Sibling Revelry with Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson

Episode: Paying It Forward with Viral Do-Gooder Zachery Dereniowski (MD Motivator)

Date: December 29, 2025
Host: Oliver Hudson (Kate is absent in this episode)
Guest: Zachery Dereniowski (“MD Motivator”)

Overview

This episode centers on the inspiring journey of Zachery Dereniowski, known online as “MD Motivator.” Host Oliver Hudson chats with Zachery about his transformation from a struggling medical student to a viral philanthropist whose emotionally-charged videos of kindness and generosity have inspired millions. They dive deep into the mental health struggles that sparked Zachery’s mission, the mechanics of his do-gooder content, the impact of vulnerability and authenticity, the logistics and emotional complexity of giving (and funding giving), and maintaining humanity amidst viral fame.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Origins of “MD Motivator”

Timestamp: 08:26–11:04

• Zachery always aspired to be a doctor, eventually moving to Sydney, Australia for medical school in 2020.
• Shortly after arrival, the pandemic forced classes online, he suffered a major injury, and his long-term relationship ended, leaving him isolated and in emotional turmoil.
• A pivotal moment occurred when two strangers approached him as he was crying alone at night and simply listened—a moment of human kindness that became the foundation of his mission to “be that for somebody else.”
• Zachery began hugging strangers and documenting it, realizing the power of connection and openness.

Notable Quote:

“They just sat there... and listened to this stranger from Canada cry and talk about what was going on in his life. I’ll never forget the relief off my shoulders, realizing that talking to a stranger, as weird as it was, made me feel like I was moving out of that dark hole.” — Zachery (08:52)

2. From Med School to Viral Kindness

Timestamp: 11:04–14:55

• Zachery started posting videos of blindfolded hugs and conversations, quickly receiving messages from viewers claiming his videos “saved my life.”
• The feedback gave him a sense of purpose for the first time. Despite the fears, he quit med school to make content full time—with his family’s (tentative but loving) support and the help of a hometown friend-turned-videographer.
• Zachery has since built a community of millions and a non-profit (Kindness Is Cool) focused on direct impact.

Notable Quote:

“It was the first time in 28 years I felt purposeful in myself.”—Zachery (13:25)

3. Navigating Family Expectations and Vulnerability

Timestamp: 14:55–15:06; 18:06–21:22

• Zachery’s parents, unfamiliar with social media and after sacrificing for his med school, wanted only his happiness and health.
• Oliver and Zachery reflect on generational expectations—what it means to prioritize happiness, authenticity, and kindness over traditional achievement metrics.

Notable Quotes:

“What do you want for your kids more than anything? Happiness. Health.” — Oliver (13:58)
“If it wasn’t for my parents’ support… all those two women that night… to this day, [have] no idea that that effort created that.” — Zachery (14:35)

4. Viral Giving: How It Works and Its Challenges

Timestamp: 21:22–26:07

• Zachery describes how he monetized his content without initially realizing it could be lucrative; his first YouTube payout was a revelation.
• His giving has evolved: from surprise one-time payments to creating sustainable, transparent support such as financial advisors, beneficiaries, housing, and even employment.
• The focus is always on direct, visible impact: “Quick as you can build it, it can come down faster—you have to show where the money’s going.” (35:48)
• Transparency, responsible stewardship, and sustaining donor enthusiasm are crucial.

Notable Quote:

“We’ve created verticals... 100% of the donations go directly to the people we impact... But we’ve learned that money doesn’t solve money problems; sometimes it creates more, so now we have financial advisors, set money aside, get people jobs…” — Zachery (22:42; 24:53)

5. Human Connection, Energy, and Serendipity in Helping

Timestamp: 23:31–29:24

• No formal process for selecting recipients—Zachery trusts energy, serendipity, and authentic interactions. Many situations unfold by chance.
• Sometimes these acts create a “ripple effect”—empowering others to pay it forward, including children who break their piggy banks after watching his videos.

Notable Quote:

“About 80% of the time, it’s just random… sometimes I’ll be out there for ten minutes, sometimes seven hours until the right conversation, the right opportunity.” — Zachery (23:32)
“My videos were doing something that I’ll never see… an energy transfer that the ripple effect at a one-to-one would never create.” — Zachery (29:08)

6. Dealing with Negativity, Fame, and Criticism

Timestamp: 26:45–28:14; 34:04–35:10

• On accusations of “exploiting feelings” for money: Zachery and Oliver defend the ability to do good and earn a living; it’s possible to be both sincere and successful.
• Zachery dislikes celebrity; he wants the focus to be on the good, not on himself.
• The best moments are when he sees the impact on children and families.

