Episodit
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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 up to be another epic year! We’ll start previewing the daily schedules in upcoming episodes. And of course, Producer Kodi reminds us all that when nature calls, even podcasting must pause! 🚗💨🐉
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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 Question of the Week and take a quick look at MINI’s slowing U.S. sales (more on that next episode). Plus, we tease the opening day plans for MINIs on the Dragon! Buckle up—this one’s a ride! Motor safely, and don’t forget to wave!
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Puuttuva jakso?
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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 washing it sooner, we’ve got tips on keeping your MINI’s paint and interior fresh and clean.
Next, we roll into some exciting club news! We’ve launched a couple of new casual meet-ups:
☕ Second Saturday/Sunday Coffee Runs—because MINIs and caffeine go together like twisty roads and sport mode.
🍦 Third Thursday Ice Cream Runs—because any excuse to drive our MINIs is a good one (and ice cream is a bonus).We also gear up for MINIs On The Dragon (April 30 - May 4), the legendary event where MINIs take on 318 curves in 11 miles. We’ll break down the daily activities in the next few episodes, so stay tuned for all the details on the best drives, meetups, and events.
And finally, we share a heartwarming story of a new MINI owner who didn’t exactly get her car under the best circumstances but had an unforgettable first MINI event experience. Spoiler: The MINI community showed up in a big way, and she left feeling like part of the family.
So buckle up, hit play, and let’s motor into spring together!
As always, Motor Safely, and don’t forget to wave!
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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 electric MINIs—pushing their arrival to the U.S. all the way to 2026 or later. So if you were hoping for a shiny new electric MINI soon, well... you’ve got time to start a whole new hobby while you wait. Meanwhile, 2025 will bring new colors for hardtops, convertibles, and the Countryman, so at least our beloved MINIs will stay fresh while we bide our time. Speaking of the Countryman—rumors are swirling about an off-road version. Intriguing? Yes. Necessary? Debatable. We’re just wondering which brave soul is taking their MINI rock-crawling...
In other news, HelenBlitz wrapped up, and from the looks of the photos, it was an absolute blast! MINIs, Sunshine, and good times—what more could we ask for? We also welcome a new MINI owner who got her first taste of the MINI community and was completely blindsided by the sheer joy (and possibly the amount of MINI waves and honks). Welcome to the madness!
Finally, we take a moment to say goodbye to a longtime Sunshine MINI owner from Florida—a fellow enthusiast who made the community a brighter place. Her MINI spirit will live on in every twisty road and every impromptu MINI parade.
So buckle up, grab your favorite beverage (preferably in a cupholder that actually fits), and join us for another round of MINI madness.
💨 Motor safely, and don’t forget to wave!
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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 20 questions just to figure out what car someone is talking about. And speaking of Facebook groups, say hello to MINI Owners United! It’s the newest, scammer-free, strictly moderated MINI group—finally, a safe haven from the nonsense. If you can’t find it (because Facebook loves to make things difficult), we’ll have the link at The Cooper Cast PodcastFacebook page.
Next up, a MINI convertible owner from the Northeast Ohio MINIacs shared a pic, and spoiler alert—it looks fantastic with those classic-style tail lights. Go check it out on our Facebook page!
Then we roll into event season! Helenblitz is happening right now in Helen, Georgia, and judging by the photos, folks are having an absolute blast. Then there's MINI On The Mack—way up north, but always a crowd-pleaser. And of course, the main event (at least in Dale’s book), MINIs On The Dragon! We chat about plans for podcast coverage and all the fun coming up in Fontana.
And finally, we put the spotlight on this week's Question of the Week: "What are your top THREE favorite MINI motoring songs?" There were some solid picks! (And no, "Who Let the Dogs Out?" did not make the list, despite Producer Kodi’s absence again.)
Tune in, turn it up, and as always—Motor safely and don’t forget to wave!
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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 Oxford to EV production. Turns out, MINI isn’t the only automaker struggling to convince people that electric is the future—at least, not right now.
