‘After almost destroying our planet, our families are friends’: a thrilling podcast featuring JFK and Khrushchev’s relatives.

During October 1962, the planet edged closer toward ruin more so than ever during recent history. This occurred when a US reconnaissance plane discovered the fact that Soviet atomic weapon sites were under construction in the island of Cuba, less than 100 miles from American soil. In response, President John F Kennedy directed a naval task force to impose a naval blockade around Cuba. The ensuing period constituted nearly a fortnight filled with impossible tension.

The Catastrophic Danger

The peril remained obvious. If Kennedy, or his Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, initiated an attack against their enemy, a cascade of global atomic attacks followed by counterstrikes might have ensued, thrusting mankind into all-out destruction.

The October crisis has been examined endlessly, in volumes, films, and television programmes. However, in its latest installment, a prominent BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" has brought an unprecedented element to this historical narrative. It is jointly hosted featuring Kennedy's relative alongside Khrushchev's descendant, family members belonging to the leaders who, over 13 days, controlled the destiny of the world within their grasp.

"What were the Soviet side considering? What was Washington considering?" questions Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s descendant and an academic of global relations.

For her, the strength of the show lies in its endeavor to explore: "Why do nations hate each other and confront one another?"

"I am acutely aware how spectacular the fact that individuals can be friends or can become total adversaries," remarks Kennedy, son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of JFK and now an author and lawyer. "We see this dynamic over and over when nations enter into conflict, demonstrating the profound irrationality it is to engage in warfare."

A Brink Towards Disaster

What is remarkable about the Cuban missile crisis was that, since it transpired so publicly, individuals globally could watch almost in real time while it crept closer to catastrophe. However, the danger of annihilation was more imminent than most people realised.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for an airstrike followed by an invasion," explains Kennedy. "If we had attacked the Cubans with the naval blockade, it is certain Soviet forces on the ground would have deployed a nuclear warhead against the American ships, which would've obliterated our aircraft carriers and sunk our primary naval force. And, the U.S. would have retaliated with massive retaliation that would have eradicated most life on Earth."

The fact this did not occur is a testament to Kennedy and Khrushchev, they managed to remain calm and calmly negotiate when everyone in their governments was pushing for military action. As a result, Khrushchev removed the nuclear weapons from the Caribbean island and Kennedy (although not reported at the time) withdrew his similar weapons based in NATO ally Turkey. The sense of relief was palpable, matched by the sense of optimism.

A Divergent Viewpoint

Still, for those two weeks in October, the fear was palpable by everyone. The podcast's presenters were born shortly after these events, and Nina being taught about it through the Soviet education system, which painted an alternative version of what happened.

"You said your parent recalls it, describing it as a frightening day," she says. "But for Soviet citizens, the public really didn’t know that much about it, because it was a crisis, and under the Soviet system the official line was that things are constantly wonderful and positive."

Inside the Khrushchev household, however, it was different. "They told me that it was a triumphant occasion it was, because it was eyeball to eyeball. They were able to find a solution, and didn’t start a global war, which was a positive thing," she adds. In the years to come, however, that interpretation was not shared by everybody. "For a long time in Russian politics, it was considered a failure for Khrushchev, simply he refrained from destroying the United States."

An Unlikely Collaboration

The Bomb is remarkably even-handed , well produced so much so that Nina jokes it almost made her forget the known the ending. This effect is, partly, thanks to the participation of renowned scholars. Yet, really, the most momentous aspect is the participation of the descendants. Not so long ago, it was unthinkable for descendants of the leaders of America and Soviet Union would 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 symbol of hope.

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

"However we had never met before the podcast," clarifies Kennedy. "Which is a shame because we got along immediately and we’re friends, something that is wonderful. Finally, following nearly six decades since almost destroying the planet, our lineages are now allies, so I think the world is safer, a little bit."

Modern Parallels and Present Dangers

Is that truly the case? One reason the reason The Bomb seems so urgent is because we once again find ourselves living through a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock is closer to midnight than ever before, partly since today's statesmen don’t seem to be able to learn