Following almost destroying the world, the relatives have become friends’: the thrilling podcast from John F. Kennedy & Nikita Khrushchev’s relatives.

During the month of October 1962, the planet came nearer toward ruin than at any other point during recent history. This transpired following the discovery that an American reconnaissance aircraft identified that Russian nuclear missile installations were being assembled on the island of Cuba, less than 160 kilometers off the coast of American soil. In response, U.S. President JFK ordered the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to impose a maritime quarantine encircling Cuba. The ensuing period was nearly 14 days filled with unbearable stress.

An Unthinkable Danger

The danger was clear. If Kennedy, or his Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, were to fire against their enemy, a chain reaction involving global nuclear attacks and counterstrikes might have followed, casting humanity toward all-out oblivion.

This pivotal 1962 event has been documented endlessly, in volumes, films, and television programmes. However, in its latest installment, a prominent BBC World Service podcast The Bomb has brought an unprecedented element to the story. The series is co-presented by Kennedy's relative and Nina Khrushcheva, relatives belonging to the men who, over two tense weeks, held the fate of humanity within their grasp.

"What was the Kremlin considering? What was the American side thinking?" ponders Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter who is also a professor of international affairs.

In her view, the unique appeal of the show is its endeavor to explore: "Why do individuals hate each other and go against one another?"

"It was not lost on me how spectacular it is that individuals can be friends or have the potential to be complete enemies," adds Max Kennedy, son of Robert Kennedy, related to JFK and currently an author as well as attorney. "We see this repeatedly when countries enter into conflict, highlighting the sheer folly involved to fight."

A Precipice of Catastrophe

What’s notable regarding the Cuban missile crisis was that, since it unfolded so publicly, individuals worldwide could watch almost in real time as it moved towards catastrophe. Even so, the risk of annihilation was more imminent than what most people understood at the time.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors wanted a military strike followed by a ground invasion," explains Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked Cuba with the naval blockade, it is certain the Russians on the ground would have deployed a tactical nuclear weapon at the American ships, which would have destroyed the aircraft carriers and destroyed our largest and most important naval force. And, we would have retaliated with an overwhelming counterattack which would have eradicated all life on the planet."

The fact this did not occur stands as credit to both leaders, they succeeded in keep their heads and calmly negotiate at a time when hawkish elements around them was pushing for military action. Consequently, Khrushchev removed the nuclear weapons from Cuba while Kennedy (although not reported then) withdrew his similar weapons from Turkey. The sense of relief was palpable, as was the sense of hope.

A Divergent Perspective

Yet, during those two weeks in October, the tension was felt by everyone. The Bomb’s presenters came into the world in the years following these events, with Khrushcheva learned about the crisis via the USSR's school curriculum, which painted an alternative version of events.

"As you mentioned your parent remembers it, describing it as a scary day," she says. "However in the Soviet Union, the public were largely unaware that much about it, because it was a tense situation, whereas under the Soviet system the official line was that everything was always fine and sunny."

Within Khrushchev’s family, however, it was distinct. "They told me what a great occasion for the USSR, because it represented a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to find a solution, and avoided the war, which was a wonderful thing," she continues. Later on, though, that interpretation would not be held by everybody. "For a long time in Russian politics, it was considered a setback for Khrushchev, because he refrained from destroying America."

An Unprecedented Collaboration

The Bomb is remarkably even-handed , well produced so much so that Khrushcheva jokes she nearly forgot the known outcome. This effect is, in part, thanks to the participation of renowned scholars. But, truly, the most groundbreaking aspect remains the involvement of the hosts themselves. Even within living memory, it would be unthinkable that descendants of the leaders of America and USSR to appear together publicly. The fact that these two individuals can do that, and exhibit such warmth toward one another, must be seen as a sign of progress.

"We aren't the first," smiles Nina. "After 1991, my uncle moved to America where he formed a close bond with the former president's family."

"However we had never met before the podcast," adds Kennedy. "Which is unfortunate since we connected really well and we’re friends, something that is wonderful. Finally, following almost six decades since almost destroying the world, our lineages are now allies, so I think global relations is safer, a little bit."

Modern Parallels with Present Perils

Or is it? Part of why this series seems so urgent is that we once again are living living through dark times. The Doomsday Clock stands nearer to catastrophe than ever before, in part because today's statesmen don’t seem to be able to grasp