A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

Interview with Toph

I just posted an interview with Toph about his amazing stretched piercings, which include a nearly 2″ lip plate. Click through the picture rm bmeto read the interview now, and then come on back to comment or discuss it here.

toph-interview.jpg

Comments

830 responses to “Interview with Toph”

  1. Anthony Avatar
    Anthony

    Sorry to say it but that picture of his nostril’s irked me a pretty lot. I’d never want that kinda scared tissue hanging off my nose.

  2. Anthony Avatar
    Anthony

    Sorry to say it but that picture of his nostril’s irked me a pretty lot. I’d never want that kinda scared tissue hanging off my nose.

  3. Sean Avatar

    I completely agree with Erica.

    For those of you who insist he is not unemployable, how do you explain the fact that he can’t even get a minimum wage job at the mall or at Dollar General? He may be ABLE to physically put a package of paper plates on a shelf, but I don’t see anybody willing to hire him to do it! How else would you define “unemployable”?

    He’s only been out of work for 2 months, but he only pierced his lip 6 months ago! That means he has been unemployed for 33% of the time since he pierced his lip! Causality? Not necessarily. Correlation? DUH! Maybe instead of spending $8,000 on jewelry, he could have spent it on getting an education.

    Shannon, welfare is for people who have fallen through the cracks, not for people who have purposely WEDGED themselves into the cracks.

  4. Sean Avatar

    I completely agree with Erica.

    For those of you who insist he is not unemployable, how do you explain the fact that he can’t even get a minimum wage job at the mall or at Dollar General? He may be ABLE to physically put a package of paper plates on a shelf, but I don’t see anybody willing to hire him to do it! How else would you define “unemployable”?

    He’s only been out of work for 2 months, but he only pierced his lip 6 months ago! That means he has been unemployed for 33% of the time since he pierced his lip! Causality? Not necessarily. Correlation? DUH! Maybe instead of spending $8,000 on jewelry, he could have spent it on getting an education.

    Shannon, welfare is for people who have fallen through the cracks, not for people who have purposely WEDGED themselves into the cracks.

  5. Ghost Avatar
    Ghost

    First of all …

    I don’t hate his mods.

    All I was trying to point out was where might he get a job? Unless he is wealthy he will have to work. It takes money to live and eat.

    Again .. no hate for the mods. If that makes him happy, then cool. Just a simple question.

    Don’t get all pissy. 😉

  6. Ghost Avatar
    Ghost

    First of all …

    I don’t hate his mods.

    All I was trying to point out was where might he get a job? Unless he is wealthy he will have to work. It takes money to live and eat.

    Again .. no hate for the mods. If that makes him happy, then cool. Just a simple question.

    Don’t get all pissy. 😉

  7. bucket of bunnies Avatar
    bucket of bunnies

    I wont comment on everything because it’s too extensive.
    How fast Toph stretched and whether he has blow out or not, shouldn’t matter. He seems very happy with his modifications and I haven’t read a complaint from him.
    He’s content and the modifications are his, why should you or I complain if he doesn’t?

  8. bucket of bunnies Avatar
    bucket of bunnies

    I wont comment on everything because it’s too extensive.
    How fast Toph stretched and whether he has blow out or not, shouldn’t matter. He seems very happy with his modifications and I haven’t read a complaint from him.
    He’s content and the modifications are his, why should you or I complain if he doesn’t?

  9. Jody KFA Avatar

    Seems like a cool, well adjusted young man.. I like his disposition, as you will. He talks openly on who has inspired him, and seems very positiive.. I agree about duff though.. she is a hottie for sure but also taken and therefore “off-limits” 🙂

  10. Jody KFA Avatar

    Seems like a cool, well adjusted young man.. I like his disposition, as you will. He talks openly on who has inspired him, and seems very positiive.. I agree about duff though.. she is a hottie for sure but also taken and therefore “off-limits” 🙂

  11. Shannon Avatar

    Clovertastic – 1. I can’t visit his page because I do not have my IAM access back yet, and 2. How do you know if that’s temporary from a fresh stretch, or permanent? I don’t know why everyone is so obsessed to show that their stretching technique is the best. Clearly what he did works for him.

  12. Shannon Avatar

    Clovertastic – 1. I can’t visit his page because I do not have my IAM access back yet, and 2. How do you know if that’s temporary from a fresh stretch, or permanent? I don’t know why everyone is so obsessed to show that their stretching technique is the best. Clearly what he did works for him.

  13. The Piercer formerly known as Phish Avatar
    The Piercer formerly known as Phish

    Kero …How is it discrimination?

    Im not saying people with mods shouldn’t be eligible for social programs

    Im saying that they shouldn’t get benefits based on it . Able bodied people should work …plane and simple . I can’t tell you how emasculating it would be for me to have live of the tit of society to support my family . I would rather do the worlds most undesirable jobs the take money I didn’t earn.

