Afleveringen
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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 alert: they’re not bringing any cars to the floor. That’s right—not a single MINI on display. We break down why that might not be as wild as it sounds, and what it says about MINI's marketing game in 2025.
Next, we shine the spotlight on some killer new MINI graphics spotted in South Carolina—these things are slick, bold, and definitely worth a peek. Want to see what we’re talking about? Head over to the Cooper Cast Podcast Facebook page to check out the pics!
Then we revisit a recent Question of the Week from the community—because hey, catching up is what this episode’s all about. And finally, we tease a clever little trick from our buddy Barry Patascher on how to still enjoy those popular group drives even if you didn’t get a spot. It’s a slick little workaround… but you’ll have to tune in next week for the details.
So buckle up, laugh a little, and enjoy the ride—this is The Cooper Cast.
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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 still plenty to see, do, and experience as MINIacs from all over squeeze every last bit of joy out of this one-of-a-kind event. From farewell runs through the twisties to final To a car show, raffles, and The Farewell Dinner! The closing day of the Dragon doesn’t coast to a stop—it motors all the way through the finish line.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Dragon slayer, there’s always something a little bittersweet about that last day... and we’re here to help you savor it.
MINIs On The Dragon
https://www.minisonthedragon.com/
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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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 broken pistons, bent rods, the whole mechanical horror show. But don’t worry—we’ll tell you how to avoid this evil little gremlin and keep your MINI motoring safely.
Then we cruise into the Friday, May 2 happenings of MINIs On The Dragon—and oh boy, are there a lot. We’ve got 14 different MINI drives, Dragon Bingo, and enough events to make your calendar wave a white flag. Whether you’re a speed freak, scenery lover, or just there for the MINI mayhem, there’s literally something for everyone on Friday. And if you're not there for the roads, well… there’s always the people-watching, and MINIS!
So buckle up, listen in, and get ready for a blend of serious engine talk and full-throttle fun.
MINIs On The Dragon:
https://www.minisonthedragon.com/2025-schedule.php
Royal Purple Oil article on LSPI:
https://www.royalpurple.com/what-is-lspi/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJpX7tleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHql_hZLMK8CH9KgO_6oDW_5VHmpl2BmWWCRnZIu9OfWMjarwg7TtmkrIIQp4_aem_GM0DNlW8IkMRK03zAejpjA
Detroit Tuned:
https://www.detroittuned.com/
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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 Chad Miller from Detroit Tuned to help break it all down and explain why the right octane isn’t just a number—it’s a performance decision.
Then we roll into Day Two of MINIs On The Dragon, where Thursday is jam-packed with action. We're talking 14separate runs, plus some non-driving events, including the can't-miss, possibly-a-little-hazy Dragon Cabin Crawl. If you're going, pace yourself—it’s a marathon, not a sprint (unless you're chasing a cabin with cookies).
Whether you’re a first-time Dragon slayer or just wondering if premium fuel is worth the price, this episode’s got the goods.
Special thanks to Chad Miller from Detroit Tuned.
https://www.detroittuned.com/
MINIs On the Dragon
https://www.minisonthedragon.com/
Cooper Cast Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555704866826
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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 be “that guy” on the Tail. From two-way radios to tire pressures, we’re covering all the things you’ll be glad you knew before hitting the twisties. Spoiler: comfy shoes and a sense of humor are highly encouraged.
Then it’s time for this week’s Cooper Cast Question of the Week:
👉 “What is the one thing you wish all new MINI owners knew?”
Dale reads your answers—uncut, unfiltered, and with only mild pronunciation regrets. If you like hearing your name mispronounced in front of a global audience, you know what to do: head over to The Cooper Cast Facebook Page and drop your answer for next time!It’s another episode filled with laughs, love for the MINI community, and helpful info to make your next MINI adventure unforgettable.
MINIs On The Dragon:
https://www.minisonthedragon.com/
Buy Two-Way Radios
https://www.buytwowayradios.com/consumer.html
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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 created equal! We break down what “Top Tier” gas really means and why your MINI deserves the good stuff—don’t feed it junk!
And with MINIs on the Dragon right around the corner, we chat about Dragon prep. A little maintenance at home saves you from being the sad MINI on the sidelines while your friends are carving up the curves. Get your MINI ready now—your future self will thank you! 🚗💨🐉
Top Tier Fuel info:
https://www.toptiergas.com/
MINIs On The Dragon:
https://www.minisonthedragon.com/
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The Cooper Cast Podcast – Episode 55
Hosted by Dale Blankenship, with mascots Producer Kodi and HR Manager ChassieThis 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 unfiltered, so buckle up—it’s a crapshoot, but a hilarious one.
Next, we bring fantastic news for those who love the sound of a good ol’ internal combustion engine. MINI had once declared they’d be all electric by 2030, but guess what? They’ve had a change of heart! Gas-powered MINIs aren’t going anywhere for at least a few more decades. That’s right, folks—our beloved burbling exhaust notes live on!
But it’s not all good news—EV MINI owners, listen up. There’s a scary recall on some electric MINIs due to a potential battery defect. Apparently, under the wrong circumstances, your MINI could decide to spontaneously audition as a Roman candle. Not exactly the kind of hot hatch experience we want. We break down what you need to know and how to stay safe.
And finally, a little celebration—Cooper Cast hit #158 out of over 6,000 automotive podcasts on Apple’s rankings last week! Not too shabby! Huge thanks to all the Cooper Casters out there for listening, sharing, and keeping this show rolling.
Motor safely, and don’t forget to wave!
MINI Recall website:
https://www.miniusa.com/owners/tools-support/recall.html
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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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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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