Following almost destroying the planet, the relatives have become allies’: the gripping podcast featuring JFK and Khrushchev’s relatives.

During October 1962, the planet came nearer toward destruction than at any other point during recent history. This transpired when a US reconnaissance aircraft identified the fact that Soviet nuclear weapon installations were under construction in Cuba, a mere 100 miles from the US mainland. In response, U.S. President JFK directed a naval task force to enact a naval blockade around Cuba. The next phase was almost two weeks of unbearable stress.

The Unthinkable Danger

The danger remained clear. Should Kennedy, or the Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, had fired on the other side, a chain reaction of global nuclear strikes followed by counterstrikes might have ensued, thrusting humanity toward total destruction.

The October crisis has been documented endlessly, in books, films, as well as television programmes. However, in its latest installment, a prominent audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" presents an unprecedented dimension into this historical narrative. The series is jointly hosted featuring Max Kennedy alongside Nina Khrushcheva, relatives of the figures that, over 13 days, grasped the destiny of the planet in their hands.

"What were the Russians considering? What were the American side considering?" ponders Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's descendant who is also an academic specializing in international affairs.

For her, the strength of the podcast is its endeavor to objectively ask: "Why do people detest one another and confront one another?"

"I am acutely aware how spectacular the fact that people can be friends or have the potential to be total enemies," states Max Kennedy, son of RFK, nephew of JFK and currently an author and attorney. "History shows this dynamic over and over in instances where countries enter into conflict, demonstrating how unbelievably stupid it is to fight."

A Precipice of Disaster

What’s striking about this event is that, since it unfolded so publicly, citizens worldwide were able to observe nearly in real time while it crept towards disaster. However, the threat of destruction came closer than anybody understood at the time.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors wanted an airstrike and an invasion," says Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck the Cubans using the naval blockade, there is no question the Russians stationed there would have launched a tactical nuclear weapon at the American ships, and that would have obliterated the aircraft carriers and sunk America's largest and most important fleet. And, the U.S. would have responded with massive retaliation which would have eradicated all life on Earth."

The reality this did not occur is a testament to Kennedy and Khrushchev, who managed to remain calm while engaging in diplomacy at a time when everyone around them demanded action. Consequently, Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the nuclear weapons in Cuba while Kennedy (although not reported then) withdrew his missiles from NATO ally Turkey. The relief was worldwide, as was a feeling of hope.

The Different Viewpoint

Still, for those two weeks of October 1962, the anxiety was palpable globally. The Bomb’s co-hosts were born shortly after these events, with Nina being taught about the crisis via the Soviet education system, which painted a slightly different version of what happened.

"As you mentioned your parent remembers it, and it was a frightening time," Khrushcheva notes. "But in the Soviet Union, people really didn’t know a great deal regarding the crisis, since it was a crisis, and in the Soviet Union we were told that everything was always fine and sunny."

Inside Khrushchev’s family, though, it was distinct. "I was informed that it was a triumphant occasion for the USSR, as it represented a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, and avoided a global war, which was a positive outcome," she adds. In the years to come, however, that perspective would not be shared by everybody. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a defeat for the Soviet leader, because he refrained from destroying the United States."

An Unprecedented Partnership

The Bomb is remarkably balanced and expertly crafted so much so that Khrushcheva quips it almost made her forget the known outcome. This effect is, in part, due to contributions from renowned scholars. But, truly, the most momentous aspect remains the involvement of the hosts themselves. Even within living memory, it would be unthinkable that relatives of the heads of state of America and USSR would appear together publicly. That these two individuals can do that, and be so warm toward one another, must be seen as a symbol of hope.

"We aren't the pioneers," smiles Khrushcheva. "Following 1991, my uncle moved to America and formed a close bond with the former president's family."

"However we were strangers prior to this project," adds Kennedy. "Which is unfortunate because we connected immediately and now we are friends, which is wonderful. Ultimately, following almost 60 years of almost destroying the planet, our families are now friends, so I think global relations is more secure, a little bit."

Contemporary Parallels with Current Perils

Is that truly the case? Part of why The Bomb seems so urgent is because we now are living in a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock stands nearer to midnight in its history, partly since today's statesmen appear not to have the capacity to learn