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 vibe that used to make this community so unique.

But here's the good news—this episode isn’t just a rant. It’s a reset.

Dale breaks down some of the best, most constructive responses from the conversation—no drama, no egos, just real talk from real MINI owners who still believe in what this community can be. And in a rare bit of podcast vulnerability, Dale reflects on a five-year rift with the leader of the Delmarva MINI group. She once offered an apology and an explanation—and Dale, being a bit stubborn at the time, chose not to accept it. But in this episode, he admits he was wrong for that. Because sometimes, it’s not about being right—it’s about doing right.

This one’s a little bumpy, a little raw, but full of heart. Because the love for MINI is still strong—it just needs a little maintenance now and then.

🎙️ 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. Ignace, MI. Whether you’re scaling mountains or crossing bridges, both events promise big fun, big MINI energy, and unforgettable memories!

We also share a quick but helpful tip for MINI owners who hang out in Facebook groups—because sometimes, the best way to get good answers is to ask better questions. Help us help you, folks!

And of course, we couldn’t leave out the always unpredictable Cooper Cast Question of the Week, where Dale reads listener responses unedited and usually fumbles the delivery more times than a second-gen MINI is headed to the dealer on a flatbed. 😆

Upstate MINIs

https://www.facebook.com/groups/39264056838

MINI Rendez Vous 2025 Quebec

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2752478088104398

MINI Club Quebec

https://www.clubminicapitale.ca/

MINI On Top

https://www.minisontop.org/

MINI On The Mack

https://minionthemack.com/

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 Dale gives us a masterclass in how not to read answers to the question! It’s part information, part comedy… and all MINI.

Wheel Spacer info from Bimmer World.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK0bzjInqWU

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 MINIs that—according to recent recalls—might be just a little too lit for comfort. 🔥

We wrap things up by looking at the sales success of BMW’s new M5 Touring wagon, which is outselling its sedan sibling in the U.S. So naturally, Dale asks the hard-hitting question: Did MINI give up on the Clubman too soon? (Spoiler: Probably.)

All that, plus a few chuckles, some MINI trivia, and a light reminder that being weird is what makes MINIs great.

Paceman

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/autos-suvs/does-minis-silliest-car-make-more-sense-now-that-its-a-performance-bargain/ar-AA1EYIgm

JCW Hatch with twin tail pipes?

https://www.dailyrevs.com/listings/2025-mini-john-cooper-works-icy-sunshine-blue

EV MINI issues:

https://cnevpost.com/2025/05/30/bmw-china-venture-recalls-70-electric-minis/

BMW hot selling M5 Touring Wagon and the demise of the Clubman.

https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a64907204/bmw-m5-touring-station-wagon-take-rate-versus-sedan-united-states/

 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 "Cooper Casters." Fair warning—Dale’s voice sounds a little like a gravel driveway this week thanks to a scratchy throat, so bear with him as he powers through. Producer Kodi skipped out (probably chasing a phantom Amazon truck), but Program Director Chassie is snoring peacefully nearby, keeping morale high. She’s hanging in there, and we’re soaking up every sweet moment with her. So grab your favorite MINI mug and join us—because even when the voice is rough, the MINI content is smooth.

 
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 week’s main topic — the real-world perks of joining your local MINI club.
From driveway DIY sessions to coffee runs and lifelong friendships, this is the heart of what makes the MINI community more than just a bunch of cars with attitude.

We wrap things up with a little bit of Cooper Cast housekeeping:

• A round of applause (and maybe a sarcastic goodbye) to auto start/stop, the most hated feature in modern cars, now heading for the history books. Thanks EPA, you came through on that one!
• A look at some upcoming events in the Northeast (yes, we see you New Hampshire and New York).
• And a teaser for future podcast segments you won’t want to miss.

So buckle up, wave at your fellow MINIacs, and let’s get into it.

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 pressure tips to simple checks under the hood, Dale covers the kind of stuff that new MINI owners might not know—and some longtime owners might need a refresher on. It’s a laid-back episode packed with practical advice and a little bit of industry insight. Give it a listen and make sure your MINI is running as smooth as your Spotify playlist. And of course, Producer Kodi had a speaking part and Program Director Chassie snored through most of the recording. 

Here's the link to Pat McKenna's interview with White Roof Radio. 

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=288315625146262

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, and the camaraderie was as strong as ever. If you weren’t there, don’t worry—we’ll make you feel like you were… and maybe convince you to circle your calendar for 2026. We also veer off the Dragon briefly to talk Audi’s latest move: same name, different game, as they shift gears toward an all-electric for their new "sub brand" future under a bold new style. It’s a packed episode filled with memories, motors, and maybe a little muttering from Kodi.

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 take a quick cruise through the MINIs On The Dragon website and share a couple of handy tips and tricks that’ll help you squeeze even more fun out of your Dragon adventure. If you're heading to the Dragon this year, you're gonna want to catch this!

And as always, we wrap things up with the Cooper Cast Question of the Week straight from the Facebook group. We had an awesome batch of responses this week — funny, thoughtful, and everything in between. (Remember: Dale reads your answers exactly as you wrote them... so buckle up for some entertaining moments!)

It's another jam-packed ride — so hop in, buckle up, and let’s motor!

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.