Following nearly destroying our planet, the relatives are allies’: a gripping audio series featuring JFK and Nikita Khrushchev’s relatives.

During October 1962, the planet veered closer toward ruin more so than ever during the contemporary era. This happened after a US surveillance aircraft identified the fact that Russian nuclear weapon sites were under construction in Cuba, less than 160 kilometers from the United States. In response, President John F Kennedy commanded a naval task force to enact a maritime blockade encircling Cuba. What followed was nearly 14 days of extreme anxiety.

An Unthinkable Threat

The peril was palpable. Should Kennedy, or the Russian opposite, Nikita Khrushchev, initiated an attack against their enemy, a series of global nuclear attacks followed by retaliatory strikes could have ensued, casting mankind toward total destruction.

The October crisis has been covered extensively, through books, films, and TV documentaries. However, in its latest installment, the audio documentary series The Bomb has brought a novel perspective into the story. The series is jointly hosted featuring Max Kennedy alongside Nina Khrushcheva, family members belonging to the men who, for two tense weeks, grasped the fate of the planet within their grasp.

"What were the Russians thinking? What was Washington thinking?" ponders Nina Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter and a professor of international affairs.

For her, the unique appeal of the podcast lies in its endeavor to objectively ask: "How can nations detest one another to the point they oppose one another?"

"I am acutely aware how remarkable it is that humans have the potential to be allies or else can become total adversaries," states Max Kennedy, the son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of the late president and now a writer as well as attorney. "History shows this dynamic over and over in instances where nations have gone to war, demonstrating the profound irrationality it is to fight."

A Precipice of Catastrophe

What is notable regarding this event is that, since it unfolded in the global spotlight, individuals globally were able to observe nearly as it happened as it crept towards disaster. However, the danger of destruction was more imminent than what most people realised.

"Almost all officials among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for an airstrike and a ground invasion," says Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck the Cubans with the Sixth Fleet, there is no question the Russians on the ground would have deployed a nuclear warhead at the American ships, and that would have sunk our naval vessels and destroyed America's primary naval force. And, the U.S. would have retaliated through massive retaliation that would have eradicated most life on the planet."

The fact this did not occur stands as credit to both leaders, they managed to keep their heads and engaging in diplomacy when hawkish elements around them was pushing for military action. As a result, The Soviet premier removed the nuclear weapons in Cuba and President Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed then) removed his similar weapons from NATO ally Turkey. The relief was palpable, matched by the sense of optimism.

The Different Viewpoint

Yet, during those two weeks in October, the anxiety was palpable globally. The Bomb’s presenters were born in the years following the crisis, and Nina learned about the crisis through the USSR's education system, which painted an alternative picture of events.

"As you mentioned your parent recalls it, and it was a frightening time," she says. "However in the Soviet Union, the public were largely unaware a great deal regarding the crisis, since it was a crisis, and in the Soviet Union we were told that everything was always fine or sunny."

Inside Khrushchev’s family, though, it was distinct. "They told me that it was a triumphant occasion for the USSR, because it represented eyeball to eyeball. The leaders managed to find a solution, and didn’t start a global war, which was a positive outcome," she adds. Later on, though, that interpretation would not be shared by all Russians. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, the crisis was viewed as a setback for the Soviet leader, simply he didn’t blow up America."

An Unlikely Collaboration

The Bomb is so balanced and well produced so much so that Khrushcheva jokes it almost made her forget she already knew outcome. This effect is, in part, thanks to the participation of renowned scholars. Yet, truly, the most groundbreaking aspect is the participation of the hosts themselves. Even within living memory, it would be unthinkable that relatives of the leaders of America and Soviet Union to appear together publicly. The fact 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," smiles Khrushcheva. "After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, my uncle moved to America and formed a close bond with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"But we were strangers before the podcast," clarifies Kennedy. "Which is unfortunate since we got along really well and we are friends, something that is wonderful. Ultimately, following almost six decades of almost destroying the world, our families have become friends, so I think global relations is safer, somewhat."

Modern Echoes and Present Dangers

Or is it? One reason why The Bomb seems so urgent is that we now are living living through dark times. The Doomsday Clock is closer to catastrophe in its history, partly since today's statesmen appear not to be able to grasp