Speaking of shocking developments—did you ever think you’d hear about a rear-wheel-drive MINI? Yeah, us neither. But apparently, BMW has other ideas, and let’s just say, not all MINI purists are thrilled.
And if that’s not enough automotive chaos for one episode, guess who’s making a comeback? YUGO. Yes, the tiny, often-mocked Eastern European car is set for a revival—just not in the U.S. (which is probably for the best).
Finally, we wrap things up with some East Coast MINI event news, because let’s be honest—you’d rather be out driving than worrying about RWD MINIs or resuscitated Yugos.
Motor safely and don’t forget to wave! 🚗💨👋
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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, scamming someone out of a cool thousand bucks! We break down what happened and how to keep your hard-earned cash safe.
Then, it’s all about the new Oxford Edition MINI—and spoiler alert: this isn’t some stripped-down, bare-bones model. It’s got solid features, a sweet price tag, and might just be one of the best MINI deals around.
Next, we shift gears to big MINI events on the horizon. Helenblitz is next week in Helen, Georgia, bringing MINIs and Bavarian vibes together for a weekend of fun. And then, we’ve got MINIs on the Dragon (April 30 – May 4), where nearly 500 MINIacs and 400 MINIs will take on the legendary Tail of the Dragon—318 curves in just 11 miles! If you like adrenaline and MINIs, this is the place to be.
And of course, we wrap things up with the Cooper Cast Question of the Week:
"You're setting up a MINI run—where are you going and why?" The answers? Everything from epic mountain roads to coastal cruises and twisty backroad adventures.It’s all here in Episode 48, so buckle up, hit play, and let’s motor! As always, motor safely, and don’t forget to wave!🚗💨
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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 designed to separate you from your hard-earned cash.
Dale shares tips and tricks on how to spot these scammers before they get their greasy hands on your wallet (or worse). And in a rare moment, Producer Kodi makes another “speaking” appearance—because even a dog knows these scammers stink!
Stay alert, stay informed, and as always, motor safely, and don’t forget to wave! 🚗✋🐾
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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 at MINI’s 2025 sales projections and—gasp—shift paddles are making a comeback! But before you get too excited, they’re only coming to the Countryman… for now. Finally, MINI’s new round OLED dash display just took home an award—from India, of all places! Looks like MINI’s tech is turning heads worldwide.
All that, packed into a quick, fun-sized episode—because even a MINI podcast should be nimble. Motor safely, and don’t forget to wave! 🚗✌️
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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 covered.
Then, surprise surprise—the much of the social media is still complaining about the new MINI. Some things never change (but will hopefully die down). But is the backlash justified, or are we looking at another New Coke situation? Dale draws some uncanny parallels between MINI’s latest model and the infamous soda flop of the ‘80s.
And for an extra dose of design drama, we have a podcast recommendation that hilariously breaks down how not to design a car. Could there be more lessons for MINI to learn? We’ll let you decide, Cooper Casters!
Tune in for mods, laughs, and a trip down memory lane. Motor safely, and don’t forget to wave! 🚗✌️
Past Gas Podcast featuring the Pontiac Aztec design kerfluffel. Give it a listen, it's rather comical!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkSVAw6gF6Q&list=PLP4Aa4ngFynKUPYYYnl3swxqntlwaIYR4&index=2
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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 did not disappoint.
A huge thanks to everyone who shared their MINI’s name and story! Want to join the fun? Head over to The Cooper CastFacebook page and take part in the next Question of the Week!