  14. The Piercer formerly known as Phish Avatar
    The Piercer formerly known as Phish

    Kero …How is it discrimination?

    Im not saying people with mods shouldn’t be eligible for social programs

    Im saying that they shouldn’t get benefits based on it . Able bodied people should work …plane and simple . I can’t tell you how emasculating it would be for me to have live of the tit of society to support my family . I would rather do the worlds most undesirable jobs the take money I didn’t earn.

  15. The Piercer formerly known as Phish Avatar
    The Piercer formerly known as Phish

    plain and simple even

  16. The Piercer formerly known as Phish Avatar
    The Piercer formerly known as Phish

    plain and simple even

  17. Erica Avatar
    Erica

    Read between the lines regarding the employment comments. It’s not just about having a job. It’s part of the greater context of, “Why so fast? Why NOW?”.

  18. Erica Avatar
    Erica

    Read between the lines regarding the employment comments. It’s not just about having a job. It’s part of the greater context of, “Why so fast? Why NOW?”.

  19. Clovertastic Avatar

    Shannon, because every single picture on his site shows a blowout. Even the ones in your interview, if you look close enough, you can see the ridges around his nose.

  20. Clovertastic Avatar

    Shannon, because every single picture on his site shows a blowout. Even the ones in your interview, if you look close enough, you can see the ridges around his nose.

  21. Shannon Avatar

    I really don’t think they look particularly unusual, and certainly better than average, including on people who choose a slower path to stretching.

  22. Shannon Avatar

    I really don’t think they look particularly unusual, and certainly better than average, including on people who choose a slower path to stretching.

  23. brave men run Avatar
    brave men run

    He admits that he had scar tissue scalpeled off his labret more than once. While you can argue that everything ended up “okay,” that hardly makes it sound like the stretching was all peaches and cream.

  24. brave men run Avatar
    brave men run

    He admits that he had scar tissue scalpeled off his labret more than once. While you can argue that everything ended up “okay,” that hardly makes it sound like the stretching was all peaches and cream.

  25. Shannon Avatar

    As you say, it’s in the interview. Nothing is being hidden.

    My opinion from what I can see is that it’s fine. His opinion seems to be the same. If someone else wants to draw a different conclusion, that’s alright, but I hope they’ll apply those conclusions to their own life more so than trying to force it onto his.

  26. Shannon Avatar

    As you say, it’s in the interview. Nothing is being hidden.

    My opinion from what I can see is that it’s fine. His opinion seems to be the same. If someone else wants to draw a different conclusion, that’s alright, but I hope they’ll apply those conclusions to their own life more so than trying to force it onto his.

  27. Fran Avatar

    why are you so worried about how his nose stretching look like? and Shannon is right, even some lobes stretched more “carefully” with “better techniques” have more tissue than his nose

  28. Fran Avatar

    why are you so worried about how his nose stretching look like? and Shannon is right, even some lobes stretched more “carefully” with “better techniques” have more tissue than his nose

  29. curiosa Avatar
    curiosa

    well Toph, im just glad that you managed to stretch up that quickly with no bad consequences. i know some people that go into my towns piercing shop that would be very envious of you! I hope the job hunting is successful soon also, and i do think that people like you help to change things, because the people you talk to and educate generally go on to educate other people. Ive seen that happen with regards to ear stretching here in Southport which is a rather conservative nasty little town. Anyway, all the best for the future!

  30. curiosa Avatar
    curiosa

    well Toph, im just glad that you managed to stretch up that quickly with no bad consequences. i know some people that go into my towns piercing shop that would be very envious of you! I hope the job hunting is successful soon also, and i do think that people like you help to change things, because the people you talk to and educate generally go on to educate other people. Ive seen that happen with regards to ear stretching here in Southport which is a rather conservative nasty little town. Anyway, all the best for the future!

  31. James Avatar
    James

    1) It’s funny how people try so hard to be “BME Cool.”

    2) People may act like they’re taking you seriously to your face, but the second you leave, I can guarantee that 99% of those people are making fun of the idiot with the giant holes all over his face, interviewers included.

    3) The whole “I just wanted to be me” thing has been totally played out and doesn’t make people think you’re deep. It makes most people think you’re a moron. The bulk of society allows their personality to determine who, exactly, they are – not some big holes in their face that will only prove to hinder interaction with others. It’s off-putting, to say the least.

    4) It’s amazing how an employer goes from offering you a $120,000/year company to firing you. Somehow, I’m guessing something is missing there.

    5) Both my wife and myself are heavily modified and have been sitting here wondering what they fuck you’re thinking.

    6) http://bmezine.com/pierce/02-tongue/A80207/high/npcb-34-scalpled-diy.jpg

    Fucking gross.

