Following nearly destroying our world, the relatives have become allies’: a thrilling audio series featuring John F. Kennedy & Nikita Khrushchev’s relatives.

During October 1962, humanity veered closer toward destruction more so than ever in recent history. This transpired after an American surveillance plane discovered that Soviet nuclear missile bases were being built in the island of Cuba, less than 100 miles off the coast of the United States. In response, President John F Kennedy ordered a naval task force to establish a maritime blockade around the island. What followed constituted nearly 14 days of unbearable stress.

An Unthinkable Threat

The threat was obvious. Should President Kennedy, or else the Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, initiated an attack on their enemy, a cascade involving global atomic strikes and counterstrikes could have ensued, thrusting mankind into all-out ruination.

The Cuban missile crisis has been covered repeatedly, through books, movies, and television programmes. However, in its latest installment, the audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" introduces an unprecedented element into the story. The series is jointly hosted featuring Kennedy's relative and Khrushchev's descendant, relatives belonging to the figures that, over 13 days, controlled the fate of the world within their grasp.

"What were the Russians thinking? What were the United States thinking?" asks Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter and an academic specializing in global relations.

For her, the strength of the podcast lies in its attempt to question: "Why do people hate each other to the point they oppose one another?"

"I am acutely aware how spectacular it is that people have the potential to be allies or have the potential to be total enemies," states Kennedy, the son of RFK, related to the late president and currently an author as well as attorney. "History shows this dynamic repeatedly in instances where nations enter into conflict, and it just illustrates how unbelievably stupid involved to engage in warfare."

A Brink Towards Disaster

What’s notable regarding the Cuban missile crisis is that, because it unfolded so publicly, citizens around the world were able to observe almost in real time while it edged towards armageddon. Even so, the danger of destruction came closer than anybody understood at the time.

"The overwhelming majority in the White House wanted a military strike and an invasion," notes Kennedy. "If we had struck Cuba with the naval blockade, it is certain the Russians stationed there would've fired a tactical nuclear weapon against the US Sixth Fleet, and that would have sunk our aircraft carriers and sunk our primary naval force. And, we would have retaliated with an overwhelming counterattack which would have ended most life on Earth."

The fact this did not occur highlights the composure of Kennedy and Khrushchev, they succeeded in exercise restraint and engaging in diplomacy at a time when hawkish elements in their governments was pushing for military action. Consequently, Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the missiles in the Caribbean island and President Kennedy (although not reported then) removed his similar weapons from Turkey. The sense of relief was palpable, as was a feeling of optimism.

The Divergent Perspective

Still, during those 13 days of October 1962, the tension was palpable by everyone. The podcast's co-hosts came into the world shortly after the crisis, and Khrushcheva being taught about it via the USSR's school curriculum, which painted an alternative version of what happened.

"As you mentioned your father recalls it, describing it as a frightening day," Khrushcheva notes. "However for Soviet citizens, the public really didn’t know that much regarding the crisis, because it was a tense situation, and in the Soviet Union we were told that everything was always wonderful and positive."

Inside the Khrushchev household, however, the perspective was different. "They told me that it was a triumphant moment for the USSR, as it represented eyeball to eyeball. They were able to resolve it, and avoided the war, which was a positive outcome," she continues. Subsequently, however, that view was not held by everybody. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a failure for Khrushchev, because he refrained from destroying the United States."

A Unprecedented Collaboration

This podcast is so even-handed and well produced that Khrushcheva jokes she nearly forgot she already knew outcome. This is, partly, due to contributions from historians. Yet, really, the most significant thing 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 Soviet Union to appear together publicly. That these two individuals are able to do so, and be so warm toward one another, must be seen as a symbol of optimism.

"Max and I aren't the first," smiles Nina. "After 1991, a relative moved to America where he became great friends with the former president's family."

"However we had never met prior to this project," clarifies Max. "Which is a shame because we got along immediately and now we’re friends, which is really great. Finally, after almost six decades of nearly annihilating the world, our lineages are now allies, suggesting the world is more secure, a little bit."

Contemporary Parallels with Present Perils

Is that truly the case? Part of why this series feels so necessary is that we once again find ourselves living through a perilous era. The symbolic clock of doom is closer to midnight than ever before, in part because world leaders don’t seem to be able to learn