Following nearly annihilating the planet, the families are allies’: the thrilling audio series featuring JFK and Khrushchev’s relatives.

In the month of October 1962, humanity came nearer to annihilation than at any other point in modern times. This occurred following the discovery that a US reconnaissance aircraft identified the fact that Russian atomic missile bases were being built in Cuba, less than 100 miles off the coast of American soil. In response, President John F Kennedy directed a naval task force to impose a naval quarantine around the island. What followed constituted almost two weeks of unbearable tension.

An Unthinkable Danger

The threat remained palpable. If President Kennedy, or the Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrushchev, were to fire against the other side, a series of global atomic strikes followed by retaliatory strikes could have followed, plunging humanity toward all-out oblivion.

The October crisis has been examined repeatedly, through volumes, movies, and TV documentaries. However, for its third season, the audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" has brought a novel element into this historical narrative. The series is co-presented featuring Max Kennedy alongside Nina Khrushcheva, family members belonging to the figures who, over two tense weeks, controlled the fate of the world in their hands.

"What was the Soviet side thinking? What were the American side thinking?" asks Nina Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's descendant who is also an academic specializing in international affairs.

In her view, the unique appeal of the podcast is its attempt to objectively ask: "How can individuals detest one another to the point they confront each other?"

"It struck me how spectacular it is that people can be friends or else can become total adversaries," remarks Max Kennedy, the son of RFK, related to JFK and currently a writer and attorney. "History shows this repeatedly when countries have gone to war, demonstrating how unbelievably stupid involved to engage in warfare."

A Precipice of Disaster

What is remarkable regarding this event was that, because it transpired so publicly, citizens globally could watch nearly as it happened as it moved towards catastrophe. Nonetheless, the threat of destruction came closer than anybody understood at the time.

"The overwhelming majority in the White House wanted a military strike and an invasion," notes Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck the Cubans using the Sixth Fleet, it is certain Soviet forces on the ground would've fired a tactical nuclear weapon at the American ships, and that would have destroyed the aircraft carriers as well as destroyed America's primary naval force. In turn, we would have retaliated with massive retaliation which would have ended most life on Earth."

The reality this did not occur stands as credit to both leaders, who succeeded in keep their heads and calmly negotiate at a time when many advisors in their governments were advocating action. As a result, Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the missiles in Cuba and President Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed at the time) removed his similar weapons based in Turkey. The sense of relief was palpable, as was a feeling of hope.

A Different Viewpoint

Still, during those two weeks of October 1962, the tension was felt globally. The Bomb’s presenters were born shortly after these events, with Khrushcheva learned about the crisis via the Soviet school curriculum, which presented an alternative narrative of events.

"As you mentioned your father recalls it, describing it as a frightening time," she says. "However for Soviet citizens, the public really didn’t know that much regarding the crisis, because it was a tense situation, and under the Soviet system we were told that things are always wonderful or positive."

Within Khrushchev’s family, though, it was distinct. "They told me what a great moment for the USSR, because it represented a direct confrontation. They were able to resolve it, and avoided a global war, seen as a wonderful outcome," she continues. Subsequently, however, that view was not held by all Russians. "For decades in Russian politics, it was considered a setback for the Soviet leader, because he refrained from destroying America."

A Unlikely Collaboration

The Bomb is so even-handed , well produced so much so that Khrushcheva quips it almost made her forget she already knew the ending. This is, partly, due to contributions from historians. Yet, really, the most significant aspect remains the involvement of the descendants. Even within living memory, it would be unthinkable that relatives of the leaders of America and USSR to appear side by side. The fact that these two individuals can do that, and be so warm with each other, must be seen as a sign of optimism.

"We aren't the pioneers," smiles Khrushcheva. "After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, my uncle moved to America where he became great friends with the former president's family."

"But we had never met prior to this project," adds Max. "That is a shame since we got along really well and now we are friends, which is wonderful. Ultimately, following nearly 60 years of almost destroying the planet, our families are now friends, suggesting the world is more secure, somewhat."

Modern Echoes with Present Dangers

Is that truly the case? One reason why The Bomb feels so necessary is that we once again find ourselves in a perilous era. The symbolic clock of doom is closer to catastrophe than ever before, partly since today's statesmen appear not to be able to learn