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 parts—should we drive differently? Probably not. Last week’s 'Question of the Week' asks if the new MINI is tech overload—spoiler: opinions abound. Wrapping it all up, Dale and Kodi wish the MINI motoring family a Merry Christmas and happy motoring! 🎄

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 MINI’s battery charged while it’s hibernating for the winter, reveal highlights from last week’s Facebook "Question of the Week," and toot our horn (just a little) and celebrate our success with your help with Cooper Cast’s 2024 stats. Thank you for motoring along with us!

In this week’s 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 2025—Helenblitz! From February 27th to March 2nd, the charming Bavarian themed town of Helen, Georgia, will transform into a MINI mecca. We share what’s in store and why this event is a must-attend for MINI enthusiasts.

And finally, we couldn’t 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!

 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 locks—are 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 we’ll 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 play—there’s plenty to drive into this week!

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 groups—because 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 plate—because who wants holes in their MINI’s 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. It’s 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 talk—yes, 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, it’s 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.

It’s another fun and informative spin with Dale—listen 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

 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 it’s 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.

In this episode, host Dale Blankenship brings you the grand finale of our “Setting Up a Rally” 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 participants—because fun drives are no accident, but accidents... well, that’s another story.

Speaking of which, we kick off part one of “When Bad Things Happen to Good MINIs.” Dale walks you through what to expect if your MINI ever ends up in a fender-bender, from police reports to insurance claims—and why the real world isn’t 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 road—both figuratively and literally.

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 MINI’s 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 it—whether you want to or not!