Following almost annihilating our world, the families have become friends’: a thrilling podcast featuring JFK and Nikita Khrushchev’s descendants.

During the month of October 1962, humanity veered closer to ruin than at any other point during the contemporary era. This occurred after a US surveillance aircraft identified the fact that Soviet nuclear weapon sites were under construction on Cuba, less than 160 kilometers off the coast of the United States. Reacting to this, President John F Kennedy ordered the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to impose a maritime blockade encircling Cuba. The ensuing period constituted almost 14 days of extreme tension.

The Catastrophic Danger

The threat was obvious. If Kennedy, or the Russian opposite, Nikita Khrushchev, were to fire against their enemy, a series of worldwide nuclear strikes and counterstrikes would have ensued, plunging civilization into all-out destruction.

The October crisis has been documented repeatedly, through books, films, as well as TV documentaries. However, in its latest installment, the audio documentary series The Bomb introduces an unprecedented perspective to this historical narrative. It is co-presented by Max Kennedy alongside Nina Khrushcheva, relatives belonging to the men that, for 13 days, grasped the destiny of the world within their grasp.

"What were the Soviet side thinking? What were Washington considering?" questions Nina Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's descendant who is also a professor of international affairs.

In her view, the beauty of the show lies in its attempt to explore: "How can people detest each other to the point they confront one another?"

"I am acutely aware how remarkable it is that individuals can be friends or else can become total adversaries," states Kennedy, son of RFK, nephew of JFK and currently an author and attorney. "We see this over and over when countries enter into conflict, highlighting how unbelievably stupid involved to engage in warfare."

The Brink of Catastrophe

What is notable about this event was that, since it transpired so publicly, citizens worldwide were able to observe nearly as it happened while it edged closer to catastrophe. Nonetheless, the danger of destruction was more imminent than most people realised.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for an airstrike and a ground invasion," notes Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck the Cubans using the naval blockade, it is certain Soviet forces on the ground would have launched a tactical nuclear weapon against the US Sixth Fleet, which would've obliterated our naval vessels as well as destroyed our primary fleet. In turn, we would have responded with massive retaliation which would have ended most life on Earth."

The fact it didn’t highlights the composure of Kennedy and Khrushchev, they succeeded in remain calm while calmly negotiate when hawkish elements around them was pushing for military action. Consequently, Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the nuclear weapons in Cuba and Kennedy (although not reported then) withdrew American similar weapons based in NATO ally Turkey. The sense of relief was palpable, as was the sense of optimism.

A Divergent Viewpoint

Yet, for those 13 days of October 1962, the anxiety was felt by everyone. The podcast's presenters came into the world in the years following these events, with Nina being taught about it through the Soviet education system, which presented an alternative picture of what happened.

"As you mentioned your father remembers it, describing it as a frightening day," Khrushcheva notes. "But in the Soviet Union, people really didn’t know a great deal about it, because it was a tense situation, and in the Soviet Union we were told that things are always wonderful or positive."

Within Khrushchev’s family, though, the perspective was different. "They told me that it was a triumphant moment for the USSR, because it represented a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to find a solution, and avoided a global war, seen as a wonderful outcome," she continues. Subsequently, though, that interpretation was not held by all Russians. "For a long time in Russian politics, it was considered a failure for the Soviet leader, simply he refrained from destroying America."

A Unlikely Collaboration

The Bomb is so even-handed and expertly crafted that Nina quips she nearly forgot she already knew outcome. This is, partly, due to contributions from historians. But, really, the most significant thing remains the participation of the descendants. Not so long ago, it was inconceivable that descendants of the heads of state of the United States and USSR would appear together publicly. That these two individuals can do that, and be so warm with each other, must be seen as a symbol of optimism.

"Max and I are not the first," smiles Khrushcheva. "After 1991, a relative moved to America and became great friends with the former president's family."

"But we had never met before the podcast," adds Max. "Which is unfortunate since we connected really well and we’re friends, something that is wonderful. Finally, following almost six decades since nearly annihilating the planet, our families are now allies, suggesting global relations is more secure, a little bit."

Modern Parallels and Present Perils

Or is it? Part of the reason this series seems so urgent is because we once again are living in a perilous era. The symbolic clock of doom is closer to catastrophe than ever before, partly since today's statesmen don’t seem to be able to learn