Following nearly annihilating the world, the relatives have become friends’: the thrilling podcast featuring JFK & Khrushchev’s descendants.

During October 1962, the world veered nearer toward annihilation than at any other point during recent history. This happened after an American reconnaissance plane found the fact that Russian atomic missile sites were under construction in the island of Cuba, a mere 160 kilometers from American soil. In response, President JFK commanded the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to impose a naval quarantine around the island. The ensuing period constituted nearly 14 days filled with unbearable anxiety.

The Catastrophic Danger

The danger remained palpable. Should Kennedy, or the Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, had fired against their enemy, a cascade of global atomic attacks followed by retaliatory strikes might have followed, casting civilization toward all-out oblivion.

The Cuban missile crisis has been examined endlessly, through volumes, movies, as well as television programmes. But, in its latest installment, a prominent audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" presents a completely new element into the story. It is co-presented by Kennedy's relative and Nina Khrushcheva, relatives of the leaders that, for two tense weeks, held the fate of humanity within their grasp.

"What was the Kremlin considering? What were the American side considering?" questions Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter and an academic specializing in global relations.

For her, the unique appeal of the show lies in its attempt to objectively ask: "Why do nations hate one another to the point they go against one another?"

"I am acutely aware how profound it is that people can be allies or can become total enemies," states Max Kennedy, the son of RFK, nephew of JFK and now an author and lawyer. "We see this over and over when nations have gone to war, demonstrating the sheer folly involved to engage in warfare."

A Brink of Catastrophe

What’s remarkable regarding the Cuban missile crisis is that, since it unfolded so publicly, citizens globally could watch almost in real time as it moved towards armageddon. However, the risk of destruction came closer than what anybody understood at the time.

"Virtually everyone in the White House were advocating for an airstrike followed by an invasion," explains Kennedy. "If we had struck the Cubans with the naval blockade, it is certain the Russians on the ground would have fired a tactical nuclear weapon at the US Sixth Fleet, and that would have obliterated the aircraft carriers as well as destroyed our primary naval force. And, the U.S. would have responded through massive retaliation which would have ended all life on the planet."

The fact this did not occur stands as credit to both leaders, they succeeded in keep their heads and calmly negotiate at a time when many advisors around them was pushing for action. As a result, The Soviet premier removed the missiles from Cuba and President Kennedy (although not reported then) removed his missiles from NATO ally Turkey. The relief was palpable, matched by the sense of hope.

The Different Viewpoint

Yet, during those two weeks in October, the anxiety was felt by everyone. The podcast's co-hosts came into the world shortly after the crisis, with Nina being taught about the crisis through the Soviet education system, which painted an alternative version of what happened.

"As you mentioned your parent remembers it, describing it as a frightening time," Khrushcheva notes. "But in the Soviet Union, the public really didn’t know that much about it, since it was a tense situation, and in the Soviet Union we were told that everything was always wonderful and sunny."

Inside the Khrushchev household, however, the perspective was distinct. "I was informed what a great moment it was, because it was eyeball to eyeball. They were able to find a solution, and avoided a global war, seen as a wonderful outcome," she continues. In the years to come, however, that view would not be shared by everybody. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a setback for the Soviet leader, because he refrained from destroying America."

An Unlikely Collaboration

This podcast is so even-handed , expertly crafted that Khrushcheva jokes she nearly forgot she already knew the ending. This effect is, partly, due to contributions from historians. Yet, really, the most momentous aspect is the participation of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it would be unthinkable for relatives of the leaders of America and USSR would appear together publicly. That Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva can do that, and be so warm with each other, has to be a sign of hope.

"We are not the pioneers," smiles Nina. "After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, a relative moved to America where he became great friends with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"But we had never met prior to this project," adds Max. "Which is unfortunate because we got along really well and now we are friends, something that is really great. Finally, after nearly 60 years of nearly annihilating the planet, our lineages have become friends, so I think the world is more secure, somewhat."

Contemporary Parallels with Current Dangers

Is that truly the case? One reason why The Bomb seems so urgent is because we once again find ourselves living through dark times. The symbolic clock of doom is closer to midnight in its history, partly since today's statesmen appear not to be able to comprehend