Millennials are no longer the youngest generation in the room. Gen Z is here, and they’re reshaping the way we communicate. According to Major Thomas Barger, Chief of Public Affairs at the 5th Bomb Wing, this generation prefers platforms that require less direct interaction and more authenticity. Facebook? Not their thing. So, in an effort to connect more meaningfully with today’s younger Airmen, PA launched something new: a podcast.
The Why Not?, a Minot AFB-produced podcast created by Public Affairs, is led by Airmen and NCOs and is designed to speak the language of today’s force in a way that’s casual, relevant, and real.

While podcasts aren’t exactly a revolutionary idea, they are a popular tool for connection, especially among younger audiences. Maj Barger saw an opportunity to bring “real talk” to the Air Force in a laid-back, yet impactful way.

Though it’s unclear who exactly sparked the idea, The Why Not? has been a true team effort within Public Affairs. Recorded in their office (yes, complete with a hand-painted logo on the wall), the podcast covers real issues that matter to Minot AFB members and the military at large. And it’s not another top-down communication forum. Every episode features a junior Airman, an NCO, and a senior NCO, offering a variety of perspectives. That diversity is even represented in the podcast’s logo, designed by SrA Alyssa Bankston, which includes the three distinct uniform patterns—BDUs, ABUs, and OCPs—worn by Airmen through the years.

So what’s the podcast actually like? Honestly, this writer was skeptical at first. The debut episode title, “Why Not Maintain Healthy Relationships?”, which launched on April 13, seemed like it would offer a basic, generalized discussion about relationships. But it offered a surprise…in a good way.

Put an Airman, an NCO, and a senior NCO in a sound booth, and what do you get? A candid, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt conversation about military life, long-distance relationships, and starter marriages. It was well-produced, refreshingly straightforward, and, most of all, real. The only thing missing? A spouse’s perspective might have added another valuable voice to conversation centered around relationships.

Future episodes are already in the works. Topics include wartime mentality, financial management, and the process of commissioning from enlisted to officer. PA is still brainstorming and welcomes input. Listeners can suggest ideas via social media or directly through podcast comments. Maj Barger hopes this feedback loop helps keep content fresh and audience-driven.

If you’re familiar with podcasting, you know authenticity is key. The Why Not? follows this format, allowing unscripted, organic conversations to flow naturally. That approach does raise a fair question: can a casual tone and “real talk” coexist with military professionalism and OPSEC considerations? Maj Barger acknowledges the challenge, calling it a “delicate needle to thread,” but he’s confident that balancing relatability with credibility is worth the risk.

Minot isn’t alone in this effort. Other Air Force bases have launched podcasts of their own: Altus AFB’s The Debrief, Joint Base Charleston’s Behind the Wing, and Tinker AFB’s Tinker Talk. While this writer has not explored those shows in depth, it’s clear Minot is part of a growing trend toward more modern, conversational communication.

Though Maj Barger oversees the project, he emphasized the podcast is a team effort, with nearly every member of the PA shop playing a critical role. Some brought prior experience, while others are learning on the fly. SSgt Brendan Miller acts as the show’s host since he had previous experience as radio DJ for the Armed Forces Network (AFN). A1C Vincent Padilla has only been in the PA gig for six months, but he has taken on sound recording and editing as the show’s producer. SrA Trust Tate created an original sound bite for the show’s intro music, and Ms. Abby Kinder painted the logo on the studio wall on her own time. Making sure everything works together and in charge of finding guests for the show is TSgt Ryann Holzapfel.

The Why Not? releases new episodes biweekly and the next is set to be released on Monday, April 28, with the topic of “Good Followership/Leadership.” Whether you’re a podcast fan or just curious, give it a shot—you might be surprised too.