‘After almost annihilating our world, our relatives have become friends’: a gripping audio series featuring John F. Kennedy and Khrushchev’s descendants.

During the month of October 1962, the planet came closer toward annihilation more so than ever during modern times. This transpired following the discovery that an American reconnaissance plane discovered that Soviet nuclear missile bases were under construction on Cuba, less than 100 miles from the United States. In response, U.S. President John F Kennedy commanded a naval task force to impose a naval quarantine around the island. The next phase constituted nearly 14 days of impossible anxiety.

The Unthinkable Danger

The threat was obvious. If Kennedy, or the Russian opposite, Nikita Khrushchev, had fired on the other side, a chain reaction of worldwide atomic strikes and counterstrikes might have ensued, casting mankind into total destruction.

The October crisis has been examined endlessly, through volumes, movies, and TV documentaries. However, in its latest installment, the audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" presents a novel element into the story. It is jointly hosted by Max Kennedy alongside Khrushchev's descendant, relatives belonging to the men who, over 13 days, held the destiny of the planet within their grasp.

"What were the Soviet side considering? What was the United States planning?" asks Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter who is also an academic specializing in international affairs.

In her view, the strength of the podcast is its endeavor to question: "How can people hate one another to the point they oppose each other?"

"It was not lost on me how profound it is that individuals can be friends or else have the potential to be total enemies," states Kennedy, son of Robert Kennedy, related to the late president and currently a writer as well as lawyer. "We see this dynamic repeatedly when countries enter into conflict, and it just illustrates the profound irrationality involved to fight."

The Brink of Catastrophe

What is notable about this event was that, since it unfolded in the global spotlight, individuals around the world were able to observe nearly in real time as it edged closer to armageddon. Even so, the danger of destruction was more imminent than most people realised.

"Almost all officials in the White House wanted a military strike and an invasion," notes Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked the Cubans with the naval blockade, it is certain Soviet forces stationed there would've launched a nuclear warhead against the US Sixth Fleet, and that would have destroyed our aircraft carriers and destroyed our primary naval force. In turn, we would have responded through an overwhelming counterattack which would have ended all life on Earth."

The fact this did not occur highlights the composure of Kennedy and Khrushchev, they succeeded in remain calm while calmly negotiate at a time when many advisors around them were advocating action. Consequently, The Soviet premier removed the missiles in the Caribbean island and Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed at the time) removed his missiles from NATO ally Turkey. The sense of relief was immense, as was a feeling of optimism.

A Different Perspective

Yet, during those two weeks in October, the tension was palpable by everyone. The Bomb’s presenters were born in the years following these events, and Nina learned about the crisis via the USSR's education system, which presented an alternative picture of events.

"As you mentioned your parent remembers it, describing it as a scary day," she says. "But for Soviet citizens, the public were largely unaware a great deal regarding the crisis, since it was a crisis, whereas under the Soviet system the official line was that things are always fine and positive."

Within the Khrushchev household, though, it was different. "I was informed what a great occasion it was, because it was a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, and didn’t start a global war, which was a positive thing," she continues. Subsequently, though, that interpretation would not be shared by everybody. "For a long time in Russian politics, it was considered a failure for the Soviet leader, simply he didn’t blow up the United States."

An Unlikely Partnership

The Bomb is so even-handed and well produced that Nina quips she nearly forgot she already knew the ending. This effect is, in part, thanks to the participation of historians. But, truly, the most momentous aspect remains the involvement of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it was inconceivable for descendants of the leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union to appear together publicly. 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 aren't the first," notes Nina. "Following 1991, a relative moved to America and became great friends with the former president's family."

"However we had never met prior to this project," clarifies Kennedy. "That is a shame because we got along immediately and now we are friends, something that is wonderful. Ultimately, after nearly 60 years of nearly annihilating the world, our families have become friends, so I think global relations is more secure, somewhat."

Contemporary Parallels and Present Perils

Is that truly the case? Part of the reason this series feels so necessary is because we now are living in dark times. The symbolic clock of doom stands nearer to midnight in its history, in part because today's statesmen don’t seem to have the capacity to learn