‘After almost destroying the world, the relatives have become allies’: a thrilling podcast featuring JFK & Nikita Khrushchev’s descendants.

During October 1962, the world veered closer toward destruction than at any other point during the contemporary era. This transpired when an American reconnaissance plane identified the fact that Soviet nuclear missile installations were being assembled in Cuba, a mere 100 miles off the coast of the United States. Reacting to this, President John F Kennedy commanded the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to impose a maritime quarantine encircling the island. The ensuing period was almost two weeks filled with impossible anxiety.

The Unthinkable Threat

The danger was clear. If President Kennedy, or else the Russian opposite, Nikita Khrushchev, had fired against their enemy, a series of worldwide atomic attacks followed by counterstrikes would have ensued, casting mankind toward total destruction.

The October crisis has been documented repeatedly, in volumes, movies, as well as television programmes. But, in its latest installment, the audio documentary series The Bomb presents a novel perspective into this historical narrative. It is co-presented by Max Kennedy and Khrushchev's descendant, relatives of the figures that, over two tense weeks, grasped the destiny of the planet within their grasp.

"What was the Kremlin planning? What was Washington planning?" ponders Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter who is also an academic specializing in global relations.

In her view, the beauty of the podcast lies in its attempt to objectively ask: "How can individuals hate one another and go against one another?"

"It was not lost on me how profound the fact that humans can be friends or else have the potential to be complete enemies," adds Kennedy, the son of RFK, nephew of the late president and currently an author as well as attorney. "History shows this over and over in instances where countries have gone to war, demonstrating the sheer folly involved to engage in warfare."

The Precipice Towards Catastrophe

What is striking regarding this event is that, because it transpired so publicly, individuals worldwide could watch nearly as it happened as it crept closer to disaster. Even so, the threat of annihilation was more imminent than what most people realised.

"The overwhelming majority in the White House were advocating for an airstrike and an invasion," says Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked Cuba with the naval blockade, there is no question Soviet forces on the ground would have fired a nuclear warhead against the American ships, and that would've obliterated our aircraft carriers and destroyed America's primary fleet. And, we would have responded with massive retaliation which would have eradicated most life on Earth."

The fact it didn’t is a testament to both leaders, they managed to keep their heads and calmly negotiate at a time when everyone around them was pushing for military action. Consequently, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the missiles in Cuba and Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed then) removed American missiles based in NATO ally Turkey. The relief was worldwide, as was a feeling of hope.

A Divergent Viewpoint

Still, during those 13 days in October, the anxiety was felt globally. The podcast's co-hosts came into the world shortly after the crisis, with Khrushcheva being taught about the crisis via the USSR's school curriculum, which portrayed an alternative narrative of what happened.

"You said your father recalls it, describing it as a frightening time," she says. "But for Soviet citizens, the public really didn’t know a great deal about it, because it was a crisis, whereas in the Soviet Union we were told that everything was always wonderful or positive."

Inside the Khrushchev household, however, the perspective was distinct. "They told me what a great occasion it was, because it represented eyeball to eyeball. They were able to find a solution, and avoided a global war, seen as a wonderful outcome," she adds. Subsequently, however, that perspective was not held by all Russians. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a setback for the Soviet leader, simply he didn’t blow up the United States."

A Unprecedented Partnership

The Bomb is remarkably balanced , well produced that Nina quips it almost made her forget she already knew outcome. This is, partly, due to the participation of renowned scholars. Yet, really, the most momentous aspect is the participation of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it would be unthinkable for descendants of the leaders of America and USSR would appear side by side. The fact that Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva can do that, and exhibit such warmth with each other, must be seen as a sign of optimism.

"Max and I aren't the first," notes Nina. "Following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, a relative moved to America where he became great friends with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"However we had never met before the podcast," clarifies Max. "Which is unfortunate because we connected really well and we’re friends, which is wonderful. Ultimately, after almost 60 years since nearly annihilating the planet, our families are now friends, so I think the world is more secure, somewhat."

Contemporary Echoes and Present Dangers

Is that truly the case? Part of the reason this series feels so necessary is that we once again find ourselves in dark times. The symbolic clock of doom is closer to midnight than ever before, in part because today's statesmen appear not to have the capacity to comprehend