The Bomb

Ted Widmer, a historian and former White House speechwriter, dives deep into the Cuban Missile Crisis alongside hosts Nina Khrushcheva and Max Kennedy. They discuss the U.S. intelligence failures that missed the critical Soviet shipments, and the pressure on JFK from hawkish military leaders advocating for immediate action. The conversation highlights Kennedy's cautious approach, balancing escalating tensions while navigating his advisors' differing opinions. Personal insights into the leaders’ correspondence reveal the fragility of trust between superpowers during this pivotal moment in history.

Join historian Serhii Plohi, expert on Soviet strategy and author of Nuclear Folly, as he uncovers the covert journey of Soviet missiles to Cuba. Plohi reveals the dire conditions faced by Soviet troops and Khrushchev’s cunning tactics to distract Kennedy with Berlin. Personal insights from hosts Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva enhance the narrative, shedding light on the political pressures that shaped decisions during this tense period. The startling intelligence failures and U-2 discoveries lead to an impending crisis, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.

Dive into the high-stakes drama as Khrushchev secretly plans to move nuclear missiles to Cuba. Explore the personal bond between Khrushchev and Castro that fuels this audacious strategy. Hear about the secretive, overcrowded journey of Soviet ships and the intense political backdrop following the Bay of Pigs. Discover how Khrushchev's vision unfolds during a pivotal Varna walk, culminating in a decision that could alter the course of history. This thrilling tale blends individual stories with the chilling realities of Cold War tensions.

The Berlin Wall rises, splitting the city from east to west. Then a stand-off between American and Soviet tanks at the crossing point, Checkpoint Charlie, brings the two superpowers to the brink of military confrontation. And fearing that they are falling far behind in the missile race, the Soviets prepare to test the biggest bomb ever exploded. As relations between the two sides deteriorate, we explore the importance of diplomatic back channels with hosts Nina Khrushcheva and Max Kennedy, relatives of the superpower leaders. We meet Max's father, Senator Robert F Kennedy, and his Soviet contact, Georgy Bolshakov. This is the personal and political history of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Nina Khrushcheva is the great-granddaughter of Nikita Khrushchev and Max Kennedy is the nephew of President John F Kennedy, and the son of Robert F Kennedy.

As the USA and Soviet Union race for supremacy in the 1960s, Premier Khrushchev sizes up his rival, President John F Kennedy. Hosts Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva, relatives of the superpower leaders, explore their rise to power - one wealthy, smooth-talking and Harvard educated, the other a hardened Soviet war leader from a peasant family. As they prepare to meet for the first and only time as world leaders, the stakes couldn't be higher: they are fierce rivals in the race to build ever more devastating missiles. This is the personal and political history of the Cuban Missile Crisis.Nina Khrushcheva is the great-granddaughter of Nikita Khrushchev and Max Kennedy is the nephew of President John F Kennedy, and the son of Robert F Kennedy.

The world is on the brink of nuclear war. How can the Soviet Union and the USA prevent it? Hosts Nina Khrushcheva and Max Kennedy, relatives of the superpower leaders President John F Kennedy and Premier Nikita Khrushchev, tell the personal and political history of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Together Nina and Max explore what drove JFK and Khrushchev during the darkest days of October 1962. And when the crisis moves beyond their control as a U-2 spy plane is shot down over Cuba, how do they avoid global catastrophe?Released from 1st December. Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Jail awaits - Klaus Fuchs is going down. But will he take Ursula with him? British intelligence wants names. As Fuchs is forced to face his past, Ursula tries to run from hers. Presenter Rosa Ellis questions how their actions have shaped today's nuclear tensions. #thebomb

A double life implodes. Fuchs faces judge and jury, but will he confess? A future as an eminent physicist is slipping away. And the friends who took him in as a young scientist are blindsided - they want answers. But first he must face the court. #thebomb

The spy catchers close in. Klaus Fuchs is caught in the crosshairs. Spymaster Ursula has outwitted the interrogators - but can he? As he settles down in England, British intelligence services are following him at every turn. He is caught in a web of surveillance - and his faith in the Soviets is faltering. How long can he run for? #thebomb

The interrogation of a spymaster. Ursula is questioned as Klaus Fuchs returns to England. Secrets threaten to be spilled and loyalties are tested. The war has ended, and the physicist could have a promising future. But will his past catch up with him? Could British intelligence services be on to him? #thebomb