Following almost destroying our world, the families are allies’: a gripping podcast featuring JFK & Khrushchev’s descendants.

During the month of October 1962, the planet came nearer to annihilation more so than ever in the contemporary era. This happened following the discovery that an American surveillance plane discovered that Soviet nuclear missile bases were under construction on the island of Cuba, less than 100 miles from the US mainland. Reacting to this, U.S. President John F Kennedy commanded a naval task force to impose a maritime quarantine encircling the island. The ensuing period constituted nearly 14 days of impossible anxiety.

An Unthinkable Danger

The peril remained palpable. If President Kennedy, or else his Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, initiated an attack against the other side, a chain reaction of worldwide atomic attacks and counterstrikes would have followed, plunging humanity toward all-out destruction.

The October crisis has been documented repeatedly, in volumes, movies, as well as television programmes. However, for its third season, a prominent audio documentary series The Bomb presents an unprecedented dimension into this historical narrative. The series is jointly hosted by Max Kennedy and Khrushchev's descendant, family members belonging to the leaders who, over 13 days, controlled the destiny of the planet in their hands.

"What were the Kremlin thinking? What were Washington planning?" ponders Nina Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter who is also an academic specializing in international affairs.

For her, the unique appeal of the podcast is its endeavor to question: "Why do people detest each other and go against each other?"

"It struck me how profound it is that humans have the potential to be friends or have the potential to be complete enemies," adds Kennedy, son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of the late president and now an author as well as attorney. "We see this dynamic over and over when nations have gone to war, and it just illustrates the sheer folly involved to fight."

The Precipice of Disaster

What’s notable regarding the Cuban missile crisis was that, since it unfolded in the global spotlight, individuals worldwide were able to observe almost as it happened as it moved closer to armageddon. Nonetheless, the danger of annihilation came closer than what anybody realised.

"The overwhelming majority in the White House were advocating for a military strike followed by an invasion," says Max Kennedy. "If we had attacked Cuba using the Sixth Fleet, there is no question the Russians stationed there would've launched a tactical nuclear weapon against the American ships, which would have sunk our naval vessels and destroyed our largest and most important fleet. In turn, we would have responded with 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 exercise restraint and calmly negotiate when hawkish elements in their governments were advocating military action. As a result, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the missiles in the Caribbean island and President Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed then) withdrew American missiles based in Turkey. The relief was immense, as was a feeling of optimism.

The Different Perspective

Yet, for those 13 days of October 1962, the tension was palpable globally. The podcast's co-hosts were born shortly after the crisis, and Khrushcheva being taught about it through the Soviet school curriculum, which portrayed a slightly different version of events.

"You said your father remembers it, and it was a frightening time," she says. "But for Soviet citizens, people really didn’t know a great deal regarding the crisis, since it was a crisis, whereas under the Soviet system we were told that everything was constantly wonderful and positive."

Within the Khrushchev household, though, the perspective was distinct. "They told me that it was a triumphant moment for the USSR, as it represented a direct confrontation. They were able to resolve it, thus didn’t start the war, seen as a positive outcome," she continues. Subsequently, though, that perspective was not held by everybody. "For a long time in Russian politics, it was considered a setback for Khrushchev, simply he didn’t blow up the United States."

An Unlikely Partnership

The Bomb is remarkably even-handed , expertly crafted that Khrushcheva jokes she nearly forgot she already knew outcome. This is, partly, due to contributions from renowned scholars. Yet, really, the most significant aspect remains the involvement of the descendants. Even within living memory, it would be inconceivable for descendants of the leaders of America and the Soviet Union would appear side by side. The fact that these two individuals are able to do so, and be so warm with each other, must be seen as a sign of hope.

"We aren't the pioneers," notes Nina. "After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, a relative Sergey Khrushchev’s son where he became great friends with the former president's family."

"However we had never met before the podcast," clarifies Kennedy. "That is a shame since we got along immediately and we’re friends, something that is really great. Finally, after nearly 60 years since nearly annihilating the planet, our families are now friends, suggesting global relations is safer, somewhat."

Modern Parallels and Current Perils

Or is it? One reason why The Bomb feels so necessary is that we now find ourselves in dark times. The Doomsday Clock is closer to midnight in its history, partly since today's statesmen don’t seem to be able to grasp