The Bomb

Tim Peake, British astronaut who spent 186 days on the ISS and ran a marathon in orbit, helps tell the story of NASA’s return to the Moon. Short daily updates explain Artemis II’s plan to send four people looping around the Moon. Conversations focus on why this mission matters for exploration and how it could kickstart a new era of human spaceflight.

A tense finale of the Cuban Missile Crisis where a downed plane and frantic telegrams push leaders toward possible nuclear war. Secret backroom offers and coded messages shape a high-stakes bargain. Rapid missile removals, Cuban fury, and the scramble to build a direct hotline highlight how close miscommunication brought the world to the brink.

Vasily Arhipov, the Soviet submarine officer whose calm decisions averted catastrophe, and Svetlana Sovranskaya, an archival researcher recounting the B-59 crisis. Renata Keller, historian of hemispheric Cold War dynamics, provides context on Cuban tensions and regional fallout. They discuss U-2 shootdowns, near-launches from submarines, frantic Kremlin-White House exchanges, and the fraught paths leaders chose to step back from nuclear war.

Tensions soar as troops in Cuba brace for an imminent attack, sparking frantic discussions among leaders. Fidel Castro pressures Khrushchev to strike first while the Soviet premier writes a heartfelt letter to Kennedy, illustrating the serious escalation of war. The impact of World War II on Khrushchev's mindset is explored, along with U.S. military maneuvers that ignite alarm in Cuba. The emotional weight of nuclear threats looms ever larger as each side grapples with the terrifying possibility of global destruction.

In this engaging discussion, author and historian Michael Dobbs dives deep into the political chess game of the Cuban Missile Crisis. He reveals the intense debates within the Kremlin as Khrushchev reacts to Kennedy's groundbreaking speech and blockade. The hidden threat of the Alexandrovsk, laden with warheads, looms large over both nations. Personal reflections highlight the public's fear during this tense period, while diplomatic exchanges between Kennedy and Khrushchev showcase the precarious balance of power. It's a gripping look at a pivotal moment in history!

In this insightful discussion featuring Michael Dobbs and Sergei Plokhy, both esteemed historians, listeners dive deep into the Cuban Missile Crisis. They explore the high-stakes decision-making facing President Kennedy, including the urgency surrounding newly discovered missiles in Cuba. The tension between public image and private apprehensions is palpable as Kennedy navigates military pressures and strategic options. Dobbs sheds light on the realities of Soviet command challenges, while discussions around quarantine vs. strike reveal the complexities of Cold War diplomacy.

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.