Following almost destroying the planet, our families have become friends’: the thrilling audio series featuring John F. Kennedy & Khrushchev’s descendants.

During the month of October 1962, the planet edged closer to destruction more so than ever in the contemporary era. This happened following the discovery that a US reconnaissance plane identified the fact that Soviet atomic missile bases were being assembled in Cuba, a mere 160 kilometers off the coast of the US mainland. In response, U.S. President John F Kennedy directed the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to impose a naval blockade encircling Cuba. What followed constituted almost two weeks filled with unbearable stress.

An Unthinkable Danger

The peril was clear. Should Kennedy, or else the Russian opposite, Nikita Khrushchev, had fired against their enemy, a chain reaction of worldwide nuclear strikes and counterstrikes could have followed, plunging civilization into total ruination.

The October crisis has been examined extensively, through books, films, as well as television programmes. But, in its latest installment, a prominent BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" has brought an unprecedented element into this historical narrative. It is jointly hosted featuring Max Kennedy alongside Khrushchev's descendant, relatives of the men that, over two tense weeks, controlled the destiny of humanity within their grasp.

"What were the Russians planning? What was the American side planning?" asks Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter who is also a professor of international affairs.

In her view, the unique appeal of the podcast lies in its endeavor to question: "Why do individuals hate each other to the point they confront each other?"

"I am acutely aware how spectacular it is that people have the potential to be allies or can become complete enemies," remarks Max Kennedy, son of Robert Kennedy, related to the late president and currently an author and attorney. "We see this dynamic over and over in instances where countries enter into conflict, and it just illustrates the sheer folly it is to fight."

The Brink Towards Catastrophe

What is striking about the Cuban missile crisis was that, since it transpired in the global spotlight, individuals worldwide were able to observe nearly as it happened as it crept towards catastrophe. However, the danger of annihilation was more imminent than anybody understood at the time.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors wanted a military strike followed by an invasion," explains Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked the Cubans with the Sixth Fleet, undoubtedly Soviet forces on the ground would've launched a tactical nuclear weapon at the American ships, which would've obliterated the naval vessels and sunk America's primary fleet. In turn, the U.S. would have retaliated through massive retaliation which would have ended all life on the planet."

The fact this did not occur is a testament to Kennedy and Khrushchev, who succeeded in remain calm and calmly negotiate at a time when hawkish elements around them demanded military action. Consequently, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the missiles from Cuba while Kennedy (although not reported at the time) withdrew his missiles from NATO ally Turkey. The relief was palpable, matched by a feeling of hope.

A Different Viewpoint

Still, for those 13 days of October 1962, the tension was felt by everyone. The Bomb’s presenters came into the world in the years following the crisis, with Khrushcheva learned about the crisis through the Soviet school curriculum, which presented an alternative narrative of what happened.

"As you mentioned your father remembers it, and it was a scary day," Khrushcheva notes. "But for Soviet citizens, the public really didn’t know a great deal regarding the crisis, because it was a tense situation, whereas under the Soviet system the official line was that things are always wonderful or sunny."

Inside Khrushchev’s family, however, the perspective was different. "I was informed what a great moment for the USSR, because it represented a direct confrontation. They were able to resolve it, thus didn’t start the war, seen as a wonderful thing," she adds. In the years to come, however, that interpretation would not be held by all Russians. "For a long time within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a setback for Khrushchev, because he didn’t blow up the United States."

A Unprecedented Collaboration

This podcast is so even-handed and expertly crafted that Khrushcheva jokes she nearly forgot the known the ending. This is, partly, due to contributions from historians. Yet, truly, the most significant aspect is the participation of the hosts themselves. Even within living memory, it would be inconceivable for relatives of the leaders of America and the Soviet Union would appear side by side. That these two individuals can do that, and exhibit such warmth with each other, has to be a symbol of hope.

"We are not the pioneers," smiles Nina. "Following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, my uncle moved to America where he formed a close bond with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"However we had never met prior to this project," clarifies Kennedy. "That is unfortunate since we connected immediately and we’re friends, something that is wonderful. Finally, after almost 60 years of nearly annihilating the world, our families have become friends, so I think the world is safer, a little bit."

Modern Parallels and Current Dangers

Or is it? Part of the reason this series seems so urgent is that we now find ourselves in a perilous era. The symbolic clock of doom is closer to midnight than ever before, partly since today's statesmen don’t seem to be able to comprehend