Mathew Hoi-Broad is the Creative Director at Happiness Interactive, a video game studio based in Vancouver, Canada. With a background in game design from Vancouver Film School, Mathew blends storytelling, systems thinking, and play theory to craft living digital worlds. His work explores games as tools for self-discovery and emotional growth. He believes play is a vital force across all stages of life, and designs immersive experiences where players and AI coexist equally. unlocking joy, curiosity, and a deeper sense of presence through interactive exploration. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: https://happinessinteractive.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-h-054481310/ Most Influential Person My Wife Effect on Emotions I used to experience suicidal thoughts and even attempts, but over time, I’ve learned to handle intense emotions differently. I discovered something called IFS—Internal Family Systems, or “parts work.” It’s based on the idea that we’re made up of different parts inside us, and each one has its own voice. Now, when I feel overwhelmed, I pause, breathe, and let those parts speak. It helps me understand what’s really going on—without letting the emotion completely take over. Thoughts on Breathing Breathing is everything. It took me a while to realize this. I've read a lot of Eckhart Tolle's books which talk about breathing. I realized that breathing is really the foundation of everything. Suggested Resources Book: A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle Book: No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model by Richard Schwartz App: Finch - Self Care Pet Bullying Question Things were okay when I started school, but I eventually realized I was being a bully, especially to my best friend. I used to threaten that if he didn’t do what I wanted, our friendship would “break,” even miming a chain snapping. Once, I made him cry on the bus, and I lied about it. Seeing how much I hurt him changed me. Later, I had to repeat third grade, which was traumatic. I lost connection with friends but stayed close with him—and even made a new best friend by annoying him into noticing me. We’re all still friends today.