‘After almost annihilating our planet, the families have become friends’: a thrilling podcast featuring JFK & Khrushchev’s descendants.

During the month of October 1962, the planet veered nearer toward annihilation more so than ever in recent history. This happened after a US reconnaissance aircraft discovered that Russian nuclear missile sites were being built on Cuba, a mere 160 kilometers from the United States. In response, President JFK ordered the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to establish a naval blockade around the island. The ensuing period constituted almost 14 days of extreme tension.

The Catastrophic Danger

The peril remained clear. Should Kennedy, or else the Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, initiated an attack on their enemy, a series involving global nuclear strikes followed by retaliatory strikes might have ensued, thrusting humanity toward all-out oblivion.

The Cuban missile crisis has been covered extensively, through books, films, as well as TV documentaries. But, for its third season, the BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" introduces a completely new element into this historical narrative. The series is co-presented featuring Max Kennedy and Khrushchev's descendant, family members of the figures that, over 13 days, held the destiny of humanity within their grasp.

"What were the Kremlin considering? What were the United States planning?" asks Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's descendant and an academic specializing in global relations.

For her, the beauty of the show is its endeavor to explore: "How can nations detest one another to the point they confront each other?"

"It struck me how spectacular the fact that people have the potential to be allies or have the potential to be total enemies," remarks Kennedy, son of RFK, related to JFK and now an author as well as attorney. "We see this dynamic repeatedly in instances where countries have gone to war, highlighting the profound irrationality it is to fight."

A Precipice Towards Catastrophe

What’s striking regarding the Cuban missile crisis was that, since it unfolded in the global spotlight, people around the world were able to observe nearly in real time as it edged closer to catastrophe. However, the danger of destruction came closer than what most people realised.

"Almost all officials in the White House wanted a military strike and an invasion," notes Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked the Cubans with the naval blockade, there is no question Soviet forces stationed there would've fired a nuclear warhead against the American ships, which would have sunk the naval vessels as well as destroyed our primary fleet. In turn, the U.S. would have retaliated with an overwhelming counterattack that would have ended most life on Earth."

The fact it didn’t stands as credit to both leaders, they managed to exercise restraint and engaging in diplomacy when many advisors around them was pushing for action. Consequently, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the nuclear weapons in Cuba and President Kennedy (although not reported at the time) withdrew his similar weapons based in Turkey. The sense of relief was palpable, matched by a feeling of hope.

A Different Viewpoint

Yet, for those 13 days in October, the fear was felt by everyone. The podcast's presenters came into the world shortly after the crisis, and Nina being taught about it via the Soviet education system, which portrayed an alternative narrative of events.

"You said your father recalls it, describing it as a frightening time," she says. "But for Soviet citizens, people were largely unaware that much regarding the crisis, since it was a tense situation, whereas under the Soviet system the official line was that everything was always fine and sunny."

Within the Khrushchev household, however, it was different. "I was informed that it was a triumphant moment it was, because it was eyeball to eyeball. They were able to resolve it, and avoided the war, seen as a wonderful outcome," she continues. Subsequently, however, that perspective would not be held by everybody. "For a long time within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a setback for the Soviet leader, simply he didn’t blow up the United States."

A Unprecedented Collaboration

The Bomb is so balanced and expertly crafted that Khrushcheva jokes she nearly forgot she already knew outcome. This effect is, in part, due to contributions from renowned scholars. Yet, truly, the most momentous aspect is the participation of the descendants. Even within living memory, it was unthinkable for descendants of the leaders of America and Soviet Union would appear together publicly. That Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva are able to do so, and be so warm toward one another, must be seen as a sign of hope.

"Max and I aren't the pioneers," smiles Nina. "After 1991, my uncle Sergey Khrushchev’s son where he became great friends with the former president's family."

"However we were strangers before the podcast," adds Kennedy. "Which is unfortunate since we got along immediately and now we are friends, which is really great. Ultimately, after almost six decades of almost destroying the planet, our lineages have become allies, suggesting global relations is more secure, somewhat."

Modern Echoes and Present Perils

Is that truly the case? One reason the reason this series feels so necessary is because we once again find ourselves in dark times. The Doomsday Clock stands nearer to catastrophe than ever before, partly since today's statesmen appear not to have the capacity to comprehend