. All this growing's given me quite the appetite." Jack returned a few minutes later, arms laden with bags of greasy, delicious-smelling food. As they started to eat, Sarah adjusted her seat, pushing it all the way back and extending her long legs onto the dashboard. Her knees nearly touched the windshield, a stark reminder of just how much she'd changed over the past months.

"Comfortable?" Jack asked, eyeing her position with amusement.

"As much as I can be," Sarah replied, taking a massive bite of her burger. "I swear, they need to start making trucks for us Amazons. I feel like I'm in a clown car."

They ate in companionable silence for a few moments, the only sounds the crinkle of wrappers and the occasional satisfied hum. Finally, Jack spoke up.

"So, busy week ahead, huh? With the Dr. Hartley interview and all?"

Sarah nodded, swallowing a mouthful of fries. "Yeah, it's going to be intense. We've got to prep all the questions, double-check our research, make sure the live stream setup is working..."

"Not to mention all the social media promotion," Jack added, running a hand through his hair. "Sometimes I think we bit off more than we can chew with this podcast."

"Hey now," Sarah said, reaching over to squeeze his shoulder gently. Her hand nearly engulfed his entire upper arm. "We're doing great. The listeners love us, and we're making a real difference. Plus," she added with a wink, "I know a way to help you relax."

Jack raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Oh yeah? And what might that be?"

Sarah's grin widened as she set aside her food and began to shift in her seat. "Well, for starters, how about a massage? These new muscles aren't just for show, you know."

As she spoke, she maneuverer herself in the confined space of the truck cab, her movements causing the entire vehicle to rock slightly. Jack watched in awe as his wife, all 7'2" of her, somehow managed to position herself behind him in the driver's seat.

"I don't know how you do that," he marvelled, shaking his head.

"Practice, babe," Sarah laughed, her strong hands beginning to work the knots out of his shoulders. "Lots and lots of practice."

Jack groaned in pleasure as Sarah's powerful fingers dug into his tense muscles. Despite the awkward position and the cramped space, her touch was incredibly soothing.

"You know," Sarah murmured, her breath warm against his ear, "we should probably head home soon. I've got some other ideas for helping you relax, but they're not exactly parking lot appropriate."

Jack felt a flush creep up his neck at her words. "Well then," he said, his voice slightly husky, "what are we waiting for?"

As they cleaned up their meal and prepared to head home, the upcoming busy week seemed far less daunting. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together - one Amazon-sized step at a time.

The day of the interview arrived with a flurry of activity. Jack and Sarah's home studio, usually a cozy space, had been transformed into a hive of organised chaos. Technicians scurried about, adjusting lights and checking sound levels, while the couple fretted over last-minute details.

"Is the reinforced chair in place?" Sarah called out, ducking slightly to avoid hitting her head on a boom mic.

Jack nodded, glancing at the specially ordered furniture. "Yeah, it just arrived this morning. Cost a fortune, but it should hold up."

The doorbell chimed, its sound cutting through the bustling atmosphere. Sarah smoothed down her shirt, which strained slightly across her muscular frame. "That'll be Dr. Hartley. Ready?"

Jack took a deep breath, forcing a smile. "As I'll ever be."

They opened the door to find Dr. Elizabeth Hartley, and even Sarah had to tilt her head back slightly to meet the woman's eyes. At 7'4", Dr. Hartley towered over them both, her presence commanding attention even before she spoke.

"Dr. Hartley, welcome!" Sarah greeted warmly, extending a hand. "We're so honoured to have you here."

Dr. Hartley's handshake was firm, her smile polite but reserved. "Thank you for having me. I trust everything is prepared?"

Jack stepped forward, offering his own hand. "Absolutely, we've made all the necessary accommodations. If you'll follow me, I can show you to the studio."

As they walked, Dr. Hartley's gaze swept over Jack, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "My, you're a little one, aren't you?" she remarked, not unkindly but with a touch of condescension.

Jack felt his cheeks warm, but he maintained his professional demeanour. "Well, next to you two, most people would seem small."

They entered the studio, where the technical team was putting the finishing touches on the set-up. The reinforced chair looked almost comically large next to the standard one Jack would be using.

"We've raised the table height to make sure you're comfortable," Sarah explained to Dr. Hartley. "We want this to be as natural as possible."

Dr. Hartley nodded approvingly. "Very thoughtful. It's refreshing to see a setup that accommodates our new stature."

As the team made final adjustments, Jack reached for a bag of chips he'd left on a side table, suddenly feeling the need for a snack to calm his nerves.

Dr. Hartley's eyebrow arched as she watched him. "Sarah, dear," she said, her tone reminiscent of a teacher addressing a parent, "do you really allow him to eat such unhealthy snacks before an important interview? It might affect his concentration."

Sarah blinked, caught off guard by the comment. "Oh, well, Jack knows what works best for him..."

Jack felt a flush of embarrassment and annoyance. He was about to respond when Sarah smoothly interjected, "But you're right, we should all be at our best. Jack, honey, why don't we save those for later and have some fruit instead?"

Swallowing his pride, Jack nodded and set the chips aside. "Of course, good idea."

As they settled into their seats, Jack couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort. His feet barely brushed the ground, making him feel even smaller next to the two towering women. He caught Dr. Hartley giving him a look that seemed almost pitying.

"Now then," Dr. Hartley said, her voice carrying an authority that seemed to fill the room, "shall we begin?"

Jack straightened in his chair, determined to prove his worth beyond his stature. As Sarah began the introduction, he reminded himself that intellect and insight weren't measured in inches or muscle mass. This interview was going to be a challenge, but he was ready to rise to the occasion - metaphorically, if not literally.

