‘After almost destroying the world, the relatives are friends’: the thrilling podcast featuring JFK & Khrushchev’s descendants.

In the month of October 1962, the planet veered closer toward annihilation more so than ever in modern times. This occurred when an American surveillance aircraft found that Soviet atomic missile sites were being assembled in the island of Cuba, a mere 160 kilometers from the US mainland. Reacting to this, President John F Kennedy directed the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to impose a naval blockade encircling Cuba. The next phase constituted nearly two weeks filled with unbearable anxiety.

The Unthinkable Danger

The threat was clear. Should Kennedy, or else his Russian opposite, Nikita Khrushchev, were to fire on their enemy, a cascade involving global nuclear strikes and counterstrikes could have ensued, casting humanity toward total destruction.

The Cuban missile crisis has been examined repeatedly, in volumes, films, as well as television programmes. But, in its latest installment, the audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" introduces a novel element to the story. The series is jointly hosted featuring Kennedy's relative alongside Nina Khrushcheva, family members belonging to the figures who, over 13 days, held the destiny of the planet within their grasp.

"What was the Russians planning? What was the United States planning?" asks Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter who is also an academic of international affairs.

In her view, the strength of the podcast is its endeavor to question: "Why do individuals detest each other and confront one another?"

"It struck me how spectacular it is that individuals can be allies or can become complete enemies," states Kennedy, son of RFK, nephew of the late president and currently an author and lawyer. "We see this over and over when countries have gone to war, and it just illustrates the profound irrationality it is to engage in warfare."

The Brink Towards Catastrophe

What is striking about the Cuban missile crisis was that, since it unfolded so publicly, citizens globally could watch almost in real time as it edged closer to armageddon. However, the danger of destruction was more imminent than what most people realised.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for an airstrike and a ground invasion," explains Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked Cuba using the naval blockade, it is certain Soviet forces stationed there would've deployed a tactical nuclear weapon at the American ships, and that would've obliterated the naval vessels and destroyed America's primary naval force. In turn, the U.S. would have retaliated through massive retaliation which would have ended all life on Earth."

The fact this did not occur highlights the composure of Kennedy and Khrushchev, who succeeded in remain calm while engaging in diplomacy at a time when hawkish elements around them was pushing for action. As a result, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the nuclear weapons from Cuba and Kennedy (although not reported then) withdrew his similar weapons based in Turkey. The sense of relief was palpable, as was a feeling of hope.

The Different Perspective

Yet, for those 13 days in October, the fear was palpable globally. The podcast's presenters came into the world shortly after the crisis, with Khrushcheva learned about it through the USSR's education system, which painted an alternative picture of what happened.

"You said your parent recalls it, describing it as a frightening day," Khrushcheva notes. "But in the Soviet Union, the public were largely unaware that much about it, since it was a tense situation, whereas in the Soviet Union we were told that things are constantly wonderful or positive."

Inside the Khrushchev household, however, the perspective was different. "I was informed that it was a triumphant moment for the USSR, as it represented a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to resolve it, and avoided the war, seen as a positive thing," she continues. Later on, though, that interpretation would not be shared by everybody. "For decades in Russian politics, it was considered a failure for Khrushchev, because he didn’t blow up the United States."

An Unlikely Partnership

This podcast is so even-handed and well produced that Khrushcheva jokes it almost made her forget the known outcome. This is, in part, thanks to the participation of renowned scholars. But, really, the most significant thing remains the involvement of the descendants. Even within living memory, it was unthinkable for descendants of the leaders of America and the USSR to appear side by side. The fact that these two individuals are able to do so, and exhibit such warmth with each other, must be seen as a sign of hope.

"We aren't the pioneers," smiles Khrushcheva. "After 1991, my uncle moved to America and formed a close bond with the former president's family."

"But we were strangers prior to this project," adds Max. "Which is a shame since we got along immediately and now we are friends, which is wonderful. Ultimately, after nearly six decades since nearly annihilating the planet, our families are now friends, so I think global relations is safer, somewhat."

Modern Parallels and Present Dangers

Or is it? One reason why The Bomb feels so necessary is because we now are living in a perilous era. The symbolic clock of doom is closer to midnight than ever before, in part because world leaders don’t seem to be able to learn