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Welcome to "The Cooper Cast," the ultimate hub for MINI enthusiasts! Join us, with your host, Dale Blankenship, as we rev up conversations about the latest models, modifications, essential maintenance, and the thrill of all things MINI. Dive into the world of events, drives, and community participation, embracing the joy of MINI ownership with a fun, light-hearted twist. Let's fuel our passion together for safe, fun motoring experiences that make every MINI adventure unforgettable. Subscribe ...
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This week on The Cooper Cast Podcast, host Dale Blankenship dives into MINI USA sales numbers through the years. At first glance, things looked a little rough—enough to raise an eyebrow—but after some digging, it turns out MINI’s dip is right in line with what’s happening across the industry. It’s not just our favorite little cars feeling the pinch…
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In Episode 63 of The Cooper Cast podcast, host Dale Blankenship, Producer Kodi (who once again insists on making himself heard), and Program Director Chassie wrap up the always-thrilling MINIs On The Dragon. This year’s event was a motoring masterpiece, with 601 enthusiastic attendees and over 450 MINIs tearing up the curves of the famous Tail of t…
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The Cooper Cast Podcast — Episode 62 Hosted by Dale Blankenship In this week’s episode, we kick things off with some BIG news from across the pond — a new survey just crowned the classic Mini as the most iconic British car of all time. Yep, you heard that right... ALL TIME! Our favorite little motoring legend beat out some seriously heavy hitters t…
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In this episode of The Cooper Cast Podcast, host Dale Blankenship (and the semi-silent but always sleepy Producer Kodi) catch up on all things MINI after a short pit stop thanks to being under the weather. But don’t worry—we’re back and revved up! First up, we take a look at what MINI USA is doing for the New York International Auto Show. Spoiler a…
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In this episode of The Cooper Cast Podcast, host Dale Blankenship (the voice behind the wheel) and his trusty sidekick Producer Kodi (currently on his fourth nap of the day) bring you along for the final stretch of MINIs on the Dragon—and what a ride it’s going to be! Just because it’s the last day doesn’t mean the motoring magic is over. There’s s…
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We kick things off with something every MINI owner needs to hear about: Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI). Never heard of it? Neither had Dale—until Chad from Detroit Tuned dropped this ticking time bomb of knowledge. It’s a real party killer hiding inside your engine, and if you’re not paying attention, it could do catastrophic damage. We're talking b…
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Welcome to episode 58 with your host Dale Blankenship (and background moral support from Producer Kodi Monster) This week on The Cooper Cast, we're fueling your brain and your MINI. First up: Octane ratings—what are they, what do they really mean, and most importantly, what should you be putting in your MINI’s tank? We bring in MINI tuning wizard C…
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So You’re Headed to the Dragon, Huh? Here’s What You Need to Know! with your host, Dale Blankenship (and silent-but-opinionated Producer Kodi Monster) It’s that time again—MINIs On The Dragon is almost here! And if you’re a first-timer or just need a refresher, Dale’s breaking down what to pack, what to expect, and what not to do unless you want to…
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This week, Dale and Producer Kodi talk about an awesome MINI Run organized by FLOW MINI dealerships in North Carolina—because when a dealership gets involved, it’s always a great time! Then, we discuss why your local MINI club is way more valuable than those massive worldwide Facebook groups (trust us on this one). Next up: gas. Not all fuel is cre…
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The Cooper Cast Podcast – Episode 55 Hosted by Dale Blankenship, with mascots Producer Kodi and HR Manager Chassie This week, we’re diving into some MINI shenanigans, starting with our Question of the Week from the Cooper Cast Facebook page: What’s the best (or worst) reaction you’ve gotten from a stranger about your MINI? As always, I read these u…
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This week, Dale dives into MINI’s struggling sales—things are looking bright in the UK, but here in the US? Not so much. We’ll break down the reasons behind the slowdown. Then, we shift gears to MINIs on the Dragon, the legendary four-day MINI gathering in Fontana Village, NC. With 500+ attendees and over 350 MINIs already registered, it’s shaping …
