‘After nearly annihilating our planet, our families have become allies’: the gripping podcast from JFK & Nikita Khrushchev’s relatives.

During the month of October 1962, the planet came nearer toward annihilation than at any other point in the contemporary era. This transpired following the discovery that a US reconnaissance plane discovered that Soviet nuclear missile bases were being built in Cuba, a mere 100 miles from the US mainland. In response, U.S. President JFK commanded a naval task force to enact a naval quarantine around Cuba. The next phase constituted almost 14 days filled with impossible stress.

An Catastrophic Threat

The danger remained clear. Should President Kennedy, or else the Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, initiated an attack on their enemy, a cascade involving worldwide atomic strikes followed by counterstrikes could have ensued, plunging humanity into all-out oblivion.

This pivotal 1962 event has been examined endlessly, in volumes, movies, as well as television programmes. But, in its latest installment, a prominent BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" introduces an unprecedented perspective to the story. The series is co-presented by Kennedy's relative alongside Nina Khrushcheva, family members belonging to the leaders who, over two tense weeks, controlled the fate of the planet within their grasp.

"What were the Russians thinking? What were the American side planning?" ponders Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter and a professor of global relations.

For her, the unique appeal of the show is its attempt to question: "How can people detest one another to the point they oppose each other?"

"I am acutely aware how spectacular the fact that humans have the potential to be friends or else can become total enemies," adds Max Kennedy, son of RFK, related to JFK and currently a writer as well as attorney. "History shows this over and over when countries enter into conflict, demonstrating the profound irrationality involved to engage in warfare."

The Precipice Towards Catastrophe

What is striking about this event is that, since it transpired so publicly, people worldwide were able to observe almost as it happened as it moved closer to catastrophe. Even so, the threat of annihilation came closer than what anybody realised.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for an airstrike followed by a ground invasion," says Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck the Cubans with the naval blockade, it is certain the Russians on the ground would've fired a nuclear warhead at the US Sixth Fleet, and that would've sunk our naval vessels and sunk our largest and most important fleet. In turn, the U.S. would have retaliated with an overwhelming counterattack that would have ended most life on the planet."

The fact this did not occur stands as credit to Kennedy and Khrushchev, who managed to remain calm and calmly negotiate at a time when hawkish elements around them were advocating military action. Consequently, The Soviet premier removed the nuclear weapons in Cuba and President Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed at the time) withdrew American similar weapons from NATO ally Turkey. The relief was immense, matched by a feeling of hope.

The Different Perspective

Yet, for those 13 days in October, the anxiety was palpable globally. The podcast's presenters came into the world shortly after these events, with Nina being taught about the crisis through the USSR's education system, which painted an alternative picture of events.

"You said your parent remembers it, describing it as a frightening time," Khrushcheva notes. "But in the Soviet Union, people really didn’t know that much regarding the crisis, since it was a crisis, whereas under the Soviet system the official line was that things are constantly fine or sunny."

Inside Khrushchev’s family, though, it was different. "I was informed that it was a triumphant moment for the USSR, because it represented a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, and avoided a global war, which was a wonderful thing," she continues. In the years to come, though, that view was not shared by all Russians. "For a long time in Russian politics, it was considered a defeat for the Soviet leader, because he refrained from destroying the United States."

A Unprecedented Partnership

The Bomb is so balanced , expertly crafted that Khrushcheva quips she nearly forgot the known the ending. This effect is, partly, due to the participation of historians. Yet, really, the most groundbreaking aspect is the participation of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it would be inconceivable for relatives of the heads of state of the United States and USSR would appear side by side. That these two individuals are able to do so, and be so warm toward one another, has to be a sign of hope.

"We aren't the first," smiles Khrushcheva. "After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, my uncle moved to America and became great friends with the former president's family."

"However we were strangers before the podcast," adds Max. "Which is unfortunate because we connected really well and now we are friends, something that is wonderful. Ultimately, following nearly six decades of almost destroying the planet, our families are now allies, so I think the world is more secure, a little bit."

Modern Echoes with Present Dangers

Or is it? Part of the reason The Bomb feels so necessary is that we once again find ourselves in dark times. The symbolic clock of doom stands nearer to midnight than ever before, partly since world leaders don’t seem to be able to grasp