Notable Quotes:

“Everyone gets hate… But that’s bullshit in my opinion. We can make money and help human beings.” — Oliver (26:58)
“I don’t want to be recognized. I want to make videos in disguise. The coolest part are the stories—like the six-year-old’s piggy bank.” — Zachery (34:14)

7. Scaling Kindness: Future Plans and Global Vision

Timestamp: 28:14–38:14

• Zachery wants to scale by expanding giving, building infrastructure, and translating his formula into new countries and languages.
• Plans include crowd-funding more housing, creating a TV show, and empowering others to replicate his model globally.
• He credits the people around him—his small team, his supportive partner Sophia, and community—as key to this vision.

Notable Quotes:

“Hopefully next year we can expand more globally… Have people like myself that speak other languages, do it in their countries.” — Zachery (27:52)
“She [Sophia] is the backbone… I want her to be part of those moments more with me.” — Zachery (38:34)

8. Vulnerability, Relatability, Imposter Syndrome, and Balance

Timestamp: 32:25–43:33

• The episode turns deeply personal as Oliver and Zachery discuss the value and risk of being vulnerable and the universality of imposter syndrome.
• Zachery admits his greatest struggle is balancing purpose-driven work with personal relationships; he fears missing out on life’s moments.
• Both discuss the need for grace, self-compassion, and authenticity as people and creators.

Notable Quotes:

“Being vulnerable… opens up so much. I’ve never thought of it that way—it equals relatability, because everyone is vulnerable whether they’re masking it or not.” — Oliver (32:55)
“Mask, mask… even coming in for a hug, people say, ‘I’m good.’ You’re not good.” — Zachery (33:39)
“Making more time for the people in my life that matter... That’s my hang-up.” — Zachery (41:12)
“Imposter syndrome… feeling like I’m not good enough… or the person that is equivalent to the person in the room that maybe inspires me.” — Zachery (43:01)

Memorable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)

• On finding purpose through struggle:
  “It was just this too much, all at once… I want to be like that for somebody else.” — Zachery (08:46)
• On support versus expectation:
  “You have a good parent or guardian if you have support. That I did.” — Zachery (14:04)
• On giving as energy transfer:
  “It was an energy transfer that the ripple effect at a one to one will never create.” — Zachery (29:08)
• On negativity and fame:
  “I get recognized, but I don’t wanna be. I just want to make videos that make people happy.” — Zachery (34:14)
• On balance:
  “I feel like I miss a lot of moments, and I’ve been working on that consciously the last year.” — Zachery (41:15)
• On vulnerability and humanity:
  “We fail, we make mistakes, we can wallow in the darkness for a while… That’s okay as long as you know how to get out.” — Oliver (21:06)
• On random acts of kindness:
  “If anyone’s listening in the next 24 hours, I challenge you to one random act of kindness.” — Zachery (44:19)

Summary of Major Segments (with Timestamps)

• Zachery’s Early Struggles & Origin Story (08:26–13:13): Med school dreams shattered by isolation and heartbreak; two strangers spark his mission.
• Finding Purpose & Starting Videos (13:13–14:55): How impactful feedback made him realize his new path and purpose.
• Family Support and Moving Home (14:55–18:06): Quitting med school, explaining himself to parents, and the risk of following his heart.
• Building Philanthropy Into a Career (21:22–26:07): First YouTube letter, scaling kindness, crowdfunding, and evolving the way he gives.
• Selection Process/Bigger Impact (23:31–25:22): Discusses how subjects “find him,” what triggers a crowdfund, and handling larger sums for stability.
• Scaling and Future Plans (28:14–35:10): From Super Bowl tickets to homes and possible global expansion.
• Vulnerability, Imposter Syndrome & Personal Growth (32:25–43:33): Deep dive on inner struggles, the need for balance, and staying true to oneself.

Call to Action

• Zachery’s challenge: “If anyone’s listening in the next 24 hours, I challenge you to one random act of kindness.” (44:19)

Final Thoughts

Oliver praises Zachery’s authenticity and the genuine “cinnamon sugar” energy he brings, emphasizing how personal hardship can unexpectedly pivot one’s life toward a broader purpose. The conversation celebrates the power of human connection, the contagiousness of positivity, and the value of being open and vulnerable even in a noisy, distracted world.

For listeners:

• You’ll come away inspired to value kindness, see vulnerability as strength, and perhaps say “yes” to the next opportunity to help a stranger—or yourself.