Following almost destroying the planet, our relatives have become friends’: a gripping audio series featuring John F. Kennedy and Khrushchev’s relatives.

In October 1962, the world edged nearer toward ruin more so than ever during recent history. This happened following the discovery that a US reconnaissance plane discovered that Soviet atomic weapon bases were being assembled on the island of Cuba, a mere 100 miles from American soil. In response, U.S. President JFK commanded a naval task force to impose a naval blockade encircling Cuba. The next phase constituted nearly a fortnight filled with extreme tension.

An Catastrophic Threat

The threat was obvious. If President Kennedy, or the Russian opposite, Nikita Khrushchev, were to fire against the other side, a cascade involving global atomic attacks followed by counterstrikes might have ensued, thrusting mankind toward total destruction.

This pivotal 1962 event has been examined extensively, in volumes, films, and television programmes. However, for its third season, the audio documentary series The Bomb introduces an unprecedented dimension to this historical narrative. The series is jointly hosted featuring Kennedy's relative and Nina Khrushcheva, relatives belonging to the men that, for two tense weeks, grasped the destiny of the world in their hands.

"What were the Soviet side considering? What was the United States thinking?" ponders Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter who is also a professor specializing in global relations.

For her, the unique appeal of the podcast lies in its attempt to question: "How can nations hate one another and oppose one another?"

"It was not lost on me how spectacular the fact that people have the potential to be allies or have the potential to be total enemies," remarks Max Kennedy, son of Robert Kennedy, related to JFK and now an author and attorney. "We see this dynamic over and over in instances where countries have gone to war, and it just illustrates the sheer folly involved to engage in warfare."

The Precipice of Catastrophe

What is notable regarding the Cuban missile crisis is that, because it unfolded so publicly, citizens around the world were able to observe almost in real time while it moved closer to armageddon. Nonetheless, the threat of annihilation came closer than what most people realised.

"The overwhelming majority in the White House were advocating for an airstrike followed by an invasion," notes Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck the Cubans with the naval blockade, it is certain the Russians on the ground would have deployed a nuclear warhead against the American ships, and that would've sunk the naval vessels and destroyed America's primary naval force. And, we would have responded with an overwhelming counterattack which would have eradicated all life on Earth."

The fact this did not occur highlights the composure of Kennedy and Khrushchev, who succeeded in remain calm and calmly negotiate at a time when everyone in their governments demanded military action. As a result, Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the missiles from Cuba and President Kennedy (although not reported at the time) withdrew his similar weapons based in NATO ally Turkey. The relief was worldwide, as was a feeling of optimism.

The Different Viewpoint

Yet, during those two weeks in October, the tension was palpable globally. The Bomb’s presenters were born shortly after these events, with Nina learned about the crisis via the Soviet education system, which portrayed an alternative narrative of what happened.

"As you mentioned your parent remembers it, describing it as a scary time," she says. "However for Soviet citizens, the public were largely unaware that much regarding the crisis, since it was a crisis, whereas in the Soviet Union we were told that everything was constantly wonderful and positive."

Within Khrushchev’s family, though, it was different. "I was informed that it was a triumphant occasion it was, because it represented a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to resolve it, and didn’t start the war, which was a wonderful thing," she adds. Subsequently, though, that view would not be held by all Russians. "For decades in Russian politics, the crisis was viewed as a failure for the Soviet leader, simply he didn’t blow up America."

An Unlikely Partnership

This podcast is so even-handed and expertly crafted that Nina quips it almost made her forget the known the ending. This is, in part, thanks to contributions from renowned scholars. But, really, the most significant aspect is the participation of the descendants. Not so long ago, it would be inconceivable that relatives of the heads of state of America and Soviet Union would appear together publicly. That these two individuals can do that, and be so warm toward one another, must be seen as a sign of progress.

"Max and I aren't the first," notes Nina. "After 1991, my uncle moved to America where he formed a close bond with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"But we were strangers before the podcast," clarifies Max. "Which is unfortunate since we connected immediately and now we’re friends, something that is really great. Finally, after almost 60 years of nearly annihilating the planet, our families are now allies, suggesting the world is more secure, a little bit."

Modern Echoes with Present Dangers

Or is it? One reason the reason this series seems so urgent is because we once again are living living through dark times. The Doomsday Clock is closer to catastrophe in its history, partly since world leaders don’t seem to have the capacity to comprehend