The BBC World Service podcast The Bomb returns for its third season, exploring the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
The Bomb: Kennedy and Khrushchev examines the crisis through the eyes of two descendants of the men who faced off at the height of the Cold War.
Hosts Nina Khrushcheva, great-granddaughter of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, and Max Kennedy, nephew of US President John F Kennedy, will unpack both the personal and political dimensions of one of history’s most dangerous confrontations.
Through conversation, the pair retrace how the world came perilously close to nuclear war and how diplomacy, courage, and humanity ultimately prevailed.
Alongside contributions from leading historians including Serhii Plokhy and Michael Dobbs, Nina and Max explore the events of “Black Saturday”, when a Soviet submarine captain nearly launched a nuclear torpedo and a US U-2 spy plane was shot down over Cuba.
Nina Khrushcheva said: “Having a series about the bomb and the Cuban Missile Crisis is not only timely, it is instructive. I am honoured to be part of this BBC podcast exploring historical lessons of that era.”
Max Kennedy added: “The Cuban Missile Crisis remains the most dangerous moment in world history. It’s vital that young people understand the difference one person, deeply committed to public service, can make.”
Simon Pitts, BBC World Service Commissioning Editor, said: “Their perspectives from both the US and Soviet sides offer audiences unique experience and knowledge.”
Episode one of The Bomb: Kennedy and Khrushchev will be available on BBC Sounds and wherever you get your podcasts from 1 December.
If you’re in the UK, listen to all episodes first on BBC Sounds. If you’re outside the UK, listen to all episodes first by subscribing to BBC Podcasts Premium on Apple Podcasts.
The first episode will be broadcast on BBC World Service radio on 3 December and after that episodes will be weekly.
