Jeff Shaara, a bestselling author known for his gripping historical novels, dives into the Cuban Missile Crisis and its complexities. He discusses the intense race between Russian engineers and U.S. Navy commanders and reflects on pivotal decisions made by JFK and Khrushchev. Shaara shares personal anecdotes, from childhood memories of Cold War tensions to the absurdities of covert operations. He also emphasizes the importance of relatable characters in historical fiction to engage younger audiences and the significance of places like Gettysburg in understanding our past.