Following nearly destroying our planet, our relatives have become allies’: a gripping audio series featuring JFK & Khrushchev’s relatives.

During the month of October 1962, the planet came closer toward ruin more so than ever during the contemporary era. This occurred when an American reconnaissance plane identified that Soviet nuclear missile installations were under construction in Cuba, a mere 100 miles off the coast of the United States. In response, President John F Kennedy ordered the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to enact a maritime blockade encircling Cuba. The next phase constituted almost 14 days of unbearable stress.

An Unthinkable Threat

The threat was obvious. Should President Kennedy, or his Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, were to fire on their enemy, a series of global nuclear strikes and counterstrikes would have ensued, thrusting humanity toward total destruction.

The October crisis has been examined extensively, through books, films, and TV documentaries. However, for its third season, a prominent BBC World Service podcast The Bomb introduces an unprecedented dimension into this historical narrative. The series is co-presented by Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva, relatives belonging to the figures who, over two tense weeks, grasped the destiny of the planet within their grasp.

"What was the Russians thinking? What were Washington considering?" questions Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s descendant who is also a professor specializing in global relations.

In her view, the unique appeal of the podcast lies in its endeavor to objectively ask: "How can people detest each other to the point they go against each other?"

"I am acutely aware how remarkable the fact that people can be allies or have the potential to be complete adversaries," states Kennedy, the son of RFK, nephew of JFK and currently a writer and lawyer. "History shows this dynamic repeatedly in instances where nations have gone to war, and it just illustrates the sheer folly involved to engage in warfare."

The Precipice Towards Disaster

What is notable about the Cuban missile crisis was that, because it transpired in the global spotlight, individuals globally could watch almost in real time as it crept towards disaster. However, the risk of destruction came closer than most people realised.

"Virtually everyone in the White House wanted a military strike followed by a ground invasion," notes Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked Cuba with the naval blockade, there is no question the Russians stationed there would've deployed a tactical nuclear weapon at the US Sixth Fleet, which would have obliterated our naval vessels as well as destroyed our primary naval force. And, the U.S. would have responded through massive retaliation which would have eradicated all life on Earth."

The fact it didn’t is a testament to both leaders, they succeeded in keep their heads and engaging in diplomacy at a time when many advisors around them was pushing for military action. As a result, Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the nuclear weapons from the Caribbean island and President Kennedy (although not reported then) removed American missiles based in NATO ally Turkey. The relief was worldwide, as was a feeling of optimism.

A Divergent Perspective

Still, during those 13 days of October 1962, the anxiety was felt by everyone. The Bomb’s co-hosts came into the world in the years following these events, and Nina learned about it via the Soviet school curriculum, which painted an alternative version of events.

"As you mentioned your parent remembers it, describing it as a frightening time," Khrushcheva notes. "But in the Soviet Union, the public really didn’t know a great deal about it, because it was a crisis, and under the Soviet system we were told that everything was constantly wonderful or positive."

Within the Khrushchev household, however, it was distinct. "They told me that it was a triumphant occasion for the USSR, as it was eyeball to eyeball. They were able to find a solution, thus didn’t start the war, seen as a positive thing," she continues. Later on, however, that interpretation was not held by all Russians. "For decades in Russian politics, it was considered a defeat for Khrushchev, simply he refrained from destroying the United States."

An Unprecedented Collaboration

This podcast is remarkably balanced and expertly crafted that Khrushcheva jokes it almost made her forget she already knew the ending. This is, partly, thanks to the participation of historians. Yet, really, the most momentous aspect is the involvement of the hosts themselves. Even within living memory, it was inconceivable for descendants of the leaders of America and USSR would appear together publicly. That Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva can do that, and be so warm with each other, must be seen as a sign of hope.

"Max and I aren't the first," notes Nina. "After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, a relative Sergey Khrushchev’s son where he became great friends with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"However we had never met before the podcast," clarifies Kennedy. "That is a shame since we connected immediately and we are friends, which is really great. Ultimately, after nearly six decades of almost destroying the planet, our families are now allies, suggesting global relations is more secure, a little bit."

Modern Echoes with Current Perils

Or is it? Part of the reason The Bomb feels so necessary is because we now are living living through a perilous era. The symbolic clock of doom is closer to midnight than ever before, in part because today's statesmen don’t seem to be able to grasp