  32. James Avatar
    James

    1) It’s funny how people try so hard to be “BME Cool.”

    2) People may act like they’re taking you seriously to your face, but the second you leave, I can guarantee that 99% of those people are making fun of the idiot with the giant holes all over his face, interviewers included.

    3) The whole “I just wanted to be me” thing has been totally played out and doesn’t make people think you’re deep. It makes most people think you’re a moron. The bulk of society allows their personality to determine who, exactly, they are – not some big holes in their face that will only prove to hinder interaction with others. It’s off-putting, to say the least.

    4) It’s amazing how an employer goes from offering you a $120,000/year company to firing you. Somehow, I’m guessing something is missing there.

    5) Both my wife and myself are heavily modified and have been sitting here wondering what they fuck you’re thinking.

    6) http://bmezine.com/pierce/02-tongue/A80207/high/npcb-34-scalpled-diy.jpg

    Fucking gross.

  33. James Avatar
    James

    $10/hr + $8.50/hr does not equal a “shit load of money” no matter where you live.

  34. James Avatar
    James

    $10/hr + $8.50/hr does not equal a “shit load of money” no matter where you live.

  35. 5kem5 Avatar
    5kem5

    its amazing how up your own arse you actually sound and im sure a lot of people look at you and your “heavily modified” wife and wonder what the fuck,im thinking that without ever seeing either one of you

  36. 5kem5 Avatar
    5kem5

    its amazing how up your own arse you actually sound and im sure a lot of people look at you and your “heavily modified” wife and wonder what the fuck,im thinking that without ever seeing either one of you

  37. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    OMG! the picture in comment #366!!!

    toph, please slow down…listen to your body…i mean REALLY listen…and consider ALL OF THE SCARRING along the way…you seem like a nice guy, and its great you are willing to go this route and accept the pitfalls-i in no way judge you, and even if you did get on foodstamps one day-i wouldn’t fault you for it…its not fair to be discriminated against-and why should you not eat because of a flaw in the system that allows it to go on…but you are going to destroy those holes if you keep pushing it much farther so quick…if you are content going this route, atleast have something to show for it all and pace yourself, before you destroy those piercings and end up with nothing but blow outs and tears for all your sacrifices…

  38. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    OMG! the picture in comment #366!!!

    toph, please slow down…listen to your body…i mean REALLY listen…and consider ALL OF THE SCARRING along the way…you seem like a nice guy, and its great you are willing to go this route and accept the pitfalls-i in no way judge you, and even if you did get on foodstamps one day-i wouldn’t fault you for it…its not fair to be discriminated against-and why should you not eat because of a flaw in the system that allows it to go on…but you are going to destroy those holes if you keep pushing it much farther so quick…if you are content going this route, atleast have something to show for it all and pace yourself, before you destroy those piercings and end up with nothing but blow outs and tears for all your sacrifices…

  39. Shannon Avatar

    Certainly if this conversation underscores one thing, it’s the difficulty of Toph’s path — even many self-proclaimed (how true the statement is I don’t know) heavily modified people seem to have a LOT of trouble wrapping their heads around what he’s doing with any sense of decency.

  40. Shannon Avatar

    Certainly if this conversation underscores one thing, it’s the difficulty of Toph’s path — even many self-proclaimed (how true the statement is I don’t know) heavily modified people seem to have a LOT of trouble wrapping their heads around what he’s doing with any sense of decency.

  41. SnaiLuv Avatar

    When it gets to 371 comments, you know someone’s been stirring it up. 🙂
    And when it comes to stretching, everyone is a bigger expert than everyone else, right?

  42. SnaiLuv Avatar

    When it gets to 371 comments, you know someone’s been stirring it up. 🙂
    And when it comes to stretching, everyone is a bigger expert than everyone else, right?

  43. original_sly Avatar
    original_sly

    You’re only unemployable if you set your standards higher than the low paying jobs. You can do menial labour and have mods, work in a factory or industrial district.

    I work a job where I’m more highly qualified than all of my bosses and get paid less than a lot of my friends, but at the end of the day the money’s not too bad and they don’t care about visible tatts or piercings 🙂 mod friendly!

    Its really about whether you want to work for little money. And to me, little money is better than none!

  44. original_sly Avatar
    original_sly

    You’re only unemployable if you set your standards higher than the low paying jobs. You can do menial labour and have mods, work in a factory or industrial district.

    I work a job where I’m more highly qualified than all of my bosses and get paid less than a lot of my friends, but at the end of the day the money’s not too bad and they don’t care about visible tatts or piercings 🙂 mod friendly!

    Its really about whether you want to work for little money. And to me, little money is better than none!

