Influencer Editorial Team
True influence isn’t just about presence, it’s about purpose. Marian Ardelean, the creative force behind the Quite Peckish Project, embodies this in every conversation, every post, and every connection he creates across the digital landscape. His nomination for Social Media Icon of the Year at the Influencer Magazine Awards 2025 is a testament to a rising voice in UK media, one that leads with heart, humility, and a genuine hunger for knowledge.
Marian’s journey began with Ardelean in Yorkshire, a Romanian-language podcast that gave voice to the Romanian diaspora in the UK. It was through these early stories rich with culture, resilience, and lived experience that Marian discovered his deep passion for storytelling. As English-speaking friends became curious about the project, that curiosity sparked a transition: The Quite Peckish Project was born. What began as a cultural conversation became a universal one, a platform that feeds a deeper human appetite for dialogue, understanding, and shared growth.
Quite Peckish is more than just a podcast or vlog, it’s a space for meaningful, long-form storytelling where musicians, therapists, survivors, creatives, and everyday heroes share their truths. Each episode explores themes like identity, healing, and personal evolution, with conversations that feel raw, respectful, and deeply moving. Marian doesn’t just interview, he listens. And in doing so, he holds space in a way that’s rare and powerful, allowing each guest’s story to unfold naturally and with dignity.
What sets Marian apart isn’t just his skill, it’s his soul. He’s not chasing virality or playing into shock value. He’s building something lasting: trust. With each conversation, he fosters a circle of energy that uplifts everyone involved. “When someone I’ve interviewed achieves something, whether it’s winning an award or overcoming a personal challenge, I cry with joy,” he shares. “To know I’ve played even a small part in their journey fills me with pride.” That emotion is woven into the very fabric of the project, making Quite Peckish not just content, but a community. The impact is tangible. A student who once appeared on the podcast is now raising funds for Cancer Blood UK after surviving cancer, recently recognized by the Barnsley Chronicle for his advocacy. A Romanian nurse featured on Marian’s earlier show has since launched a thriving travel business and now organizes networking events that Marian himself speaks at, sharing his story and inspiring others to chase their purpose. These are more than anecdotes, as they’re proof of a ripple effect driven by courage, compassion, and connection.
Marian’s own life has transformed, too. One guest, a doctor who nearly died and later returned to life literally stepping into a boxing ring a year after recovery, helped him confront his own fears. “Before, I was anxious and limited by self-doubt,” he says. “But her story gave me the courage to face what was holding me back. Since then, I’ve changed in ways I never thought possible.” The podcast doesn’t just inspire others it reflects Marian’s own evolution, a journey of growth sparked by the very stories he shares. At the core of it all is a theme that resonates deeply: a hunger for knowledge. It’s the driving force behind Marian’s work his curiosity, his questions, and his belief that dialogue can change lives. In a digital world overflowing with noise, Quite Peckish is a rare pause, a moment to reflect, to learn, and to connect.
The consistency of his storytelling, the authenticity of his approach, and the respect he shows each guest have made Quite Peckish a standout among independent content platforms in the UK. His interviews aren’t just heard, they’re felt. And in a space increasingly shaped by algorithms, Marian Ardelean reminds us of something essential: behind every view is a human being. With this nomination, Marian is being recognized not only for his content, but for his contribution to a more human kind of media. In choosing depth over distraction, he’s become what the digital world truly needs, an icon of meaning in a world of moments. Congratulations to him for this well-deserving nomination, to explore Marian’s world of meaningful conversations and inspiring stories, check out the Quite Peckish Project and join the journey.