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This week, Dale dives into why getting your MINI serviced at the dealership or a MINI specialist is the smart move—because saving money doesn’t always save you money. Then, he somehow starts a Facebook firestorm (again) over people not having an Owner’s Manual. Seriously, folks, it’s a handy little book! We also check in on the latest Cooper Cast Q…
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In this episode, we dive into some of the latest chatter from the wild world of Facebook MINI groups—where the advice is free, but the entertainment is priceless. Then, we kick off a brand-new Car Care Series to help you wash away that winter grime and get your MINI looking its best. Whether it's road salt, mystery gunk, or just the regret of not w…
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Welcome to Episode 51 of the Cooper Cast podcast, hosted by Dale Blankenship, with Producer Kodi Monster (who remains silent but ever-watchful) and surprise studio guest, Program Director Chassie (who may or may not have been bribed with treats). This week, we’re tackling the big news that MINI USA has decided to play the ultimate waiting game with…
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It's the big 5-0! No, not miles per hour in a school zone—Episode 50 of The Cooper Cast Podcast! This week, host Dale Blankenship (and maybe Producer Kodi, if he ever decides to show up for work) dives into some Facebook group frustrations. If you're asking for MINI advice, at least tell us which MINI you drive! There's nothing worse than playing 2…
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This week on The Cooper Cast Podcast, host Dale Blankenship is flying solo again because Producer Kodi is—yep, you guessed it—AWOL. Probably off chasing squirrels instead of MINI news. First up, are MINI sales really that bad, or is this just another case of "the sky is falling" panic? Then we dive into MINI’s decision to delay converting Plant Oxf…
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The Fun Podcast for You, the MINI Motoring Community! Scammers, MINIs, and epic drives—oh my! This week on The Cooper Cast, host Dale Blankenship dives into another round of hot topics for the MINI community. First up, the scammers are at it again (seriously, do these guys ever take a day off?). This time, they’ve spoofed a legit MINI vendor, scamm…
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Scammers… they’re like that one fly in your car you just can’t shoo out the window. In this episode of The Cooper Cast, host Dale Blankenship takes another deep dive into those worthless bums infiltrating our beloved MINI groups. And guess what? Some of these scam artists aren’t just lurking in the comments—they’re running entire fake MINI groups d…
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Buckle up, MINIacs! In this Express Episode of The Cooper Cast, host Dale Blankenship takes a quick spin through this week’s Cooper Cast Question of the Week: "You’re going on a MINI adventure—who’s riding shotgun, living or dead?" The answers did not disappoint, ranging from historical icons to some questionable backseat passengers. Then, we peek …
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Buckle up, MINIacs! In this episode of The Cooper Cast, host Dale Blankenship (flying solo without Producer Kodi—probably off chasing squirrels. Again.) dives into some of the most popular mods for the second-gen MINI and its N-series engines. Whether you want more power, better handling, or just to make your MINI even more MINI, we’ve got you cove…
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In this episode of The Cooper Cast, host Dale Blankenship dives into this week’s Cooper Cast Question of the Week: What’s your MINI’s name, and how did you come up with it? And wow, did our listeners deliver! From clever pop culture references to names inspired by epic road trips, and even a few that left us laughing out loud, the MINI community di…
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The Cooper Cast Podcast With host Dale Blankenship and Producer Kodi (if he’s not too distracted by backyard deer antics) In this episode of The Cooper Cast, we’re diving into: 🎨 Popular Mods for First-Gen MINIs We’re talking all about the 2002–2006 hatchbacks (and 2008 convertibles) that sparked the modern MINI revolution. From engine and suspensi…
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In this week's episode of The Cooper Cast, with host Dale Blankenship, and Producer Kodi, (when he shows up), we're catching up on a couple of weeks' worth of our "Questions of the Week" from the Cooper Cast Facebook page. Buckle up for some laughs as we dive into your hilarious answers about fast food favorites and memorable stops on your MINI run…
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Welcome back, MINI enthusiasts! In this week's episode of The Cooper Cast, your host Dale Blankenship dives into the mods that can turn your MINI from a daily driver into a thrill-seeking road warrior. We’re talking engine upgrades, suspension tweaks, and all those little touches that make your MINI more fun to drive. Whether you're just starting o…
