Afleveringen
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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, weâre tackling the big news that MINI USA has decided to play the ultimate waiting game with electric MINIsâpushing 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... youâve 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 Countrymanârumors are swirling about an off-road version. Intriguing? Yes. Necessary? Debatable. Weâre 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 timesâwhat 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 Floridaâa 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.
đ¨ Motor safely, and donât forget to wave!
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It's the big 5-0! No, not miles per hour in a school zoneâEpisode 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! Itâs the newest, scammer-free, strictly moderated MINI groupâfinally, a safe haven from the nonsense. If you canât find it (because Facebook loves to make things difficult), weâll 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 alertâit 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 Mackâway up north, but always a crowd-pleaser. And of course, the main event (at least in Daleâs 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 Kodiâs absence again.)
Tune in, turn it up, and as alwaysâMotor safely and donât forget to wave!
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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This week on The Cooper Cast Podcast, host Dale Blankenship is flying solo again because Producer Kodi isâyep, you guessed itâAWOL. 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 MINIâs decision to delay converting Plant Oxford to EV production. Turns out, MINI isnât the only automaker struggling to convince people that electric is the futureâat least, not right now.
Speaking of shocking developmentsâdid you ever think youâd hear about a rear-wheel-drive MINI? Yeah, us neither. But apparently, BMW has other ideas, and letâs just say, not all MINI purists are thrilled.
And if thatâs not enough automotive chaos for one episode, guess whoâs making a comeback? YUGO. Yes, the tiny, often-mocked Eastern European car is set for a revivalâjust not in the U.S. (which is probably for the best).
Finally, we wrap things up with some East Coast MINI event news, because letâs be honestâyouâd rather be out driving than worrying about RWD MINIs or resuscitated Yugos.
Motor safely and donât forget to wave! đđ¨đ
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The Fun Podcast for You, the MINI Motoring Community!
Scammers, MINIs, and epic drivesâoh 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, theyâve 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, itâs all about the new Oxford Edition MINIâand spoiler alert: this isnât some stripped-down, bare-bones model. Itâs 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, weâve got MINIs on the Dragon (April 30 â May 4), where nearly 500 MINIacs and 400 MINIs will take on the legendary Tail of the Dragonâ318 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 runâwhere are you going and why?" The answers? Everything from epic mountain roads to coastal cruises and twisty backroad adventures.Itâs all here in Episode 48, so buckle up, hit play, and letâs motor! As always, motor safely, and donât forget to wave!đđ¨
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Scammers⌠theyâre like that one fly in your car you just canât 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 arenât just lurking in the commentsâtheyâre 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 âspeakingâ appearanceâbecause even a dog knows these scammers stink!
Stay alert, stay informed, and as always, motor safely, and donât forget to wave! đâđž
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Buckle up, MINIacs! In this Express Episode of The Cooper Cast, host Dale Blankenship takes a quick spin through this weekâs Cooper Cast Question of the Week: "Youâre going on a MINI adventureâwhoâs riding shotgun, living or dead?" The answers did not disappoint, ranging from historical icons to some questionable backseat passengers.
Then, we peek at MINIâs 2025 sales projections andâgaspâshift paddles are making a comeback! But before you get too excited, theyâre only coming to the Countryman⌠for now. Finally, MINIâs new round OLED dash display just took home an awardâfrom India, of all places! Looks like MINIâs tech is turning heads worldwide.
All that, packed into a quick, fun-sized episodeâbecause even a MINI podcast should be nimble. Motor safely, and donât forget to wave! đâď¸
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Buckle up, MINIacs! In this episode of The Cooper Cast, host Dale Blankenship (flying solo without Producer Kodiâprobably 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, weâve got you covered.
Then, surprise surpriseâthe 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 MINIâs latest model and the infamous soda flop of the â80s.
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? Weâll let you decide, Cooper Casters!
Tune in for mods, laughs, and a trip down memory lane. Motor safely, and donât forget to wave! đâď¸
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 weekâs Cooper Cast Question of the Week: Whatâs your MINIâs 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 MINIâs 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 donât forget to wave! đâď¸
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The Cooper Cast Podcast
With host Dale Blankenship and Producer Kodi (if heâs not too distracted by backyard deer antics)In this episode of The Cooper Cast, weâre diving into:
đ¨ Popular Mods for First-Gen MINIs
Weâre talking all about the 2002â2006 hatchbacks (and 2008 convertibles) that sparked the modern MINI revolution. From engine and suspension upgrades to aesthetic tweaks, weâre running through the mods that take these classic MINIs from cool to âOMG, I need that!â Whether youâre into better handling, faster acceleration, or just making your MINI more FUN weâve got ideas for you.đ MINIs on the Dragon 2025 Update
Itâs 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 whatâs new for this year and why this legendary event is a must for any MINIac. Need details? Head over to minisonthedragon.com.đď¸ West Virginiaâs 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 youâre 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 listenersâthereâs no Question of the Week in this episode. But donât worry, itâs for a good reason! The Question of the Week has taken on a life of its own and grown so popular that weâve 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. Weâll 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 Kodiâs unfiltered commentary (when heâs not watching wildlife).Donât forget to subscribe and leave us a review! Motor safely, and donât 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: itâs a big dealâor rather, itâs 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 donât 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. Weâre 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 yearâHelenblitz in Helen, Georgia, from February 27th to March 2nd. Imagine a Bavarian-themed town overrun by MINIs! Itâs 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!