Motor safely, and don’t forget to wave! 🚗✌️
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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 suspension upgrades to aesthetic tweaks, we’re running through the mods that take these classic MINIs from cool to “OMG, I need that!” Whether you’re into better handling, faster acceleration, or just making your MINI more FUN we’ve got ideas for you.🐉 MINIs on the Dragon 2025 Update
It’s that time of year again! The 22nd annual MINIs on the Dragon is coming up, bringing MINI enthusiasts to the iconic Tail of the Dragon at Fontana Village, North Carolina. Find out what’s new for this year and why this legendary event is a must for any MINIac. Need details? Head over to minisonthedragon.com.🏔️ West Virginia’s New MINI Club
Big news for Mountaineer state MINI enthusiasts: a new club is forming in Fairmont, WV, led by Zach Baker, a die-hard MINI lover with access to some of the most stunning roads in the region. Whether you’re looking for a group drive through breathtaking mountain scenery or a place to connect with fellow MINIacs, the West Virginia Club MINI is calling your name.Apologies to our loyal listeners—there’s no Question of the Week in this episode. But don’t worry, it’s for a good reason! The Question of the Week has taken on a life of its own and grown so popular that we’ve decided to give it its very own episodes! Starting soon, look for The Cooper Cast Question of the Week episodes to drop on Thursdays or Fridays. We’ll dive deeper into your hilarious, creative, and thoughtful answers and have even more fun exploring all things MINI. Stay tuned for this exciting new addition!"
Plus, our usual dose of humor, MINI wisdom, and Kodi’s unfiltered commentary (when he’s not watching wildlife).Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review! Motor safely, and don’t forget to wave!
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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 runs!
Next, we hit some housekeeping notes, starting with a surprising omission on the new 2025 JCW. Spoiler alert: it’s a big deal—or rather, it’s not big anymore!
We also have a quick chat about the ever-present scammers lurking in the big MINI Facebook groups. Stay vigilant, MINI family!
Finally, we dig into the frustrating motor mount issues with 3rd Gen MINIs. Seems like a lot of us, including yours truly, are replacing those pricey mounts. Ugh!
Motor safely, and don’t forget to wave!
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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 or ready to take it to the next level, we've got you covered.
Next, we gear up for the first big MINI event of the year—Helenblitz in Helen, Georgia, from February 27th to March 2nd. Imagine a Bavarian-themed town overrun by MINIs! It’s as fun as it sounds, and the town loves having us there.
Oh, and a quick shoutout to Producer Kodi, who needed a couple of potty breaks during the recording. Good help is hard to find, but hey, at least he works for treats!
Until next time, Motor safely and don't forget to wave!
Helenblitz info!
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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 context. Annoying? Sure. But we’re here to guide them on how to ask better questions!
We’re tackling the notorious Check Engine Light and the ever-popular “What Tires Should I Buy?” Instead of just answering, we’re offering advice on what details they should include to get the best help. And don’t miss our question of the week from the podcast Facebook group, where we take a humorous spin on motoring refreshments. Plus, big news—we just hit 5,000 downloads! Thanks for motoring with us
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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 Facebook group’s “Road Snack” question of the week, where salty and sweet opinions collide. Spoiler: it’s a buffet of fun insights!
The Pew research poll on EV buyers and their thoughts. I especially thought the political part of the poll was funny.
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/07/13/how-americans-view-electric-vehicles/ -
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 abound. Wrapping it all up, Dale and Kodi wish the MINI motoring family a Merry Christmas and happy motoring! 🎄 -
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 winter, reveal highlights from last week’s Facebook "Question of the Week," and toot our horn (just a little) and celebrate our success with your help with Cooper Cast’s 2024 stats. Thank you for motoring along with us!
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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 MINI event of 2025—Helenblitz! From February 27th to March 2nd, the charming Bavarian themed town of Helen, Georgia, will transform into a MINI mecca. We share what’s in store and why this event is a must-attend for MINI enthusiasts.
And finally, we couldn’t resist sharing the best (and funniest) responses to the questions we asked on the Cooper Cast Podcast Facebook page. MINI owners never disappoint when it comes to laughs and insight!
Join us for a turbo-charged ride through MINI mechanics, events, and community chatter!
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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 sentimental, and we’ll feature a few new tales in every episode for the next several weeks. We also share a top-notch recommendations for your MINI Club's 2025 calendar. Plus, we tease some exciting future content:
Interviews with MINI club officers from across the U.S. and around the globe.A deep dive into the pros and cons of a national MINI club. Is it time for a united MINI Nation? And do we really need it?Buckle up and hit play—there’s plenty to drive into this week!
- Näytä enemmän
