‘After almost destroying the planet, our families have become friends’: the gripping podcast featuring JFK & Nikita Khrushchev’s relatives.

During the month of October 1962, the world veered nearer to annihilation more so than ever during recent history. This happened when an American surveillance plane discovered the fact that Soviet atomic missile sites were under construction on the island of Cuba, a mere 160 kilometers from the United States. In response, U.S. President John F Kennedy directed the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to impose a maritime blockade around Cuba. What followed constituted almost two weeks of extreme tension.

The Catastrophic Threat

The peril remained clear. If Kennedy, or the Russian opposite, Nikita Khrushchev, had fired against their enemy, a series involving worldwide atomic attacks and retaliatory strikes might have ensued, plunging humanity into total destruction.

The Cuban missile crisis has been documented endlessly, through volumes, movies, as well as TV documentaries. But, for its third season, a prominent audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" introduces a completely new element to this historical narrative. It is co-presented by Kennedy's relative alongside Nina Khrushcheva, relatives of the leaders who, over two tense weeks, controlled the destiny of humanity in their hands.

"What was the Russians planning? What was the United States thinking?" ponders Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter who is also a professor specializing in international affairs.

For her, the strength of the podcast lies in its endeavor to question: "How can individuals hate one another and confront each other?"

"It struck me how remarkable it is that people can be friends or can become complete enemies," remarks Max Kennedy, son of Robert Kennedy, related to the late president and currently an author and attorney. "History shows this over and over in instances where countries enter into conflict, highlighting the profound irrationality involved to engage in warfare."

A Precipice Towards Disaster

What is notable about this event was that, since it unfolded in the global spotlight, individuals around the world could watch almost as it happened while it edged closer to armageddon. Even so, the risk of destruction came closer than what most people realised.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for an airstrike followed by an invasion," notes Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck Cuba with the Sixth Fleet, there is no question the Russians on the ground would've deployed a nuclear warhead at the American ships, which would have sunk our aircraft carriers and sunk America's primary fleet. And, we would have retaliated through an overwhelming counterattack which would have ended most life on the planet."

The reality it didn’t highlights the composure of Kennedy and Khrushchev, who managed to exercise restraint while engaging in diplomacy at a time when many advisors in their governments was pushing for action. As a result, Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the nuclear weapons from the Caribbean island and President Kennedy (although not reported at the time) removed American similar weapons based in NATO ally Turkey. The sense of relief was worldwide, matched by the sense of hope.

A Different Perspective

Yet, for those 13 days of October 1962, the anxiety was palpable globally. The Bomb’s presenters came into the world shortly after these events, and Nina learned about it through the USSR's school curriculum, which painted a slightly different version of events.

"You said your parent recalls it, and it was a scary time," she says. "However for Soviet citizens, people were largely unaware that much regarding the crisis, because it was a tense situation, and in the Soviet Union we were told that everything was always fine and positive."

Within the Khrushchev household, however, the perspective was different. "I was informed what a great occasion it was, because it represented a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, and avoided a global war, seen as a positive outcome," she adds. Subsequently, however, that interpretation would not be shared by everybody. "For decades in Russian politics, it was considered a defeat for the Soviet leader, simply he refrained from destroying America."

An Unlikely Collaboration

The Bomb is remarkably even-handed and well produced so much so that Nina jokes it almost made her forget she already knew outcome. This is, partly, thanks to the participation of historians. Yet, really, the most groundbreaking thing is the involvement of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it would be unthinkable that relatives of the leaders of America and USSR would appear side by side. That Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva are able to do so, and be so warm toward one another, has to be a sign of hope.

"Max and I aren't the pioneers," smiles Nina. "After 1991, my uncle moved to America and became great friends with the former president's family."

"However we had never met prior to this project," clarifies Max. "That is unfortunate since we connected immediately and now we are friends, something that is wonderful. Ultimately, after nearly six decades of almost destroying the planet, our families are now friends, so I think global relations is safer, a little bit."

Contemporary Parallels with Present Perils

Is that truly the case? One reason why this series seems so urgent is because we now are living living through dark times. The Doomsday Clock is closer to catastrophe in its history, partly since world leaders don’t seem to be able to grasp