‘After almost destroying our planet, our families are allies’: the gripping podcast from JFK & Nikita Khrushchev’s relatives.

During the month of October 1962, the planet edged nearer to destruction than at any other point in recent history. This occurred when a US reconnaissance plane discovered that Russian nuclear weapon bases were being built in Cuba, a mere 100 miles from American soil. In response, President JFK commanded the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to impose a maritime blockade encircling Cuba. The ensuing period constituted nearly two weeks of extreme stress.

The Catastrophic Threat

The threat remained obvious. If Kennedy, or his Russian opposite, Nikita Khrushchev, had fired on the other side, a cascade involving global atomic attacks and counterstrikes would have followed, plunging humanity toward all-out ruination.

This pivotal 1962 event has been covered endlessly, in books, movies, as well as television programmes. But, in its latest installment, the audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" introduces a novel element into this historical narrative. The series is co-presented featuring Kennedy's relative and Nina Khrushcheva, relatives of the men who, for 13 days, grasped the fate of the world within their grasp.

"What was the Kremlin planning? What was Washington planning?" ponders Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's descendant who is also an academic specializing in global relations.

In her view, the strength of the podcast lies in its attempt to question: "Why do nations detest one another to the point they oppose each other?"

"It was not lost on me how remarkable it is that humans can be friends or have the potential to be complete enemies," states Max Kennedy, the son of Robert Kennedy, related to the late president and currently an author as well as attorney. "History shows this dynamic over and over when nations enter into conflict, demonstrating the sheer folly it is to engage in warfare."

The Brink of Disaster

What’s striking about this event was that, since it transpired so publicly, individuals around the world could watch almost in real time as it moved closer to catastrophe. However, the threat of destruction came closer than what anybody understood at the time.

"Almost all officials in the White House wanted a military strike followed by a ground invasion," says Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked Cuba using the Sixth Fleet, it is certain the Russians on the ground would've launched a tactical nuclear weapon at the American ships, which would have obliterated our naval vessels as well as sunk our primary naval force. In turn, we would have retaliated through an overwhelming counterattack that would have ended all life on Earth."

The fact this did not occur highlights the composure of both leaders, who managed to remain calm while engaging in diplomacy when many advisors in their governments demanded action. As a result, The Soviet premier removed the nuclear weapons in Cuba while Kennedy (although not reported then) withdrew his missiles from NATO ally Turkey. The sense of relief was palpable, matched by a feeling of optimism.

A Divergent Perspective

Still, for those two weeks in October, the fear was palpable globally. The Bomb’s co-hosts were born in the years following the crisis, with Nina being taught about it via the USSR's school curriculum, which painted an alternative picture of events.

"As you mentioned your parent remembers it, describing it as a scary time," 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 the official line was that everything was constantly fine and sunny."

Inside Khrushchev’s family, though, it was distinct. "I was informed that it was a triumphant moment it was, because it was a direct confrontation. They were able to resolve it, thus avoided the war, seen as a positive thing," she adds. In the years to come, however, that view would not be shared by all Russians. "For a long time in Russian politics, the crisis was viewed as a failure for the Soviet leader, because he refrained from destroying America."

A Unprecedented Partnership

This podcast is remarkably even-handed and well produced that Khrushcheva jokes she nearly forgot the known outcome. This effect is, in part, thanks to contributions from historians. Yet, really, the most groundbreaking thing is the participation of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it would be inconceivable that relatives of the leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union would appear together publicly. The fact that these two individuals are able to do so, and exhibit such warmth with each other, has to be a sign of optimism.

"Max and I are not the pioneers," notes Nina. "After 1991, my uncle moved to America where he became great friends with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"But we had never met prior to this project," clarifies Max. "Which is unfortunate because we connected immediately and now we’re friends, something that is wonderful. Finally, after nearly 60 years of almost destroying the planet, our families have become allies, so I think global relations is safer, a little bit."

Modern Echoes and Current Perils

Is that truly the case? One reason the reason The Bomb feels so necessary is because we once again are living living through dark times. The Doomsday Clock stands nearer to catastrophe in its history, in part because world leaders don’t seem to have the capacity to comprehend