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Hey there, MINI fans! It’s time for another episode of The Cooper Cast Podcast with your host, Dale Blankenship, and our often-missing-in-action Producer Kodi (who's AWOL again—surprise, surprise!). This week, we’re diving into some of the most persistent questions from the MINI Facebook groups. You know the ones—folks asking for advice with zero c…
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In Episode 39 of The Cooper Cast Podcast, host Dale Blankenship and Producer Kodi hit the brakes on their original plans to address some electrifying breaking news: BMW and MINI are tapping the brakes on electric vehicle development. What could this mean for MINI fans and their beloved brand’s future? Shifting gears, they dive into the Cooper Cast …
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Dale (fighting off a festive flu) and Kodi deliver an abbreviated holiday episode packed with MINI insights! They dive into the peril of motoring in Roadsters, Coupes, and second-gen JCWs with elusive crash parts—should we drive differently? Probably not. Last week’s 'Question of the Week' asks if the new MINI is tech overload—spoiler: opinions abo…
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In this episode, host Dale Blankenship and ever-vigilant producer Kodi Monster delve into the hopeful return of manual transmissions to upcoming MINIs. Did MINI drop the stick too quickly in 2025? MINI USA seems to think so and is lobbying for a comeback! We also share solutions for keeping your MINI’s battery charged while it’s hibernating for the…
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In this week’s episode of The Cooper Cast Podcast, Dale Blankenship dives under the hood to discuss the infamous carbon build-up problem in second-generation MINI engines. What causes it? Can you prevent it? And most importantly, how do you fix it? Dale breaks it all down so you can keep your MINI running smooth. We also gear up for the first big M…
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Join host Dale Blankenship for another exciting episode of The Cooper Cast! This week, we tackle the sudden rise in key fob problems and uncover the mystery of hidden keys and door locks—are they plotting against us? Introducing a brand-new segment: "Why Did You Buy Your 1st MINI?" Hear stories that range from practical to quirky to downright senti…
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In Episode 34 of The Cooper Cast Podcast, host Dale Blankenship tackles tire warning lights, auxiliary drive belts, and scammer antics straight from the wilds of Facebook MINI groups—because even MINIs need drama sometimes. We also geek out over shiny new options for the 2025 JCW Hardtop and chat about the fresh MINI Convertible. Plus, discover a c…
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In this episode of The Cooper Cast Podcast, host Dale Blankenship, joined by Producer Kodi Monster and Executive President Chassie, dives into a couple of intriguing finds from the MINI Facebook groups. They also discuss the exciting lineup of MINI events coming in 2025, featuring one run from coastal Georgia up to Maine, and other MINI events in M…
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Grab a warm drink and settle in! This week, Dale Blankenship is back with an all-weather edition of The Cooper Cast, ready to roll through some big topics. We kick things off with another round of tire talk—yes, tires are back! Dale dives into the fine art of MINI tires. From replacing one, to a whole set. Because let's face it, those little things…
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Join host Dale Blankenship for a colorful recap of the Hampton Roads club MINI's 21st annual Fall Colors run through the scenic routes of Virginia. But it's not all smooth rides this week; we share the unfortunate tale of a MINI owner who fell victim to a scammer lurking in the MINI community. Finally, Dale dives into the ever-popular tire talk: wh…
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In this episode, host Dale Blankenship brings you the grand finale of our “Setting Up a Rally” series! We cover everything from choosing the best two-way radios (don't forget those Sub Channels!) to essential guidelines for both run leaders and participants—because fun drives are no accident, but accidents... well, that’s another story. Speaking of…
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In Episode 29 of The Cooper Cast Podcast, host Dale Blankenship takes listeners on a rollercoaster of emotions, starting with the sad news that Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc in western North Carolina, along with the utter destruction and loss of life, on a much smaller scale, it also forced the cancellation of the popular MINIs Slay The Sleeping D…
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In this episode, Dale Blankenship takes the wheel to tackle the most unwanted passengers in the MINI community—scammers! From bogus parts vendors to fake profiles with more red flags than a race track, we’re giving you the playbook on how to spot these sneaky thieves. But wait, there’s more! Scammers have upped their game with entire Facebook group…
