‘After nearly annihilating the planet, the relatives are friends’: the thrilling audio series featuring John F. Kennedy & Khrushchev’s descendants.

During October 1962, humanity edged closer toward annihilation more so than ever during the contemporary era. This transpired following the discovery that an American surveillance plane identified the fact that Soviet atomic missile bases were under construction on Cuba, a mere 100 miles from the US mainland. In response, U.S. President John F Kennedy commanded a naval task force to establish a naval quarantine encircling Cuba. The ensuing period was nearly a fortnight filled with extreme tension.

The Unthinkable Threat

The threat remained clear. If Kennedy, or else the Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrushchev, had fired on the other side, a chain reaction of worldwide atomic strikes and counterstrikes could have ensued, casting humanity toward total destruction.

The Cuban missile crisis has been documented extensively, through volumes, movies, as well as TV documentaries. But, in its latest installment, the audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" introduces a novel perspective into this historical narrative. The series is co-presented by Max Kennedy alongside Nina Khrushcheva, relatives of the leaders who, for 13 days, held the destiny of humanity within their grasp.

"What were the Russians thinking? What were the United States planning?" ponders Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter and a professor of international affairs.

For her, the unique appeal of the show is its attempt to question: "Why do people hate each other and oppose each other?"

"It struck me how remarkable it is that individuals have the potential to be friends or else have the potential to be complete enemies," adds Kennedy, son of RFK, nephew of JFK and currently an author as well as attorney. "History shows this repeatedly in instances where nations have gone to war, and it just illustrates the sheer folly involved to engage in warfare."

The Brink of Disaster

What is striking about the Cuban missile crisis was that, since it transpired in the global spotlight, people worldwide could watch nearly in real time while it crept closer to armageddon. Even so, the threat of annihilation came closer than most people understood at the time.

"Virtually everyone among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for an airstrike followed by a ground invasion," says Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked Cuba using the naval blockade, it is certain the Russians on the ground would've launched a nuclear warhead at the American ships, and that would have obliterated our aircraft carriers as well as sunk our primary naval force. In turn, the U.S. would have retaliated with an overwhelming counterattack that would have eradicated all life on Earth."

The fact it didn’t stands as credit to both leaders, they succeeded in keep their heads while engaging in diplomacy when many advisors around them demanded military action. Consequently, The Soviet premier removed the missiles in the Caribbean island and President Kennedy (although not reported at the time) removed his similar weapons from Turkey. The sense of relief was palpable, matched by a feeling of optimism.

A Different Viewpoint

Yet, for those 13 days of October 1962, the fear was palpable by everyone. The podcast's presenters were born in the years following these events, and Khrushcheva being taught about the crisis via the Soviet education system, which painted a slightly different narrative of events.

"As you mentioned your parent recalls it, describing it as a frightening day," Khrushcheva notes. "However in the Soviet Union, the public were largely unaware a great deal about it, since it was a crisis, whereas in the Soviet Union we were told that everything was always wonderful and positive."

Inside Khrushchev’s family, though, the perspective was distinct. "They told me that it was a triumphant moment for the USSR, because it represented eyeball to eyeball. They were able to find a solution, thus didn’t start the war, seen as a positive thing," she adds. Subsequently, however, that view would not be shared by everybody. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a setback for Khrushchev, simply he refrained from destroying America."

An Unprecedented Partnership

This podcast is so even-handed , well produced that Nina jokes it almost made her forget she already knew the ending. This effect is, in part, thanks to contributions from historians. But, really, the most momentous thing remains the participation of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it would be inconceivable that relatives of the heads of state of America and USSR would appear side by side. The fact that Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva are able to do so, and be so warm with each other, must be seen as a symbol of optimism.

"We aren't the pioneers," notes Nina. "After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, my uncle moved to America and became great friends with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"But we had never met prior to this project," clarifies Max. "That is a shame since we connected really well and now we are friends, something that is wonderful. Finally, after nearly 60 years of nearly annihilating the planet, our lineages are now allies, so I think the world is more secure, a little bit."

Modern Echoes with Current Perils

Or is it? Part of the reason The Bomb seems so urgent is because we once again are living in a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock stands nearer to midnight in its history, in part because today's statesmen don’t seem to be able to comprehend