Episódios
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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: what to consider about tire pressures and whether itâs a smart move (or a mistake) to replace just one tire when the need arises.
It's a short but punchy episode, packed with insights, lessons, and a little preventative care for your beloved MINI.
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In this episode, host Dale Blankenship brings you the grand finale of our âSetting Up a Rallyâ 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 participantsâbecause fun drives are no accident, but accidents... well, thatâs another story.
Speaking of which, we kick off part one of âWhen Bad Things Happen to Good MINIs.â Dale walks you through what to expect if your MINI ever ends up in a fender-bender, from police reports to insurance claimsâand why the real world isnât quite the happy, helpful dreamland you see in insurance company TV ads. Tune in for advice that could save you some serious headaches, plus a few tips that might even keep your insurance agent on their toes.
So grab your favorite two-way, buckle up, and let's hit the roadâboth figuratively and literally.
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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 Dragon event. Along with the loss of a MINI gathering, Dale shifts gears to MINI Facebook groups, where some members could use a crash course in manners.
He then tackles the age-old guessing game of diagnosing car issues based on vague Facebook comments and pictures ("My MINI is making a weird light on, any ideas?"), and warns against following questionable advice on accident repairs. There's a sneak peek the next episode, all about dealing with body shops when your MINIâs taken a hit, and Dale will dish out top-notch tips on detailing your MINI and keeping that paint and interior looking so good you'll practically see your reflection in itâwhether you want to or not!
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In this episode, Dale Blankenship takes the wheel to tackle the most unwanted passengers in the MINI communityâscammers! From bogus parts vendors to fake profiles with more red flags than a race track, weâre giving you the playbook on how to spot these sneaky thieves. But wait, thereâs more! Scammers have upped their game with entire Facebook groups designed to rope you in. Think youâre just joining a fun MINI group? Plot twistâitâs a trap!
Weâll arm you with everything you need to spot the fakes before you find yourself out of pocket and out of patience. So buckle up for a ride filled with practical tips, a few laughs, and Daleâs signature no-nonsense advice.
Tune in, stay scam-proof, and letâs keep the only thing racing being your MINIânot your heart rate when you realize youâve been duped!
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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 âmehâ 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 for both MINIs and BMWs. We continue our rally-planning series with tips on route planning and hotel selection (because sleeping in your car just isnât classy). Plus, we highlight upcoming events from Arkansas to Michigan, offer advice on verifying Facebook group Admins, and share an update on our producer, Kodi-Monster, whoâs healing up after a minor injuryâthough his snuggle game remains strong!
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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 the MINI Community to stay sharp and vigilant. Tune in to learn how to protect yourself from getting ripped off by these online tricksters! And visit The Cooper Cast Podcast Facebook page for more info in spotting and fighting the scammers. Stay safe out there folks!
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Buckle up, folks! In this episode, host Dale Blankenship is back in the driverâs seat, navigating the twists and turns of the MINI world. First on the docket, weâre 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, police patrols are out in force, so keep that lead foot in checkâor you might find yourself with an unplanned pit stop!
Next, we venture back into the wild, wild world of MINI Facebook groups where the advice is as free as it is questionable. Dale's got the scoop on the a couple of the latest eyebrow-raising tips and why you should probably double-check before you follow through on that DIY project.
We're kicking off the first of a multi-part series on planning the perfect run, rally, or drive for your MINI club. Whether youâre looking to be crowned the King or Queen of Motoring or just want to avoid a logistical nightmare, Daleâs got you covered with tips to keep your event running smoother than a freshly waxed MINI.
Weâve got a wrap up from the MINI At The Glen event in New York on October 10. Picture this: 150 MINIs descending on the track at the legendary Watkins Glen International Raceway. If that doesnât rev your engine, we donât know what will!
Weâll also give you a quick teaser for the upcoming MINIs Take Vermont event in October. Spoiler alert: Itâs not just about the fall foliage, though thatâs a nice bonus!
In a more somber note, we bid a fond farewell to a beloved MINI owner who recently lost her courageous battle with cancer. Her legacy and love for all things MINI will forever be a part of our community.
And donât forget to tune in next Tuesday, August 27, for a special episode dedicated to spotting scammers in the MINI Community. Think of it as a crash course in avoiding the sketchy side of the internetâno helmet required.
MINI Run route planning sources;
Blue Ridge Motorcycling Magazine
https://blueridgemotorcyclingmagazine.com/
Road Runner Magazine
https://www.roadrunner.travel/
Motorcycle roads
https://www.motorcycleroads.com/ -
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 straighteningâbecause driving straight is semi important. Then, we spill the beans on our Facebook survey results, revealing what our listeners wish they'd packed for MINI Takes The States 2024 and what items turned out to be less than useful.