  45. FredBecca Avatar
    FredBecca

    I think a few people need to keep in mind that if it weren’t for Shannon we wouldn’t have this website to use and in some cases abuse, and he still puts his heart and soul into it inspite of the negativity that people bring.
    Thank you Shannon for everything.

    And good on Toph for not taking all the negative comments to heart. I really have a lot of respect for you. I don’t think I’d ever want to take my stretching as far as you, but the attitude and example you set really is something we all can look up to.

  46. FredBecca Avatar
    FredBecca

    I think a few people need to keep in mind that if it weren’t for Shannon we wouldn’t have this website to use and in some cases abuse, and he still puts his heart and soul into it inspite of the negativity that people bring.
    Thank you Shannon for everything.

    And good on Toph for not taking all the negative comments to heart. I really have a lot of respect for you. I don’t think I’d ever want to take my stretching as far as you, but the attitude and example you set really is something we all can look up to.

  47. Shannon Avatar

    original_sly – Oh, I don’t know about that — I think higher end jobs are sometimes more permissive (you just have to be ultratalented)! Admittedly Toph has gone much further than Alvar, but NASA is happy to hire the modified. 🙂

    FredBecca – Thanks, and I agree, Toph definitely gets my respect for weathering this shitstorm!!!

  48. Shannon Avatar

    original_sly – Oh, I don’t know about that — I think higher end jobs are sometimes more permissive (you just have to be ultratalented)! Admittedly Toph has gone much further than Alvar, but NASA is happy to hire the modified. 🙂

    FredBecca – Thanks, and I agree, Toph definitely gets my respect for weathering this shitstorm!!!

  49. Venomous Intellect Avatar

    I can’t believe this discussion is still going on.

    It’s his face…it’s his life… how does it effect anyone here at all? Let’s debate about what other freedoms others should/should not have…

    Should a woman be able to have an abortion? Should gay people allowed to get married? Should I be allowed to carry a gun? Should I be allowed to show my tattoos in public? Should I just get sent to a camp because we live in a police state where some one can’t express themselves with out being ridiculed? 😉 The media has trained you people well!!!

    My personal opinion has nothing to do with this guy’s face other than I wouldn’t choose it. Now I am going to say “fuck Shannon for publishing such material”? Obviously not…..

    And what is with all the disclaimer talk? Really people wake up!!!

  50. Venomous Intellect Avatar

    I can’t believe this discussion is still going on.

    It’s his face…it’s his life… how does it effect anyone here at all? Let’s debate about what other freedoms others should/should not have…

    Should a woman be able to have an abortion? Should gay people allowed to get married? Should I be allowed to carry a gun? Should I be allowed to show my tattoos in public? Should I just get sent to a camp because we live in a police state where some one can’t express themselves with out being ridiculed? 😉 The media has trained you people well!!!

    My personal opinion has nothing to do with this guy’s face other than I wouldn’t choose it. Now I am going to say “fuck Shannon for publishing such material”? Obviously not…..

    And what is with all the disclaimer talk? Really people wake up!!!

Latest Tattoo, Piercing, and Body Modification News

  • Skin and Strings: The Art of Human Puppetry
    One of the most powerful things about being at a convention like OSC is the sheer concentration of experience, creativity, and capability in one place. When you’re surrounded by people who not only understand the technical complexities of suspension but are excited by the challenge… Read more: Skin and Strings: The Art of Human Puppetry
  • Twelve Points to the Sky
    There’s a particular kind of magic that happens at your first big suspension gathering when you arrive with nerves, an open heart, and the quiet hope of flight. Guided by the encouragement of mentor Lynn Loheide and driven by the quiet confidence of belonging, Alex… Read more: Twelve Points to the Sky
  • Ontario SusCon 2025
    In March 2025, BME attended the Ontario Suspension Convention in Hamilton, hosted by the Kevin Donaghy and the Ontario Suspension Collective. We had the pleasure to take part and help document the event, but also run a booth to sell a bunch of old (but… Read more: Ontario SusCon 2025
  • Welcome Back to Body Modification Ezine
    Dear BME Community, We’ve been gone far too long, but BME is back to give people a voice, a space, a community. With time everything evolves, and BME may be different than you remember. Our goal is to stay true to Shannon and Rachel’s values… Read more: Welcome Back to Body Modification Ezine
  • BME Social Media
    Word of mouth has been our method of reuniting the community, and it has brought a substantial amount of us together. I am inspired by your loyalty and I want to remind more people of BME’s existence. In 2020 we gained control over @bmezine on… Read more: BME Social Media
  • BMEShop
    Despite the hurricanes in 2015 which destroyed almost all of what Rachel owned, she managed to save the original inventory from BME. We have relisted some of the stock on BMEShop.com with the hopes you may be interested.  Our first drop includes a selection of… Read more: BMEShop