Following nearly destroying the world, our relatives have become friends’: a thrilling audio series featuring JFK & Khrushchev’s descendants.

During October 1962, the planet edged nearer toward ruin than at any other point in modern times. This transpired following the discovery that an American surveillance plane identified that Soviet nuclear weapon installations were under construction in Cuba, a mere 100 miles from the US mainland. Reacting to this, President JFK commanded the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to establish a maritime quarantine around the island. The ensuing period constituted nearly two weeks of unbearable tension.

An Catastrophic Threat

The threat remained palpable. If Kennedy, or the Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, were to fire against their enemy, a cascade involving worldwide nuclear strikes and retaliatory strikes could have followed, casting civilization into total destruction.

This pivotal 1962 event has been documented endlessly, through books, films, as well as TV documentaries. However, in its latest installment, the audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" presents a completely new perspective into this historical narrative. It is co-presented by Kennedy's relative and Khrushchev's descendant, family members of the men who, over two tense weeks, controlled the fate of the planet in their hands.

"What was the Soviet side planning? What were the United States planning?" questions Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's descendant and an academic specializing in global relations.

For her, the beauty of the podcast is its endeavor to explore: "Why do nations detest each other to the point they go against each other?"

"I am acutely aware how remarkable it is that humans can be friends or else have the potential to be total adversaries," adds Max Kennedy, the son of RFK, nephew of the late president and now a writer as well as lawyer. "We see this over and over when countries enter into conflict, highlighting the profound irrationality it is to fight."

The Brink Towards Disaster

What is striking about the Cuban missile crisis was that, because it unfolded in the global spotlight, people worldwide were able to observe nearly in real time as it edged towards catastrophe. Even so, the danger of annihilation came closer than most people understood at the time.

"Virtually everyone in the White House were advocating for a military strike and an invasion," explains Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked the Cubans with the naval blockade, it is certain the Russians stationed there would've deployed a tactical nuclear weapon at the American ships, which would've obliterated our aircraft carriers as well as destroyed America's largest and most important fleet. In turn, we would have retaliated with an overwhelming counterattack that would have eradicated most life on Earth."

The fact it didn’t highlights the composure of Kennedy and Khrushchev, who managed to remain calm while calmly negotiate at a time when everyone in their governments was pushing for military action. As a result, Khrushchev removed the missiles in the Caribbean island and President Kennedy (although not reported then) removed American missiles based in Turkey. The sense of relief was palpable, as was a feeling of optimism.

The Different Perspective

Yet, during those two weeks in October, the anxiety was palpable by everyone. The podcast's presenters were born shortly after the crisis, with Khrushcheva learned about the crisis via the Soviet education system, which presented a slightly different narrative of events.

"You said your parent recalls it, and it was a scary time," she says. "But for Soviet citizens, the public really didn’t know a great deal regarding the crisis, because it was a tense situation, and in the Soviet Union the official line was that everything was always wonderful and sunny."

Inside Khrushchev’s family, though, it was different. "I was informed what a great occasion it was, as it represented a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to resolve it, and avoided a global war, which was a positive thing," she continues. Later on, though, that interpretation was not held by everybody. "For a long time in Russian politics, it was considered a defeat for the Soviet leader, because he didn’t blow up the United States."

An Unprecedented Partnership

The Bomb is remarkably balanced , well produced that Khrushcheva jokes it almost made her forget the known outcome. This is, in part, due to contributions from historians. But, really, the most momentous aspect is the involvement of the descendants. Not so long ago, it was unthinkable that descendants of the leaders of America and USSR to appear together publicly. That these two individuals are able to do so, and be so warm with each other, has to be a sign of optimism.

"Max and I aren't the first," notes Nina. "Following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, a relative moved to America where he became great friends with the former president's family."

"But we had never met before the podcast," clarifies Kennedy. "That is a shame because we got along really well and we are friends, something that is wonderful. Finally, after nearly 60 years of almost destroying the world, our families have become allies, so I think global relations is more secure, a little bit."

Modern Parallels with Current Dangers

Or is it? Part of the reason The Bomb feels so necessary is that we now find ourselves living through dark times. The Doomsday Clock stands nearer to midnight in its history, partly since today's statesmen appear not to be able to learn