Ever debated the pros and cons of car covers? We dive into whether theyâre your carâs best friend or just an overpriced blanket. We also wrap up the 10th annual MINIs Take Mountain Lake in western Virginia, a tire-squealing success organized by the MINI Club of Southwest Virginia and sponsored by Flow MINI of Winston Salem, NC.
And just when you thought we couldn't pack more into this episode, we kick off a brand-new series about setting up a MINI club in your area and organizing runs for your members. If you've ever dreamed of rallying the troops and hitting the open road together, this is the series for you. Buckle up and enjoy the ride with The Cooper Cast!
Car Cover websites:
California Car Cover Co.
https://www.calcarcover.com/
SealSkin Covers
https://sealskincovers.com/
Cover Anything
https://www.coveranything.com/ -
Welcome to Episode 23 of The Cooper Cast Podcast with your host, Dale Blankenship! In this fun-filled episode, weâre 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 stats and numbers from MINI Takes The States 2024. Find out just how many MINIacs joined us for this incredible event. Spoiler: it was a lot! And donât forget to drop a Google review for the places you stayed, dined, and visited along the way. Your quick review can make a big difference for these businesses.
Next, we dive into a hot topic from the MINI groups on Facebook. Seems like those Roadster convertible top back glasses have been causing some headaches by coming loose. Tune in for some insights and advice. And yes, those pesky scammers are at it again. But donât worry, Daleâs got a new Facebook group in the works to help combat these scoundrels. Stay tuned for details on how to join and stay safe online.
We wrap up with a look ahead to the next big MINI event happening in New York! MINI at the Glen is set for August 10 and 11 at the beautiful Watkins Glen International Raceway. Weâve got all the details you need to make the most of this exciting event.
Thanks for joining us for another episode of The Cooper Cast. Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and stay tuned for more MINI adventures!
Motor Safely, and don't forget to wave! -
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 another big thanks to all of the participants, from those that have done them all, to those who were MTTS newbies. This event is all for, and about, YOU. I hope everyone has a safe trip back home. Whether youâre going straight back like we are, or going on to further adventures, I wish nothing but good weather, light traffic, and lots of fun. -
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 canât remember what city heâs 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 the need to use MTTS as their springboard to garnering a ride with a NASCAR or INDY CAR team. Even drawing the attention of MINI USA and getting a much nicer than deserved mention at the morning Rise and Rally announcements.
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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. Todayâs 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 thereâs another podcaster in our midsts that Iâd like to meet. And like I said in a previous episode, thereâs some bad (and dangerous) etiquette when it comes to passing, out there. Use your heads. If youâre going to do some passing, do it safely and smartly. Remember, your actions can reflect poorly on the rest of us.
Until next time, Motor Safely and Donât Forget To Wave! -
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 âroad tripâ like a convoy of little British cars causing stares and minor traffic jambs.
We braved the monotony of the Interstate, where the driving is as exciting as watching paint dry. Thankfully, the boredom was broken by a great departure from the highway to a nice little loop around the Electric something-or-nuther loop. Great twistiest and some cool elevation changes added some excitement in the dayâs drive. While the highway might have been less than spectacular, the mountains we passed through certainly were.
They next two days as well as Tuesday night, are âon your ownâ time. YOU decide what you see and where you go. Itâs all up to you! Just be in Bozeman, Montana for Thursdayâs Rise and Rally.
In the meantime, motor safely, and donât forget to wave! -
Todayâs 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 couldnât have been nicer and there were MINIs everywhere.
We did see one pepper white MINI having a conversation with a law enforcement officer, but hopefully that ended well. We also saw some rather unsafe passing on two lane roads. Hopefully, that doesnât continue in large numbers. And there seems to be a little confusion on where Sundayâs Rise and Rally meets up, but Iâm sure MINI will have folks directing us to the correct locale. Until tomorrow Motor safely, and donât forget to wave! -
Welcome Cooper Casters to the latest edition of the Cooper Cast, where we take you on a wild ride through MINI Takes The States! Iâm 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 this epic adventure from Albuquerqueâs desert vibes to Durangoâs mountain majesties, weâve got it all covered. Think of it as a MINI-coaster ride through Americaâs heartland!
Preview of Tomorrowâs Adventure:
Tomorrow, weâre heading north to Durango, Colorado! Get ready for breathtaking views, winding roads, and probably a lot of quirky roadside attractions that only a MINI adventure can uncover. Buckle up, folks, because the Cooper Cast is just getting warmed up!
Join us every day as we recap the highs, the lows, and the downright hilarious moments from MINI Takes The States. From MINIacs to curious onlookers, everyoneâs invited to join the ride. Stay tuned and keep those engines revving, because the Cooper Cast is your ticket to MINI-mania! Check out the Cooper Cast facebook page for our adventures
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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! đđš
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 snacks, choosing eateries, to things you can do to stay safe, we've got you covered.
