‘After nearly destroying the world, the families have become friends’: a thrilling audio series featuring John F. Kennedy & Khrushchev’s relatives.

During October 1962, humanity edged closer toward ruin more so than ever in recent history. This happened when a US surveillance plane found the fact that Soviet atomic weapon installations were being built on the island of Cuba, a mere 160 kilometers from the United States. Reacting to this, U.S. President JFK commanded the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to impose a maritime blockade around Cuba. What followed constituted nearly 14 days filled with extreme anxiety.

The Unthinkable Danger

The peril remained palpable. Should President Kennedy, or the Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrushchev, had fired against the other side, a series of worldwide nuclear attacks followed by counterstrikes would have followed, plunging humanity into all-out ruination.

This pivotal 1962 event has been covered repeatedly, through books, films, and TV documentaries. But, for its third season, the audio documentary series The Bomb introduces a novel dimension to this historical narrative. It is co-presented featuring Kennedy's relative alongside Nina Khrushcheva, family members belonging to the men that, over 13 days, controlled the destiny of humanity in their hands.

"What were the Kremlin planning? What was the American side planning?" questions Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter who is also a professor of international affairs.

In her view, the strength of the podcast lies in its endeavor to question: "How can people detest each other and oppose one another?"

"I am acutely aware how spectacular the fact that humans have the potential to be friends or else can become total enemies," states Kennedy, the son of RFK, nephew of JFK and currently a writer and attorney. "History shows this over and over when countries have gone to war, highlighting how unbelievably stupid involved to engage in warfare."

The Brink of Catastrophe

What is remarkable about this event was that, since it transpired so publicly, citizens worldwide were able to observe nearly in real time while it moved closer to catastrophe. Even so, the danger of destruction was more imminent than anybody realised.

"Almost all officials in the White House wanted a military strike and an invasion," explains Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked the Cubans with the naval blockade, there is no question the Russians on the ground would have launched a tactical nuclear weapon against the US Sixth Fleet, and that would've obliterated the aircraft carriers and destroyed America's largest and most important fleet. In turn, we would have retaliated with massive retaliation which would have ended all life on the planet."

The reality this did not occur stands as credit to both leaders, they succeeded in remain calm and calmly negotiate when hawkish elements in their governments were advocating military action. As a result, The Soviet premier removed the missiles from the Caribbean island and President Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed at the time) withdrew American similar weapons based in NATO ally Turkey. The sense of relief was palpable, as was a feeling of hope.

The Divergent Perspective

Still, during those two weeks of October 1962, the tension was palpable globally. The Bomb’s co-hosts were born in the years following the crisis, and Nina being taught about the crisis via the USSR's school curriculum, which painted an alternative narrative of what happened.

"You said your parent recalls it, describing it as a frightening day," she says. "However for Soviet citizens, people were largely unaware that much regarding the crisis, since it was a crisis, whereas under the Soviet system the official line was that things are constantly wonderful and sunny."

Inside the Khrushchev household, though, it was different. "I was informed that it was a triumphant occasion for the USSR, because it was a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to resolve it, and didn’t start the war, which was a positive outcome," she continues. Subsequently, however, that perspective was not held by all Russians. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a setback for the Soviet leader, simply he didn’t blow up the United States."

An Unprecedented Partnership

The Bomb is remarkably even-handed , well produced so much so that Khrushcheva quips it almost made her forget the known outcome. This is, in part, due to the participation of historians. Yet, really, the most significant aspect remains the involvement of the descendants. Not so long ago, it was inconceivable for relatives of the heads of state of America and the USSR would appear together publicly. The fact that Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva are able to do so, and exhibit such warmth with each other, must be seen as a sign of hope.

"Max and I aren't the pioneers," smiles Khrushcheva. "After 1991, my uncle Sergey Khrushchev’s son and formed a close bond with the former president's family."

"However we had never met before the podcast," adds Max. "Which is unfortunate because we connected immediately and now we’re friends, which is really great. Finally, after almost six decades since almost destroying the world, our lineages are now allies, so I think the world is safer, somewhat."

Modern Echoes and Current Dangers

Is that truly the case? One reason why The Bomb feels so necessary is because we now are living living through dark times. The symbolic clock of doom is closer to catastrophe than ever before, partly since world leaders don’t seem to be able to learn