In a twist on a traditional interview, I’m taking the reins to introduce myself—Marian Ardelean, a community-focused podcaster, creator, and soon-to-be charity boxer. From my podcasts and vlogs to raising awareness and support for causes close to my heart, I’ve always been driven by the power of connection and storytelling. This time, I’ll be stepping out of the studio and into the boxing ring for SpecialEffect, a charity that helps people with disabilities experience the freedom and joy of gaming.
As I challenge myself in ways I never imagined, I invite you to join me on this journey and find out more about what’s inspired me to lace up my gloves for such an incredible cause. And in true storytelling style, here’s a self-interview that dives into the “why,” “how,” and “what” behind it all.
Q: Who are you?
A: My name is Marian Ardelean, and I’m an explorer at heart, always looking for new challenges and ways to make a difference.
Q: What made you decide to take on a boxing match for charity?
A: Hosting my podcast opened me up to stories that moved me, like that of a doctor who almost lost her life but survived, leading her to fundraise for the NHS department that saved her. That story hit me hard and inspired me to step up and do something challenging for a cause.
Q: Why did you choose SpecialEffect? What does it mean to you?
A: As a gamer, I know how powerful and therapeutic gaming can be. SpecialEffect gives people with disabilities a way to experience that freedom—through VR and gaming, they can explore, experiment, and feel less trapped in their physical limitations. It’s something I believe everyone should have a chance to experience.
Q: How did your family and friends react when you told them about the boxing match?
A: My wife thinks it’s a bit crazy, but she’s all in and even trained with me for a vlog! Some friends give me advice, and a few say I might fail, but I’m not worried. I’ve already gained so much courage just asking for support from sponsors like “Nero Pizza,” “Jar Bar,” “LJ Logistic Ltd,” and “AMA Upholstery.” Win or lose, I’m all in.
Q: How’s training going so far? What’s been the hardest part?
A: It’s been intense! The warm-up alone is tough, and it makes every combo afterwards feel twice as hard. But that’s the point—in the ring, there’s no rest, and I’m learning to adapt.
Q: Anything about training that caught you by surprise?
A: I’ve never sweat so much in an hour! I was sore all over after that first session—training like this is a whole new level for me.
Q: Any past experiences helping you prepare?
A: None, really! I haven’t been in a fight for about 15 years, and that was just defending myself in a bar. I’m actually a pretty peaceful guy, so this is all new to me.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself!
A: I work in a warehouse, where I’ve been since 2016. But outside of that, I’m active in the community, run two YouTube channels, and I’ve recently started exploring life in ways I never imagined.
Q: What are your hobbies outside of boxing?
A: Gaming is a big one, plus I love creating content and connecting with people through my podcast and YouTube channels.
Q: What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that’s happened since you started training?
A: Still waiting for that funny moment! Training is intense, but I’m sure there’s a surprise around the corner. I look forward to it—keeps things fun and reminds me to enjoy the ride.
Q: Do you have a funny or memorable story that shows off your personality?
A: When I first started my podcast, I set everything up—lights, camera, you name it—and forgot to hit record on the mic! My guest and I had a good laugh, then redid everything. It was a good reminder to laugh at myself and not take things too seriously.
Q: How can people get involved or donate?
A: Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/page/marian-ardelean-363724. This is just the start—I’m planning a dedicated section on my website to keep this going!
Q: What would you like to say to people who are thinking about supporting you?
A: Thank you for being part of this! Your support changes lives, giving people with disabilities a chance to experience freedom through gaming. Every donation, big or small, helps SpecialEffect continue their work. This isn’t just my fight; it’s a fight for inclusivity, and together, we’re making a real difference.
Q: Besides helping the charity, what are you hoping to gain from this experience?
A: I want to connect with the community and show that we can all make a difference here. I hope people see my commitment to positive change and are inspired to join me in making our home a better place.
Q: Any advice for someone considering a big challenge for a cause they care about?
A: Go for it! These challenges push us to grow, and even if we stumble, we’ll have a story worth sharing—maybe even one for the grandkids. It’s not just about raising money or awareness; it’s about going beyond our limits for something meaningful and inspiring others to do the same.
Here I have recorded some videos about some training that I did: