Following nearly annihilating the planet, our families have become friends’: the gripping podcast from JFK & Khrushchev’s descendants.

During October 1962, humanity came nearer toward destruction more so than ever during modern times. This transpired when a US surveillance plane found the fact that Russian nuclear missile installations were under construction in Cuba, a mere 160 kilometers from the US mainland. In response, U.S. President John F Kennedy directed a naval task force to impose a naval blockade encircling the island. What followed was almost 14 days filled with impossible tension.

The Unthinkable Danger

The threat remained obvious. If Kennedy, or else the Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrushchev, had fired against their enemy, a cascade of worldwide atomic strikes followed by counterstrikes could have followed, casting civilization into total ruination.

This pivotal 1962 event has been covered repeatedly, in books, movies, as well as television programmes. But, in its latest installment, the BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" has brought an unprecedented element into this historical narrative. It is jointly hosted by Max Kennedy alongside Nina Khrushcheva, family members belonging to the figures that, over two tense weeks, held the destiny of the world within their grasp.

"What were the Soviet side planning? What was the United States thinking?" questions Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter who is also a professor specializing in international affairs.

In her view, the beauty of the show is its endeavor to explore: "Why do nations hate one another to the point they oppose one another?"

"I am acutely aware how spectacular the fact that humans can be allies or can become total adversaries," adds Kennedy, the son of RFK, nephew of the late president and currently a writer as well as attorney. "We see this dynamic repeatedly in instances where countries have gone to war, highlighting the sheer folly involved to engage in warfare."

A Precipice Towards Catastrophe

What’s notable about this event was that, because it unfolded in the global spotlight, citizens worldwide could watch almost as it happened as it crept towards disaster. However, the risk of annihilation came closer than what anybody realised.

"Virtually everyone in the White House wanted a military strike and a ground invasion," says Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked Cuba with the Sixth Fleet, it is certain Soviet forces on the ground would have fired a nuclear warhead at the American ships, which would have destroyed the naval vessels as well as destroyed America's primary naval force. And, the U.S. would have retaliated through massive retaliation that would have eradicated most life on Earth."

The reality this did not occur highlights the composure of both leaders, who succeeded in remain calm while engaging in diplomacy at a time when many advisors in their governments demanded military action. As a result, Khrushchev removed the missiles in Cuba and President Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed at the time) removed American similar weapons from Turkey. The relief was immense, as was a feeling of optimism.

The Divergent Viewpoint

Yet, during those 13 days in October, the anxiety was palpable globally. The podcast's co-hosts came into the world shortly after these events, and Khrushcheva being taught about the crisis through the USSR's school curriculum, which portrayed a slightly different picture of what happened.

"You said your parent remembers it, describing it as a scary day," she says. "However in the Soviet Union, people really didn’t know that much about it, since it was a crisis, whereas in the Soviet Union the official line was that everything was constantly fine and sunny."

Within Khrushchev’s family, however, it was distinct. "I was informed what a great moment for the USSR, as it represented a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to find a solution, thus avoided a global war, which was a positive thing," she continues. Subsequently, however, that perspective was not shared by all Russians. "For a long time in Russian politics, the crisis was viewed as a setback for the Soviet leader, simply he refrained from destroying America."

A Unlikely Partnership

This podcast is so balanced , expertly crafted that Nina jokes she nearly forgot she already knew outcome. This is, partly, due to the participation of historians. But, really, the most momentous thing is the participation of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it would be inconceivable that relatives of the leaders of the United States and the USSR to appear side by side. The fact that Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva can do that, and be so warm toward one another, has to be a symbol of progress.

"We are not the pioneers," notes Khrushcheva. "Following 1991, a relative moved to America and formed a close bond with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"However we had never met before the podcast," clarifies Kennedy. "Which is unfortunate because we connected immediately and now we’re friends, something that is wonderful. Finally, following almost 60 years since nearly annihilating the planet, our lineages are now friends, so I think the world is safer, a little bit."

Contemporary Echoes with Present Dangers

Is that truly the case? One reason why this series seems so urgent is that we once again find ourselves living through a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock stands nearer to catastrophe in its history, partly since today's statesmen don’t seem to be able to comprehend