‘After nearly destroying the world, our families are allies’: a thrilling podcast featuring JFK and Khrushchev’s relatives.

In the month of October 1962, humanity edged nearer toward annihilation than at any other point in modern times. This transpired following the discovery that a US reconnaissance aircraft found the fact that Soviet atomic missile sites were under construction on Cuba, less than 160 kilometers from the US mainland. In response, U.S. President JFK commanded a naval task force to enact a naval blockade around Cuba. The next phase was almost two weeks filled with extreme stress.

The Unthinkable Threat

The danger remained palpable. If Kennedy, or the Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, were to fire against the other side, a series involving global nuclear strikes followed by counterstrikes might have followed, plunging mankind toward total oblivion.

The Cuban missile crisis has been examined endlessly, in books, movies, as well as TV documentaries. But, for its third season, the audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" introduces a completely new dimension into the story. It is jointly hosted featuring Kennedy's relative and Khrushchev's descendant, relatives belonging to the leaders that, over 13 days, controlled the fate of the planet in their hands.

"What were the Soviet side considering? What were the United States planning?" ponders Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s descendant and an academic of international affairs.

In her view, the unique appeal of the show lies in its attempt to explore: "Why do people hate each other to the point they confront each other?"

"I am acutely aware how profound it is that people can be allies or can become complete adversaries," adds Kennedy, son of RFK, related to the late president and now an author and lawyer. "We see this over and over when nations enter into conflict, highlighting the sheer folly involved to engage in warfare."

A Precipice of Catastrophe

What is notable about this event was that, since it transpired so publicly, people around the world were able to observe nearly as it happened while it crept closer to catastrophe. Nonetheless, the risk of destruction was more imminent than most people realised.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for an airstrike and an invasion," notes Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck the Cubans with the naval blockade, there is no question the Russians stationed there would've deployed a tactical nuclear weapon against the American ships, which would've destroyed our aircraft carriers and sunk our primary naval force. And, we would have responded with an overwhelming counterattack which would have eradicated all life on the planet."

The fact this did not occur highlights the composure of both leaders, they managed to exercise restraint while engaging in diplomacy when hawkish elements in their governments was pushing for military action. Consequently, The Soviet premier removed the nuclear weapons in Cuba and President Kennedy (although not reported then) withdrew his similar weapons from Turkey. The sense of relief was palpable, matched by the sense of hope.

The Divergent Viewpoint

Yet, 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 the crisis via the Soviet school curriculum, which portrayed a slightly different picture of what happened.

"As you mentioned your parent remembers it, describing it as a scary time," Khrushcheva notes. "However for Soviet citizens, the public really didn’t know that much regarding the crisis, because it was a crisis, and in the Soviet Union the official line was that things are constantly wonderful or sunny."

Inside the Khrushchev household, however, the perspective was distinct. "They told me that it was a triumphant occasion for the USSR, because it was a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to find a solution, and avoided the war, seen as a wonderful outcome," she continues. In the years to come, however, that perspective would not be held by all Russians. "For a long time in Russian politics, it was considered a failure for the Soviet leader, because he didn’t blow up the United States."

A Unlikely Partnership

This podcast is remarkably even-handed , expertly crafted so much so that Khrushcheva quips she nearly forgot the known outcome. This is, partly, thanks to contributions from renowned scholars. But, truly, the most significant aspect is the involvement of the descendants. Even within living memory, it was inconceivable that relatives of the leaders of the United States and USSR to appear side by side. The fact that these two individuals 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," smiles Khrushcheva. "After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, my uncle Sergey Khrushchev’s son where he became great friends with the former president's family."

"But we had never met prior to this project," clarifies Max. "Which is a shame because we connected really well and we’re friends, which is wonderful. Ultimately, following almost six decades of almost destroying the world, our families have become friends, so I think the world is safer, somewhat."

Contemporary Echoes and Present Perils

Or is it? Part of the reason The Bomb feels so necessary is that we once again find ourselves living through a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock stands nearer to midnight in its history, partly since world leaders appear not to have the capacity to learn