Following almost destroying our planet, our families are allies’: the thrilling podcast from John F. Kennedy and Khrushchev’s descendants.

During the month of October 1962, the planet came nearer toward annihilation than at any other point in the contemporary era. This happened following the discovery that a US reconnaissance aircraft identified that Soviet nuclear weapon installations were being assembled in the island of Cuba, a mere 160 kilometers off the coast of the US mainland. Reacting to this, U.S. President John F Kennedy commanded the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to impose a naval quarantine encircling the island. What followed was almost 14 days of extreme stress.

The Unthinkable Threat

The threat was clear. If Kennedy, or the Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrushchev, initiated an attack against their enemy, a cascade involving worldwide atomic attacks followed by counterstrikes would have ensued, plunging humanity into all-out ruination.

This pivotal 1962 event has been examined endlessly, through volumes, films, as well as television programmes. However, for its third season, the BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" has brought a novel perspective to this historical narrative. The series is jointly hosted by Kennedy's relative and Khrushchev's descendant, relatives of the men who, over two tense weeks, controlled the destiny of the planet in their hands.

"What was the Kremlin planning? What were the United States considering?" ponders Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter and an academic specializing in global relations.

For her, the beauty of the show is its attempt to explore: "Why do individuals hate each other and oppose each other?"

"It was not lost on me how spectacular it is that humans can be allies or can become complete enemies," states Max Kennedy, son of Robert Kennedy, related to JFK and now an author and attorney. "We see this over and over when countries enter into conflict, highlighting how unbelievably stupid it is to fight."

The Precipice of Catastrophe

What’s notable about this event was that, since it transpired so publicly, people around the world could watch nearly in real time as it moved closer to catastrophe. Even so, the danger of destruction was more imminent than most people realised.

"The overwhelming majority in the White House wanted an airstrike followed by an invasion," notes Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked the Cubans using the Sixth Fleet, undoubtedly the Russians on the ground would've fired a tactical nuclear weapon against the US Sixth Fleet, which would've sunk our naval vessels as well as destroyed our primary fleet. And, we would have retaliated through massive retaliation that would have ended most life on Earth."

The fact this did not occur stands as credit to Kennedy and Khrushchev, they succeeded in remain calm and engaging in diplomacy at a time when many advisors in their governments demanded action. As a result, The Soviet premier removed the missiles from the Caribbean island and Kennedy (although not reported at the time) removed American similar weapons based in Turkey. The relief was palpable, matched by a feeling of hope.

A Different Viewpoint

Still, during those two weeks of October 1962, the anxiety was felt globally. The Bomb’s presenters were born shortly after the crisis, with Nina being taught about it via the Soviet school curriculum, which presented an alternative narrative of what happened.

"You said your father recalls it, describing it as a frightening day," Khrushcheva notes. "But for Soviet citizens, people really didn’t know that much regarding the crisis, because it was a crisis, whereas under the Soviet system the official line was that things are always fine or sunny."

Inside Khrushchev’s family, though, the perspective was distinct. "They told me what a great moment for the USSR, as it was a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, thus avoided the war, seen as a positive outcome," she adds. In the years to come, though, that perspective would not be shared by everybody. "For decades in Russian politics, it was considered a defeat for Khrushchev, simply he didn’t blow up America."

A Unprecedented Collaboration

The Bomb is remarkably even-handed and expertly crafted that Khrushcheva jokes it almost made her forget she already knew the ending. This is, in part, thanks to the participation of renowned scholars. Yet, truly, the most momentous aspect is the participation of the descendants. Even within living memory, it would be inconceivable for relatives of the heads of state of the United States and the Soviet Union would appear side by side. That Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva are able to do so, and be so warm toward one another, must be seen as a symbol of hope.

"Max and I aren't the pioneers," smiles 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 were strangers before the podcast," adds Kennedy. "Which is a shame because we got along immediately and we are friends, something that is wonderful. Finally, after almost six decades since nearly annihilating the world, our lineages are now friends, so I think global relations is more secure, a little bit."

Contemporary Echoes with Current Perils

Is that truly the case? One reason the reason The Bomb feels so necessary is that we now are living living through dark times. The Doomsday Clock is closer to midnight than ever before, partly since world leaders appear not to be able to grasp