So, buckle up, hit play, and get ready to laugh your way through some top-notch rally wisdom. And remember, tune in, tell a friend, motor safely, and donât forget to wave! Because who knows a friendly wave could save the world? -
In this episode of The Cooper Cast podcast, host Dale Blankenship dives into what newbies can expect from MINI Takes The States, a week-long rally from Albuquerque, NM to Seattle, WA. Dale covers everything from the registration process to the Rise and Rally morning gatherings and the excitement of hitting the road each day. This epic road adventure promises unforgettable experiences, and even seasoned MTTSers will find valuable tips to enhance their journey. Whether you're a first-timer or a veteran participant, this episode is packed with insights to ensure you make the most of MINI Takes The States. Whether youâre a first-timer or a rally veteran, this episode is packed with insights to make sure your MINI Takes The States experience is as epic as a road trip montage in a Hollywood movie. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
The Journal we discussed:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/150722043X?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
https://www.stuckonminis.com/
http://www.motoringstripes.com/ -
Join Dale Blankenship on this week's episode of The Cooper Cast Podcast as we continue our journey through MINI Takes The States (MTTS). In this episode, we delve into the wisdom of veteran MTTS attendees who share their experiences and valuable insights on what to pack and what they wish they had brought over the years. Their advice aims to help you enhance your MTTS experience, ensuring you don't miss out on the must-have items. We offer an essential packing list for MTTS to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Insights and practical advice from experienced MTTS participants.
Additionally, we pay tribute to a beloved MTTS attendee who has been a part of the event since its inception. Despite his modest stature, his contributions to the MINI community were immense, and he will be greatly missed.
Tune in to The Cooper Cast Podcast for this heartfelt and informative episode, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable MTTS experience.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Cooper Cast Podcast for more episodes and updates on MINI Takes The States, and all things MINI. Share your own MTTS tips and memories with us on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555704866826
Road Trip Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Road-Trip-Journal-Activity-Book/dp/150722043X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=35M762A859F1S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YKYjtuDm8B6Qy3Aj1hv1VH455Tu8IrRuOh3NrnT3NefNHzeXJAnj8O2mI-wa2LZibncpT0_L8Oa1ZYhl-LdFg9EOdIyO6hiQ4yA1ZS2er1mhvSz4jOupQ5Wt7uv-C-tR4C-A05PRd0TFJX65lzC5xdR7hTadE6YgDTm25xhZlXuIzs3UEAWBxDgvmAPaWk0ohXA9mZ4ru0FE_5g_rncItAezZU88zEuxL0OuV4PAOCD6H_NmUm4-XQ5VN6U6Kcf2KXAXhYzJsJvyiLwDD57x0fVmz7yENSYQPb7FdUQOdRY.Y4AVSNs8l4mZqWznQbM71lQTvzamCddDmTvS8QRrF54&dib_tag=se&keywords=road+trip+journal&qid=1719294176&sprefix=road+trip+journal%2Caps%2C75&sr=8-2
MTTS: http://minitakesthestates.com/
For your MTTS graphics visit StuckonMINIs.com:
https://www.stuckonminis.com/category-s/1931.htm -
Welcome back, MINI enthusiasts, to another jam-packed episode of The Cooper Cast, hosted by yours truly, Dale Blankenship. In this episode, weâre spilling the tea (and maybe some motor oil) on the latest and greatest in the MINI universe.
First up, letâs talk about the new F66 MINI. The three-tone roof option is returning as a US only deal. But itâs not all rainbows and rooftops. Bad news for the US market: weâre saying goodbye to the 3-cylinder engine. RIP, little buddy. On the bright side, the 5-door MINI has been confirmed as returning for 2025! But hold your horsepower; thereâs no JCW version for it. Sad trombone sound. And for those who love a good fashion statement, there's a new Paul Smith edition MINI on the horizon. Details are still under wraps, so stay tuned for more on that stylish ride.
Now, letâs rev our engines and head over to Germany, where the F56 and the new F66 Bulldog prepared racing MINIs took on the 24-hour NĂŒrburgring race. Spoiler alert: they rocked it! Both models zoomed around the track like they had something to proveâand prove it they did.
Meanwhile, back in the States, the Tar Heel MINI Motoring Clubâs Blue Ridge Parkway Tour went off without a hitch last weekend. Scenic drives, great company, and MINI funâwhat more could you ask for? Maybe a perfect weather report, but hey, we can't have it all, but they did!
And for the grand finale, weâve got some pro tips for the new MINI Takes The States (MTTS) participants, courtesy of the MTTS veterans. These seasoned MINI warriors are here to help you navigate the event like a pro, from avoiding packing advice to motoring tips and perfecting your MINI wave.
Thanks for tuning in to Episode 12 of The Cooper Cast. Keep your engines running and your spirits high, and weâll see you next time with more MINI madness. And up to, and probably through, MTTS we'll drop weekly episodes instead of 1st & 3rd Tuesdays.
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