‘After nearly destroying the planet, our relatives are friends’: the gripping podcast from JFK and Nikita Khrushchev’s descendants.

During the month of October 1962, the world veered closer to ruin more so than ever in the contemporary era. This transpired when a US surveillance plane identified the fact that Soviet atomic weapon bases were being built in Cuba, less than 100 miles from the United States. Reacting to this, President JFK directed a naval task force to impose a maritime blockade encircling Cuba. The ensuing period was almost a fortnight of impossible tension.

The Unthinkable Threat

The threat remained palpable. Should President Kennedy, or the Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, were to fire against the other side, a series involving global atomic attacks and retaliatory strikes might have followed, thrusting humanity toward total oblivion.

The October crisis has been documented endlessly, through volumes, movies, as well as television programmes. But, in its latest installment, the audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" presents a novel dimension into the story. It is jointly hosted by Max Kennedy alongside Nina Khrushcheva, family members of the figures that, for two tense weeks, controlled the destiny of humanity in their hands.

"What was the Kremlin considering? What were the American side considering?" ponders Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter and an academic specializing in global relations.

For her, the strength of the show is its endeavor to explore: "Why do nations hate one another to the point they oppose each other?"

"It struck me how spectacular the fact that people have the potential to be allies or have the potential to be complete adversaries," states Kennedy, son of RFK, related to JFK and currently an author and attorney. "History shows this dynamic over and over when countries have gone to war, and it just illustrates the sheer folly it is to fight."

A Brink Towards Catastrophe

What is striking regarding this event was that, because it unfolded so publicly, citizens around the world could watch almost in real time while it edged closer to disaster. However, the risk of annihilation came closer than what most people understood at the time.

"Virtually everyone in the White House were advocating for an airstrike followed by a ground invasion," says Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck Cuba using the Sixth Fleet, undoubtedly the Russians on the ground would've deployed a tactical nuclear weapon against the US Sixth Fleet, and that would've obliterated our naval vessels and sunk America's primary naval force. In turn, we would have responded through an overwhelming counterattack which would have eradicated most life on Earth."

The reality it didn’t highlights the composure of Kennedy and Khrushchev, they succeeded in remain calm while engaging in diplomacy when everyone in their governments was pushing for military action. As a result, Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the nuclear weapons from the Caribbean island while President Kennedy (although not reported at the time) withdrew his similar weapons from NATO ally Turkey. The relief was palpable, matched by the sense of hope.

A Different Viewpoint

Still, during those two weeks of October 1962, the anxiety was felt globally. The Bomb’s co-hosts were born shortly after these events, and Nina being taught about it through the Soviet education system, which presented a slightly different version of what happened.

"You said your parent recalls it, describing it as a frightening day," Khrushcheva notes. "But for Soviet citizens, people were largely unaware a great deal regarding the crisis, since it was a crisis, and under the Soviet system the official line was that things are constantly fine or sunny."

Inside the Khrushchev household, though, the perspective was distinct. "I was informed what a great occasion for the USSR, because it represented a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to resolve it, and didn’t start the war, seen as a wonderful outcome," she adds. In the years to come, however, that view would not be shared by all Russians. "For a long time in Russian politics, it was considered a setback for the Soviet leader, because he didn’t blow up the United States."

An Unlikely Collaboration

This podcast is so even-handed , well produced that Khrushcheva jokes it almost made her forget she already knew outcome. This effect is, in part, thanks to the participation of historians. But, truly, the most groundbreaking thing is the involvement of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it was inconceivable for relatives of the leaders of America and the USSR to appear side by side. The fact that Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva are able to do so, and exhibit such warmth toward one another, has to be a symbol of optimism.

"Max and I are not the first," notes Khrushcheva. "Following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, my uncle Sergey Khrushchev’s son and became great friends with the former president's family."

"However we were strangers prior to this project," clarifies Kennedy. "That is unfortunate because we connected really well and now we’re friends, something that is wonderful. Finally, after nearly 60 years since almost destroying the planet, our families have become allies, suggesting the world is more secure, a little bit."

Modern Echoes with Present Dangers

Or is it? One reason why this series feels so necessary is that we once again find ourselves living through a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock is closer to midnight than ever before, partly since world leaders appear not to be able to comprehend