Following nearly annihilating our world, the families have become allies’: the gripping audio series from John F. Kennedy & Khrushchev’s relatives.

In the month of October 1962, the world veered closer to ruin more so than ever during the contemporary era. This transpired when a US surveillance plane discovered that Soviet nuclear weapon bases were being built on the island of Cuba, a mere 100 miles from American soil. In response, U.S. President John F Kennedy directed the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to impose a maritime blockade encircling Cuba. The ensuing period constituted nearly 14 days filled with impossible anxiety.

The Unthinkable Threat

The threat was obvious. If Kennedy, or else his Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, were to fire on their enemy, a cascade involving global nuclear attacks followed by counterstrikes would have ensued, casting civilization into total ruination.

This pivotal 1962 event has been covered repeatedly, through volumes, films, as well as television programmes. But, for its third season, the audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" presents a completely new element into this historical narrative. It is jointly hosted by Kennedy's relative and Khrushchev's descendant, relatives of the figures that, over 13 days, grasped the fate of the world in their hands.

"What were the Soviet side thinking? What were the American side thinking?" asks Nina Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter who is also an academic of international affairs.

For her, the unique appeal of the podcast is its endeavor to explore: "How can people hate each other to the point they go against each other?"

"It was not lost on me how remarkable it is that individuals can be friends or else have the potential to be total enemies," adds Max Kennedy, son of RFK, related to the late president and currently an author and lawyer. "History shows this dynamic repeatedly when nations enter into conflict, and it just illustrates how unbelievably stupid involved to fight."

A Brink Towards Disaster

What is remarkable about this event was that, because it unfolded in the global spotlight, citizens globally could watch nearly in real time while it edged closer to catastrophe. However, the risk of annihilation was more imminent than most people understood at the time.

"The overwhelming majority in the White House wanted an airstrike and a ground invasion," explains Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked Cuba using the Sixth Fleet, there is no question Soviet forces on the ground would have deployed a nuclear warhead at the American ships, which would've sunk our aircraft carriers and sunk our primary fleet. In turn, the U.S. would have retaliated through an overwhelming counterattack which would have eradicated most life on Earth."

The reality this did not occur is a testament to both leaders, they succeeded in remain calm and engaging in diplomacy at a time when everyone in their governments demanded military action. As a result, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the nuclear weapons from Cuba and Kennedy (although not reported then) removed his missiles based in Turkey. The relief was immense, as was the sense of optimism.

A Different Perspective

Still, during those 13 days in October, the tension was palpable globally. The podcast's presenters were born shortly after the crisis, with Nina learned about the crisis via the Soviet education system, which painted an alternative narrative of events.

"You said your father remembers it, describing it as a frightening time," Khrushcheva notes. "But for Soviet citizens, people were largely unaware a great deal regarding the crisis, because it was a crisis, and under the Soviet system the official line was that everything was always fine and positive."

Inside the Khrushchev household, though, the perspective was distinct. "I was informed what a great occasion for the USSR, as it represented a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, and didn’t start the war, which was a positive outcome," she adds. Subsequently, though, that interpretation was not shared by all Russians. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, the crisis was viewed as a defeat for Khrushchev, because he didn’t blow up the United States."

An Unlikely Collaboration

The Bomb is remarkably even-handed , expertly crafted so much so that Khrushcheva jokes it almost made her forget she already knew the ending. This effect is, in part, thanks to the participation of historians. But, really, the most momentous thing is the involvement of the hosts themselves. Even within living memory, it was inconceivable that descendants of the leaders of the United States and USSR to appear side by side. That Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva are able to do so, and exhibit such warmth with each other, 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 formed a close bond with the former president's family."

"However we were strangers before the podcast," clarifies Max. "That is unfortunate because we connected really well and now we’re friends, something that is wonderful. Finally, after nearly 60 years of nearly annihilating the world, our families have become friends, so I think the world is safer, a little bit."

Contemporary Parallels with Present Dangers

Or is it? Part of why The Bomb seems so urgent is that we now find ourselves living through a perilous era. The symbolic clock of doom stands nearer to midnight in its history, in part because world leaders appear not to have the capacity to comprehend