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In Episode 27 of The Cooper Cast, host Dale Blankenship tackles the latest drama at MINI HQ, where the design department might be feeling the heat after the “meh” reception of the new models. To the tune on an entirely new design staff at BMW and MINI. Add to that a double dose of bad news: recalls for the new electric MINI and a major brake recall…
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In the latest episode of The Cooper Cast Podcast, host Dale Blankenship takes on the scourge of scammers lurking in MINI Cooper Facebook groups. Dale dives into how these sneaky scammers target unsuspecting MINI enthusiasts, offering tips on how to spot and avoid their traps. With their tactics constantly evolving, it's more important than ever for…
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Buckle up, folks! In this episode, host Dale Blankenship is back in the driver’s seat, navigating the twists and turns of the MINI world. First on the docket, we’re talking about the recent crackdown on racer-wanna-be drivers and motorcyclists who apparently missed the memo that the Dragon isn't their personal racetrack. After a local accident, pol…
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In Episode 24 of The Cooper Cast Podcast, join host Dale Blankenship and his trusty sidekick, Producer Kodi Monster, as they steer you through the world of MINI adventures with a dash of humor and a whole lot of enthusiasm. First up, we tackle the wobbly woes of wheel straightening—because driving straight is semi important. Then, we spill the bean…
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Welcome to Episode 23 of The Cooper Cast Podcast with your host, Dale Blankenship! In this fun-filled episode, we’re wrapping up the epic MINI Takes The States 2024 that concluded in the vibrant city of Seattle, Washington. We've got the final attendance numbers and some impressive stats from this unforgettable journey. We start with the final stat…
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MINI Takes The States is over for another year! What a great finish to a great event. Even though the run from Yakima to Seattle was the shortest, it was one of my all-time favorites. The roads, the scenery, the MINIs, all were amazing. Thanks to every single person from MINI and their support staff, that helped make the event so memorable. And ano…
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Welcome back to The Cooper Cast for Episode 21 and Day 8 of this adventure. Your host Dale Blankenship wraps up the awesome drive from Spokane to Yakima, even though he can’t remember what city he’s in from time to time. MINI USA and the Roadside Assistance Crew, get some well deserved kudos for their work, and yes, some of the attendees still feel…
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Welcome to episode 20 of The Cooper Cast, the fun podcast for the MINI Motoring Community, with host Dale Blankenship. In this episode we catch up on the last two legs from Bozeman to Missoula to Spokane. Today’s route up to Spokane was probably my favorite of the entire event. Our JCW is being a little bit of a pain, but seems okay for now. I hear…
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Episode 19; In this episode of the Cooper Cast, your illustrious host, Dale Blankenship gives us a warp up on Day 3 of MTTS with 600+ MINIs and over 1000 MINI owners head out of Grand Junction Colorado headed up to Salt Lake City, Utah. Because nothing says “road trip” like a convoy of little British cars causing stares and minor traffic jambs. We …
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Today’s episode comes to you from beautiful downtown Durango, Colorado. After motoring along, following the official MINI Takes The States route sheet, we arrived in Durango. The roads were great, the weather couldn’t have been nicer and there were MINIs everywhere. We did see one pepper white MINI having a conversation with a law enforcement offic…
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Welcome Cooper Casters to the latest edition of the Cooper Cast, where we take you on a wild ride through MINI Takes The States! I’m your host Dale Blankenship, coming to you live-ish from scenic, and warm, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Daily Wrap-Ups; Today kicked off with MINI enthusiasts revving up their engines and gearing up for the first leg of th…
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Join us on The Cooper Cast podcast with your ever-enthusiastic host, Dale Blankenship, for the final prelude before the legendary MINI Takes The States rally kicks off in Albuquerque! 🚗💨 In this episode, Dale dishes out some fun tips to ensure your MTTS adventure is not just epic, but also safe and packed with fun. From picking the perfect rally sn…
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