Following nearly annihilating the world, the families are friends’: the gripping podcast from JFK & Nikita Khrushchev’s relatives.

In October 1962, the planet edged closer toward destruction more so than ever during modern times. This happened when an American reconnaissance aircraft identified that Soviet nuclear missile bases were under construction on the island of Cuba, a mere 100 miles from American soil. Reacting to this, U.S. President JFK ordered a naval task force to enact a naval blockade encircling Cuba. What followed constituted almost a fortnight of unbearable anxiety.

An Unthinkable Threat

The danger remained obvious. If Kennedy, or else the Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, initiated an attack against their enemy, a cascade involving global atomic attacks and retaliatory strikes would have ensued, plunging mankind into all-out destruction.

This pivotal 1962 event has been covered endlessly, in books, movies, as well as television programmes. However, for its third season, the audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" has brought a completely new perspective to the story. It is co-presented featuring Kennedy's relative and Nina Khrushcheva, relatives belonging to the men that, for two tense weeks, grasped the destiny of the world within their grasp.

"What was the Russians considering? What was Washington planning?" questions Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter and a professor of international affairs.

For her, the unique appeal of the podcast is its attempt to explore: "Why do nations hate one another to the point they oppose each other?"

"It was not lost on me how remarkable it is that people have the potential to be friends or have the potential to be complete enemies," remarks Kennedy, the son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of JFK and currently a writer as well as attorney. "We see this over and over in instances where countries enter into conflict, highlighting the sheer folly involved to fight."

A Brink Towards Disaster

What’s remarkable regarding this event was that, because it transpired so publicly, individuals globally could watch nearly as it happened while it moved towards catastrophe. However, the risk of destruction came closer than anybody understood at the time.

"Virtually everyone in the White House wanted an airstrike followed by an invasion," says Kennedy. "If we had struck the Cubans using the Sixth Fleet, there is no question the Russians on the ground would have fired a tactical nuclear weapon at the US Sixth Fleet, which would've obliterated our naval vessels as well as destroyed America's primary fleet. In turn, we would have responded through massive retaliation which would have eradicated most life on Earth."

The reality this did not occur highlights the composure of Kennedy and Khrushchev, who succeeded in 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 from Cuba and President Kennedy (although not reported at the time) removed American similar weapons based in Turkey. The relief was worldwide, as was a feeling of optimism.

A Different Viewpoint

Still, during those 13 days of October 1962, the anxiety was palpable by everyone. The podcast's presenters came into the world shortly after the crisis, and Nina being taught about it through the USSR's education system, which painted an alternative picture of what happened.

"You said your father recalls it, and it was a scary time," she says. "But for Soviet citizens, the public were largely unaware that much about it, because it was a crisis, and in the Soviet Union the official line was that things are always fine and positive."

Inside the Khrushchev household, however, it was different. "They told me that it was a triumphant occasion for the USSR, because it was a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to find a solution, and avoided the war, seen as a wonderful thing," she continues. Subsequently, however, that perspective was not shared by all Russians. "For a long time in Russian politics, it was considered a defeat for Khrushchev, simply he didn’t blow up America."

An Unlikely Partnership

The Bomb is so even-handed and well produced that Khrushcheva quips it almost made her forget she already knew the ending. This effect is, partly, due to contributions from historians. Yet, truly, the most significant aspect is the participation of the descendants. Not so long ago, it was unthinkable for descendants of the leaders of the United States 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 symbol of optimism.

"We are not the pioneers," notes Nina. "After 1991, my uncle moved to America and became great friends with the former president's family."

"However we were strangers before the podcast," clarifies Kennedy. "Which is unfortunate since we connected immediately and we’re friends, which is wonderful. Ultimately, after almost 60 years of nearly annihilating the planet, our families are now allies, so I think the world is more secure, somewhat."

Contemporary Echoes with Current Perils

Or is it? Part of why The Bomb seems so urgent is because we now are living in dark times. The symbolic clock of doom stands nearer to midnight than ever before, partly since today's statesmen appear not to be able to learn