‘After nearly annihilating the planet, the relatives have become allies’: a thrilling podcast from John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev’s descendants.

During October 1962, the planet came closer to annihilation more so than ever during recent history. This happened following the discovery that an American reconnaissance aircraft discovered that Russian atomic weapon sites were being assembled in Cuba, a mere 100 miles from the US mainland. Reacting to this, U.S. President John F Kennedy commanded the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to enact a maritime quarantine encircling Cuba. The next phase was nearly two weeks filled with extreme anxiety.

An Catastrophic Danger

The danger was obvious. If President Kennedy, or the Russian opposite, Nikita Khrushchev, were to fire against their enemy, a chain reaction of worldwide nuclear attacks followed by counterstrikes could have ensued, plunging humanity toward all-out destruction.

This pivotal 1962 event has been documented repeatedly, through volumes, films, as well as television programmes. But, in its latest installment, a prominent audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" has brought an unprecedented perspective into this historical narrative. The series is jointly hosted featuring Max Kennedy and Khrushchev's descendant, family members belonging to the leaders who, for 13 days, grasped the destiny of humanity in their hands.

"What was the Russians planning? What was the United States planning?" ponders Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s descendant and an academic of international affairs.

For her, the beauty of the show is its endeavor to question: "Why do individuals hate one another and oppose each other?"

"It was not lost on me how spectacular it is that individuals can be friends or have the potential to be complete adversaries," remarks Max Kennedy, son of RFK, related to JFK and now an author as well as attorney. "We see this dynamic over and over in instances where countries have gone to war, highlighting the sheer folly it is to engage in warfare."

The Precipice Towards Disaster

What is remarkable regarding this event is that, since it unfolded in the global spotlight, individuals around the world could watch almost as it happened while it edged closer to disaster. However, the risk of destruction was more imminent than what anybody understood at the time.

"Almost all officials in the White House wanted an airstrike and an invasion," says Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck the Cubans with the naval blockade, it is certain the Russians stationed there would have fired a tactical nuclear weapon against the American ships, and that would have destroyed the naval vessels and sunk America's largest and most important fleet. In turn, the U.S. would have responded through an overwhelming counterattack which would have ended most life on the planet."

The reality this did not occur is a testament to both leaders, who managed to keep their heads while engaging in diplomacy at a time when many advisors around them demanded military action. Consequently, Khrushchev removed the missiles from the Caribbean island and President Kennedy (although not reported at the time) withdrew American missiles based in Turkey. The relief was immense, matched by the sense of hope.

A Different Viewpoint

Yet, during those 13 days in October, the anxiety was felt by everyone. The Bomb’s co-hosts were born shortly after the crisis, and Nina learned about it through the Soviet education system, which presented an alternative version of what happened.

"You said your father remembers it, and it was a scary day," Khrushcheva notes. "However for Soviet citizens, the public were largely unaware a great deal about it, since it was a crisis, and in the Soviet Union we were told that things are always wonderful and positive."

Inside the Khrushchev household, though, it was distinct. "I was informed what a great moment it was, because it represented eyeball to eyeball. They were able to resolve it, and avoided the war, seen as a wonderful thing," she adds. In the years to come, though, that perspective would not be held by everybody. "For decades in Russian politics, it was considered a failure for the Soviet leader, simply he didn’t blow up the United States."

An Unprecedented Partnership

The Bomb is remarkably balanced and expertly crafted so much so that Khrushcheva jokes she nearly forgot the known the ending. This effect is, in part, due to the participation of historians. But, really, the most groundbreaking aspect remains the involvement of the descendants. Even within living memory, it would be unthinkable for descendants of the leaders of the United States and the USSR to appear side by side. The fact that these two individuals are able to do so, and be so warm with each other, has to be a symbol of progress.

"Max and I aren't the first," notes Khrushcheva. "Following 1991, my uncle Sergey Khrushchev’s son where he became great friends with the former president's family."

"However we were strangers prior to this project," clarifies Kennedy. "That is a shame because we connected immediately and now we are friends, something that is really great. Finally, after almost six decades of almost destroying the world, our lineages have become allies, suggesting the world is more secure, a little bit."

Contemporary Parallels with Current Perils

Is that truly the case? Part of the reason The Bomb feels so necessary is that we now find ourselves living through dark times. The Doomsday Clock is closer to midnight than ever before, partly since today's statesmen appear not to be able to grasp