As the interview began in earnest, Dr. Hartley leaned forward, her imposing frame making the reinforced chair creak slightly. The trio started the podcast, their classic intro, the guest presentation, but soon Dr. Hartley took control of their podcast, diving head in into her latest research. "Let's dive into one of the most fascinating aspects of the FMG-35 virus: its impact on hormone levels, particularly testosterone."

Jack perked up, eager to contribute. "We've seen some studies suggesting-"

Dr. Hartley cut him off with a gentle but firm wave of her hand. "If I may, Jack. This is my area of expertise." She turned to Sarah, addressing her directly. "You see, we've observed a significant drop in testosterone levels in men since the outbreak of FMG-35. Our latest data shows a decline of roughly 2% per year over the past decade."

Sarah's eyes widened. "That's substantial. What could be causing it?"

"Well," Dr. Hartley continued, her gaze still fixed on Sarah, "our research indicates that it's a direct result of the virus. As women's bodies adapted to produce more testosterone to fuel their increased muscle mass, it seems men's bodies began to produce less in response."

Jack tried to interject again. "Interesting. I've read about similar phenomena in other-"

"Yes, yes," Dr. Hartley said dismissively, barely glancing at Jack. "But this is unprecedented in its scale and speed. To put it in perspective, if this trend continues, by 2050, the average 30-year-old man will have testosterone levels equivalent to what we used to see in 60-year-old in 2024."

Sarah gasped. "That's incredible. But what about fertility? Surely this must be affecting reproduction rates?"

Dr. Hartley nodded, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Indeed it is. But here's where it gets truly fascinating. While men's testosterone levels are dropping, women's bodies have adapted to produce not only more testosterone but also maintain high levels of estrogen."

She paused, letting the implication sink in. "In essence, women have become the complete hormonal package. They have the strength-building benefits of testosterone and the reproductive capabilities of estrogen in abundance."

Jack shifted uncomfortably in his seat, feeling increasingly sidelined. "But surely there must be some balance-"

Dr. Hartley chuckled, finally addressing Jack directly. "Balance? My dear boy, nature is shifting the balance as we speak. Women are becoming, for lack of a better term, hormonally self-sufficient."

She turned back to Sarah, her tone becoming almost conspiratorial. "Between us, I sometimes joke with my colleagues that women are becoming auto sufficient. At this rate, it's not hard to imagine a future where men might become... well, let's say 'optional' in terms of both physical labor and reproduction."

Sarah's eyes widened, caught between fascination and discomfort. "That's... quite a statement, Dr. Hartley."

"Oh, it's just scientific speculation at this point," Dr. Hartley said with a wave of her hand. "But the data is compelling. Women are adapting rapidly to this new world, while men..." She glanced at Jack, her look a mixture of pity and amusement. "Well, they seem to be struggling to keep up."

Jack felt his face flush, a mix of embarrassment and frustration building inside him. He knew he needed to steer the conversation back to more neutral ground, but as he opened his mouth to speak, he couldn't help but feel like he was fighting against a tide that was rapidly leaving him behind.

As Dr. Hartley continued her monologue, Jack felt a surge of frustration and anger building within him. He'd had enough of being belittled and dismissed. Drawing on a reserve of confidence he didn't know he still possessed, he abruptly cut off the doctor mid-sentence.

"With all due respect, Dr. Hartley," Jack interjected forcefully, his voice carrying an authority that surprised even him, "I think you're overlooking some crucial data."

Sarah's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of admiration and concern crossing her face as she glanced between her husband and their guest.

Undeterred by Dr. Hartley's raised eyebrow, Jack pressed on. "Your analysis fails to account for the Flynn-Yamamoto study from last year, which showed that testosterone levels in men exposed to certain environmental factors actually remained stable. Furthermore, the Yao-Chen longitudinal study indicates that male fertility rates haven't declined nearly as drastically as your projections suggest."

As Jack spoke, his voice grew stronger, his posture straightening despite his smaller stature. "We can't ignore the possibility that what we're seeing is a temporary adaptation rather than a permanent shift. It's premature and potentially irresponsible to suggest that men are becoming 'optional' based on the limited data we have."

Sarah listened intently, a mix of pride and worry evident in her expression. She knew this confrontation might anger their guest, but she couldn't help but admire Jack's courage and expertise.

As Jack finished his impromptu rebuttal, Dr. Hartley's lips curled into a smug smile. She waited a beat before responding, her voice dripping with condescension.

"Well, well," she began, addressing both Jack and Sarah but focusing her gaze on the latter. "I'm not at all surprised by this... outburst. It's rather textbook, actually. What we're witnessing here is simply the last vestiges of testosterone in your husband's system, desperately trying to assert some semblance of pride in front of our live audience."

The tension in the room was palpable as the podcast continued, an undercurrent of unease permeating the discussion. When they finally wrapped up, Dr. Hartley thanked the couple for their time, her tone polite but cold.

As soon as the cameras switched off, Dr. Hartley's demeanour changed. In a quick motion, she grabbed Alex by his shirt and pinned him against the wall. "Let me make one thing clear," she said, her voice low and threatening. "That was the last time you contradict me live. Know your place." She let him go, making him fall and crash against the floor.

The room fell silent, everyone shocked by the sudden display of aggression. Without another word, Dr. Hartley turned and strode towards the exit. She had to duck to clear the doorframe, her departure leaving a wake of stunned silence. As the door closed behind her, Jack and Sarah exchanged looks of disbelief. The implications of what had just transpired hung heavy in the air.