Following almost destroying the world, the families have become allies’: a thrilling audio series featuring John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev’s descendants.

In October 1962, the planet came nearer to ruin than at any other point during the contemporary era. This transpired when a US reconnaissance aircraft identified that Soviet nuclear missile installations were being built in the island of Cuba, less than 160 kilometers off the coast of the US mainland. Reacting to this, President JFK commanded a naval task force to impose a naval blockade encircling the island. The next phase was almost a fortnight filled with unbearable tension.

An Catastrophic Danger

The threat was palpable. If Kennedy, or else his Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, initiated an attack against the other side, a chain reaction of worldwide nuclear attacks followed by counterstrikes might have followed, casting mankind toward total destruction.

The October crisis has been examined repeatedly, through books, movies, as well as TV documentaries. However, for its third season, a prominent audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" has brought a novel perspective into this historical narrative. The series is co-presented by Kennedy's relative and Nina Khrushcheva, family members of the figures that, for two tense weeks, controlled the fate of the planet within their grasp.

"What were the Soviet side thinking? What was the American side considering?" ponders Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter who is also an academic specializing in global relations.

For her, the beauty of the podcast lies in its endeavor to explore: "How can nations detest each other to the point they go against one another?"

"It was not lost on me how profound the fact that humans have the potential to be allies or else can become complete enemies," adds Kennedy, son of Robert Kennedy, related to JFK and currently an author as well as lawyer. "History shows this dynamic over and over in instances where countries have gone to war, highlighting the sheer folly involved to engage in warfare."

A Brink of Catastrophe

What is striking about this event was that, since it unfolded so publicly, citizens around the world could watch nearly as it happened while it edged towards armageddon. Even so, the threat of destruction came closer than what most people understood at the time.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors wanted an airstrike followed by an invasion," says Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked the Cubans with the naval blockade, there is no question the Russians on the ground would've deployed a nuclear warhead at the American ships, which would have obliterated the naval vessels as well as sunk our primary naval force. And, we would have responded with an overwhelming counterattack which would have ended most life on the planet."

The reality this did not occur highlights the composure of Kennedy and Khrushchev, who managed to exercise restraint and engaging in diplomacy at a time when many advisors around them was pushing for military action. As a result, The Soviet premier removed the nuclear weapons from Cuba and President Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed then) withdrew his missiles from Turkey. The relief was palpable, as was a feeling of optimism.

A Divergent Viewpoint

Yet, during those two weeks in October, the anxiety was felt by everyone. The podcast's presenters were born shortly after these events, with Khrushcheva learned about the crisis through the USSR's education system, which painted a slightly different version of events.

"As you mentioned your father remembers it, describing it as a scary time," Khrushcheva notes. "However in the Soviet Union, the public really didn’t know that much regarding the crisis, since it was a crisis, whereas under the Soviet system we were told that everything was always fine or sunny."

Inside the Khrushchev household, however, it was distinct. "They told me what a great occasion it was, because it represented a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, thus avoided the war, which was a positive outcome," she continues. Subsequently, however, that view would not be held by everybody. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a setback for Khrushchev, because he didn’t blow up the United States."

An Unlikely Collaboration

The Bomb is remarkably even-handed and well produced so much so that Nina quips it almost made her forget she already knew the ending. This effect is, partly, due to the participation of historians. But, truly, the most significant thing is the involvement of the descendants. Even within living memory, it was inconceivable for descendants of the heads of state of the United States and Soviet Union to appear together publicly. The fact that these two individuals can do that, and exhibit such warmth with each other, has to be a sign of hope.

"Max and I are not the pioneers," notes Khrushcheva. "After 1991, a relative moved to America and formed a close bond with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"However we had never met prior to this project," adds Max. "Which is a shame since we got along immediately and now we’re friends, something that is wonderful. Ultimately, after nearly 60 years since almost destroying the planet, our lineages are now friends, suggesting the world is more secure, somewhat."

Contemporary Parallels and Present Dangers

Is that truly the case? Part of the reason The Bomb feels so necessary is that we once again are living in dark times. The Doomsday Clock stands nearer to catastrophe in its history, in part because today's statesmen appear not to be able to comprehend