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!
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Sophie Handelman
Sophie Handelman is what some would say, a free spirit – a chilled-out LA girl at heart who beats to her own drum. Sophie currently studies Psychology at Reichman University in the sunny beach town of Herzilya. She is a travel enthusiast, yogi, HIMYIM stan, sushi connoisseur, and most recently: a podcaster.
Rotem Kadosh
American Israeli, Rotem Kadosh is in her 2nd year of her BA in Psychology at Reichman University. She enjoys time with family and friends and is described as “perfect and hilarious” by her peers.
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?
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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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