Journey through history’s hidden alleys, where the truth is stranger than fiction! Hidden Gems is your passport to the most obscure, bizarre, and utterly fascinating real events. Join your hosts, Sophie Handelman and Rotem Kadosh, as they explore the "Did that really happen?" moments that will leave you both informed and entertained. If you’re looking for a fresh perspective beyond textbooks or are just a curious mind who loves a good story no matter how strange it is, tune in every week as we delve into jaw-dropping historical events with interesting perspectives by your hosts!
In this intriguing podcast episode, we delve into the eccentric will of Canadian lawyer Charles Vance Miller, which sparked the infamous Great Stork Derby in the 1930s. Miller's unconventional bequest promised a fortune to the Toronto woman who could bear the most children in a decade, leading to a bizarre and competitive baby boom. Tune in to explore the legal, social, and personal ramifications of this unusual contest, and other peculiar wills.
20 Jun 2024
Samoa's Leap Across the Dateline - Ep 11
Join Sophie and Rotem as they explore the fascinating story behind Samoa's decision to change its time zone by crossing the International Dateline. Learn about the historical context of this time warp and practical implications it posed on the nations Jewish residents.
13 Jun 2024
The Greatest Cons in History - Ep 10
Join us in this captivating episode as we delve into the world of the greatest cons in history. Discover the audacious tale of the man who managed to sell the Eiffel Tower not once, but twice, to unsuspecting buyers. Uncover the bizarre story of the "doctor" who promised vitality through goat testicle implants. And prepare to be astonished by the Nigerian man who successfully swindled a Brazilian bank with the sale of a nonexistent airport. Tune in for these unbelievable stories of deception and intrigue.
6 Jun 2024
Discovering Nauru - Ep 9
This week’s episode unveils the fascinating history and current challenges of the Republic of Nauru. Nestled in the Pacific Ocean, Nauru's story is one of rapid rise and fall, from being one of the wealthiest nations per capita to facing economic and environmental struggles. Join us as we explore the unique culture, political dynamics, and the island's ongoing quest for sustainability amidst its complex past.
30 May 2024
Goldfish Gulping Galore - Ep 8
Step back in time to the peculiar phenomenon that captivated American college campuses in the 1930s: goldfish swallowing. In this intriguing podcast episode, we dive into the bizarre trend that swept across campuses, captivating the attention of students and bewildering onlookers. It may remind you of the Tide Pod Challenge that broke the internet in 2018 which Sophie and Rotem recap as well.
19 May 2024
Unintentional Skydivers - Ep 7
Buckle up because, in this week’s episode, Sophie and Rotem dive into the extraordinary survival story of Vesna Vulović, who miraculously lived through a plane explosion and a fall from 33,000 feet, making her the Guinness World Record holder for the highest fall survived without a parachute. If that’s not enough, stick around for the stories of two other plane crash survivors.
8 May 2024
Feline Fallout: Pope Gregory IX's War on Cats - Ep 6
This riveting episode delves into the mysterious motives behind Pope Gregory IX’s crusade on cats! Sophie and Rotem unravel the secrets, superstitions, and consequences of this odd event with bonus info on a war on cows! Join them for the timeless debate: dogs or cats?
2 May 2024
Non-Water Floods - Ep 5
Forget Noah's Ark, this episode dives into the bizarre and sticky world of historical NON-water floods! Throw on a life vest as Sophie and Rotem explore The Great London Beer Flood of 1814 and The Boston Molasses Flood of 1919. The only thing guaranteed is that the stories are anything but dry!
16 Apr 2024
Monkey Business on the Main Line - Ep 4
Picture a train station bustling with activity, but instead of a human hand pulling the levers, it's a furry, four-legged paw! This episode delves into the incredible true story of Jack, a South African baboon who worked as a railway signalman for an astonishing nine years without making a single mistake. Join Sophie and Rotem for this heartwarming and inspiring tale of a remarkable baboon who proved that intelligence, dedication, and even a taste for beer can make you a railway superstar!
11 Apr 2024
A day in the life of a Viking - Ep 3
In this week’s episode, step into the boots of a Viking and experience a day unlike any other! Rise with the sun, join the hunt, craft, and trade, train for battle, and gather for the evening meal. This episode is for anyone who’s ever dreamt of exploring the world of Vikings. So raise your horn and prepare to embark on a journey you won’t forget!
2 Apr 2024
Dance Dance Die - Ep 2
In the summer of 1518, a woman began to dance uncontrollably, her movements escalating into a frenzy. Soon, others joined in, their limbs jerking and twisting to an unseen rhythm. In this week’s episode, Sophie and Rotem discuss the terrifying phenomenon known as the Dancing Plague. Whether you're a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply curious about the human mind, this episode will transport you to a time when the line between reality and madness blurred, and the streets echoed with the unsettling rhythm of the Dancing Plague.
26 Mar 2024
The Great Emu War - Ep 1
Imagine a battleground where tanks rumble, machine guns roar... and the enemy is a flightless bird with a taste for wheat. In this week's episode, Sophie and Rotem reveal the bizarre reality of the "Great Emu War" of 1932, where the Australian government declared war on emus! Buckle up for a wild ride through a war unlike any other in this hilarious yet surprising historical episode.
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