Sideways 75. Me, Myself and Mine
Aug 20, 2025
Ryan Emans, a mental health nurse practitioner renowned for his extensive body modifications, shares his unique perspective on the interplay between identity and bodily appearance. He reflects on how each modification symbolizes a deeper connection to his inner self. The discussion challenges conventional notions of body ownership and explores how societal norms affect our self-perception. Alongside experts from different fields, they dissect the psychological and historical implications of body modifications, prompting listeners to reconsider their relationship with their own bodies.
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Tongue Split Moment
- Ryan Emans describes the intense moment of getting his tongue split and the shock of the sensation.
- He went home, slept, and ate ice cream while processing the permanent change.
Two-Decade Transformation
- Ryan recounts his long history of piercings, tattoos and stretched earlobes leading to extreme modifications.
- His modifications evolved gradually over two decades rather than impulsively.
Ownership Language Misleads
- Anne Phillips argues that framing the body as property is misleading and dangerous for autonomy.
- She recommends focusing on bodily autonomy rather than ownership to protect freedom.