The Cooper Cast Podcast

In this episode of The Cooper Cast, host Dale Blankenship and a live mic from Producer Kodi hit the Facebook MINI groups once again — where the content is endless and the fun is always idling nearby. We ask: do we really need that many MINI groups? Spoiler: probably not, but we love 'em anyway.

• We discover a Florida shop that’s wrapping MINIs in... tweed. Actual tweed. Because why not add texture to your torque?
• We highlight...

This week on The Cooper Cast with host Dale Blankenship, we start things off with a surprise guest — Ram Trucks. That’s right. Ram dropped the Hemi, fans got mad, and guess what? Ram listened. So we ask the question: Should MINI be paying attention? Even though sales are strong for the new Countryman and 4-Door Hatch, some longtime MINIacs still aren’t sold on the new look and feel.

Then, we shift gears into something Dale...

with host Dale Blankenship

This week on The Cooper Cast, Dale dives headfirst back into the wonderfully chaotic world of Facebook MINI groups — where the comments are wild, the opinions are strong, and the drama never takes a day off.

• We revisit the MINI club drama discussion and check in on this week’s Cooper Cast Question of the Week. Not many replies this time, but hey — they were solid. From tips on avoiding the drama ll...

This week on The Cooper Cast, we dive into the swirling vortex that is the MINI Cooper Facebook universe. Dale and Producer Kodi (yes, he speaks!) sort through posts and questions that are on the minds of MINIacs everywhere.

• Thinking about switching from 205 to 215 tires? We break down the pros, the cons, and why those extra millimeters might just be your MINI’s new best friend.
• Run Flats vs. Conventional Tires — a battle as old ...

One Facebook post. That’s all it took to pop the lid off something that’s been simmering in the MINI Community for a while. In Episode 70, Dale dives head-first into the thread that opened the floodgates—and what poured out was surprising, enlightening, and in many ways, long overdue.

Turns out, plenty of longtime MINIacs and newer owners have been quietly feeling the same thing: cliques forming, clubs splitting, and a shift in the ...

🎙️ The Cooper Cast Podcast – Episode 69
Hosted by Dale Blankenship

In this episode, Dale wraps up his road trip adventure of his speaking engagement at the Upstate MINIs monthly meeting in Greenville, SC, and gives a report on  the MINI Rendez Vous Quebec gathering held back in May. 🇨🇦

Then it’s on to some previews of two of the most iconic events in the MINIverse—MINIs On Top at Mt. Washington, NH, and MINI On The Mack in St....

In this episode of The Cooper Cast Podcast, host Dale Blankenship is joined by Program Director Chassie (riding shotgun as always, and keeping the studio safe from squirrels). We dive deep into the mysterious world of wheel spacers—are they a brilliant handling upgrade or just a one-way ticket to trouble? Tune in to find out the good, the bad, and the possibly sketchy. Plus, we roll out the Cooper Cast Question of the Week, where D...

In this week’s episode of The Cooper Cast, host Dale Blankenship kicks things off with a heartfelt (and slightly sarcastic) nod to the MINI Paceman—the quirky coupe/SUV/wagon-ish thing that never quite knew what it wanted to be, but we loved it anyway.

Then we dive into some wild stuff from the world wide inter-MINI-webs, like automotive journalists who clearly copy-pasted their way through “MINI 101,” and those Chinese-built EV MIN...

 In Episode 66 of The Cooper Cast Podcast, host Dale Blankenship dives back into the chaotic charm of Facebook MINI groups to uncover some of the most frequently asked—and occasionally baffling—questions that keep popping up. From the helpful to the hilarious, Dale shares four common posts and offers his take on each one. We also tackle the Cooper Cast Question of the Week from the Facebook page, with plenty of great input from the...

 
Episode 65 hosted by Dale Blankenship with silent side-eye from Producer Kodi 🐾

This week on The Cooper Cast, we kick things off with the Cooper Cast Question of the Week:
“What’s the best reason to join your local MINI club or group instead of just sticking to the giant global Facebook groups?”
You all had plenty to say — and spoiler alert: it’s not just about the stickers and swag.

That leads us perfectly into this ...

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!

Then we pivot into some good old-fashioned MINI maintenance talk. From tire pre...

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 the Dragon and other roads. The weather cooperated (mostly), the runs were exciting, a...

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 to snag the top spot. Not bad for a small car with a giant personality!

Then, we tak...

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 di...

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...

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’l...

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...

 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...

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 dese...