‘After almost destroying the planet, the families are allies’: a thrilling audio series from John F. Kennedy and Khrushchev’s descendants.

In the month of October 1962, humanity edged nearer to ruin more so than ever during modern times. This happened following the discovery that an American surveillance plane identified the fact that Soviet nuclear weapon sites were being assembled on Cuba, a mere 100 miles off the coast of American soil. In response, President John F Kennedy ordered the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to establish a maritime quarantine around the island. The next phase constituted nearly two weeks filled with impossible stress.

The Unthinkable Danger

The danger was obvious. If President Kennedy, or the Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, initiated an attack on their enemy, a chain reaction involving global atomic strikes followed by retaliatory strikes would have ensued, plunging mankind toward total oblivion.

This pivotal 1962 event has been examined endlessly, in books, movies, and television programmes. However, for its third season, the audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" introduces an unprecedented perspective to the story. It is co-presented by Max Kennedy and Khrushchev's descendant, relatives of the figures who, over two tense weeks, held the destiny of the planet within their grasp.

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

In her view, the unique appeal of the show lies in its endeavor to question: "How can individuals hate each other and oppose each other?"

"It was not lost on me how profound the fact that people can be friends or have the potential to be total adversaries," states Kennedy, the son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of the late president and now an author and attorney. "We see this dynamic repeatedly in instances where nations have gone to war, demonstrating the profound irrationality it is to fight."

A Precipice Towards Catastrophe

What’s striking regarding this event was that, because it unfolded so publicly, individuals worldwide could watch nearly in real time while it moved towards catastrophe. However, the danger of destruction came closer than most people understood at the time.

"Almost all officials among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for an airstrike and a ground invasion," notes Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked the Cubans using the Sixth Fleet, undoubtedly Soviet forces stationed there would have fired a tactical nuclear weapon at the American ships, and that would've sunk the naval vessels and destroyed our primary fleet. In turn, we would have retaliated through an overwhelming counterattack that would have eradicated most life on the planet."

The reality it didn’t stands as credit to Kennedy and Khrushchev, who succeeded in keep their heads while calmly negotiate when hawkish elements in their governments was pushing for military action. As a result, Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the nuclear weapons in the Caribbean island and President Kennedy (although not reported at the time) removed his missiles from NATO ally Turkey. The sense of relief was immense, matched by the sense of hope.

The Different Viewpoint

Yet, for those 13 days of October 1962, the anxiety was palpable by everyone. The podcast's presenters came into the world in the years following the crisis, with Khrushcheva being taught about the crisis through the Soviet school curriculum, which painted an alternative picture of what happened.

"You said your parent recalls it, describing it as a scary time," Khrushcheva notes. "But for Soviet citizens, people were largely unaware that much regarding the crisis, because it was a crisis, whereas in the Soviet Union the official line was that everything was always fine or positive."

Inside Khrushchev’s family, though, it was distinct. "They told me what a great occasion for the USSR, because it was a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, and didn’t start a global war, which was a wonderful outcome," she continues. Later on, however, that view would not be shared by all Russians. "For decades in Russian politics, it was considered a failure for the Soviet leader, simply he didn’t blow up the United States."

A Unprecedented Collaboration

This podcast is remarkably even-handed , well produced so much so that Khrushcheva jokes she nearly forgot the known outcome. This effect is, partly, thanks to contributions from historians. Yet, really, the most momentous aspect is the participation of the descendants. Not so long ago, it would be inconceivable for relatives of the heads of state of America and the USSR to appear side by side. The fact that these two individuals can do that, and exhibit such warmth with each other, has to be a symbol of hope.

"We are not the first," smiles Nina. "After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, a relative Sergey Khrushchev’s son and became great friends with the former president's family."

"But we had never met prior to this project," clarifies Kennedy. "Which is a shame because we got along immediately and now we are friends, which is wonderful. Finally, following almost six decades since almost destroying the world, our families are now allies, so I think the world is safer, somewhat."

Modern Echoes with Current Dangers

Is that truly the case? Part of why this series feels so necessary is that we once again find ourselves in dark times. The Doomsday Clock stands nearer to catastrophe than ever before, in part because world leaders appear not to have the capacity to grasp