https://helenblitz.com/ -
Hey there, MINI fans! Itâs 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 againâsurprise, surprise!). This week, weâre diving into some of the most persistent questions from the MINI Facebook groups. You know the onesâfolks asking for advice with zero context. Annoying? Sure. But weâre here to guide them on how to ask better questions!
Weâre tackling the notorious Check Engine Light and the ever-popular âWhat Tires Should I Buy?â Instead of just answering, weâre offering advice on what details they should include to get the best help. And donât miss our question of the week from the podcast Facebook group, where we take a humorous spin on motoring refreshments. Plus, big newsâwe 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 brandâs future? Shifting gears, they dive into the Cooper Cast Facebook groupâs âRoad Snackâ question of the week, where salty and sweet opinions collide. Spoiler: itâs 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 partsâshould we drive differently? Probably not. Last weekâs 'Question of the Week' asks if the new MINI is tech overloadâspoiler: opinions abound. Wrapping it all up, Dale and Kodi wish the MINI motoring family a Merry Christmas and happy motoring! đ -
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 MINIâs battery charged while itâs hibernating for the winter, reveal highlights from last weekâs Facebook "Question of the Week," and toot our horn (just a little) and celebrate our success with your help with Cooper Castâs 2024 stats. Thank you for motoring along with us!
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In this weekâs 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 2025âHelenblitz! From February 27th to March 2nd, the charming Bavarian themed town of Helen, Georgia, will transform into a MINI mecca. We share whatâs in store and why this event is a must-attend for MINI enthusiasts.
And finally, we couldnât 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 locksâare 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 weâll 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 playâthereâs plenty to drive into this week!
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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 groupsâbecause 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 clever, no-drill solution for mounting a front license plateâbecause who wants holes in their MINIâs pretty face?
JCW Options
https://www.motoringfile.com/2024/11/22/first-look-new-jcw-accessories-for-the-f66-mini-cooper/
New MINI Convertible
https://www.motoringfile.com/2024/11/19/review-2025-mini-cooper-s-convertible-brings-open-top-experience-to-the-new-mini-line-up/
CravenSpeed Platypus License Bracket
https://www.motoringfile.com/2024/11/19/review-cravenspeed-platypus-license-plate-mount/
CravenSpeed (Lots of good MINI accessories)
https://www.cravenspeed.com/the-platypus-license-plate-mount-2/ -
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 Michigan, Canada, and, of course, the legendary MINIs On The Dragon.
The team shifts gears to chat about the Past Gas podcast's riveting episode on Alec Issigonis, the brilliant mind behind the original Mini. Itâs a fascinating journey into his life, his creative process, and how his ingenuity gave rise to an automotive legend.
Tune in for a mix of MINI updates, event previews, and a hearty dose of history in this episode The Cooper Cast Podcast!
MINIs On The Dragon
https://www.minisonthedragon.com/
Mini On The Mack
https://minionthemack.com/
Mini Takes The Lighthouses
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1527403447912888/
MINI Rendez Vous-Quebec
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2752478088104398/
Past Gas Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/0KhLZruE5HhtmoLAuP0Lu3 -
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 talkâyes, 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 keep us on the road and make motoring more fun!
We run across a MINI owner with a possibly haunted radio. Okay, it's not haunted but it does have a weird problem. Meanwhile, itâs a bittersweet moment as we say goodbye to an icon at MINI USA, tipping our hats to their lasting legacy and the miles they've put on the clock for MINI enthusiasts everywhere.
Finally, we get you prepped for the colder months ahead with a guide to winterizing your MINI. From antifreeze checks to protecting your MINI from the ravages of winter. Dale covers the essentials to make sure your MINI is ready to take on winter weather with confidence.
Itâs another fun and informative spin with Daleâlisten in to get all the details and drive your MINI through winter like a pro!
The Leather Repair Company
https://www.leatherrepaircompany.com/
Glassparency Glass Treatment
https://glassparency.com/pages/hydrophobic-windshield-treatment-with-glass-coating
Tires:
https://www.discounttire.com/
https://www.tirerack.com/content/tirerack/desktop/en/homepage.html - Laat meer zien