"The Destroyer of Worlds," explores the development and impact of nuclear weapons from the end of World War II through the Cuban Missile Crisis. Carlin examines how the advent of nuclear weapons fundamentally changed warfare and international relations, creating a new era of existential risk for humanity.

The podcast discusses the moral and strategic dilemmas faced by leaders like Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy as they grappled with the implications of nuclear weapons. It delves into the arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union, the development of ever more powerful bombs, and the evolution of nuclear strategy.

Carlin pays particular attention to the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, offering a detailed account of the tense standoff between the U.S. and USSR. He highlights the immense pressure on Kennedy and Khrushchev, the near-misses that could have led to nuclear war, and the ultimate resolution of the crisis.

Throughout the episode, Carlin reflects on the psychological impact of living under the threat of nuclear annihilation, both for leaders and ordinary citizens. He explores concepts like mutually assured destruction, the "missile gap," and the development of second-strike capabilities.

The podcast also touches on the long-term consequences of the nuclear age, including the creation of hotlines between superpowers, arms control treaties, and ongoing concerns about nuclear proliferation and accidents.

Carlin concludes by considering whether humanity can continue to manage the existential risk posed by nuclear weapons indefinitely, noting that we are still in the midst of a dangerous experiment in adapting to our own technological capabilities.

Listen to the full podcast episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2CW1iOwym34Whn5JpAjBRs