The Cooper Cast Podcast

Dale Blankenship
  • 4.9 (17)
  • Automotive

Welcome to "The Cooper Cast," the ultimate hub for MINI enthusiasts! Join us, with your host, Dale Blankenship, as we rev up conversations about the latest models, modifications, essential maintenance, and the thrill of all things MINI. Dive into the world of events, drives, and community participation, embracing the joy of MINI ownership with a fun, light-hearted twist. Let's fuel our passion together for safe, fun motoring experiences that make every MINI adventure unforgettable. Subscribe now and become part of the spirited MINI community on "The Cooper Cast"!

  1. May 28

    Episode 136:From R53 to F66: How We Got Here, MINIs On Top info & the Question of the Week

    Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community, with host Dale Blankenship and a surprisingly well-behaved Producer Kodi, who kept the interruptions, snoring, and snack negotiations to a minimum for this episode. This time around, we pick back up with our ongoing discussion about the state of the MINI brand and where it’s headed. In the last episode, we looked back at the highs and lows of the 1st and 2nd generation MINIs—the cars that built the modern MINI identity while also occasionally testing the patience and bank accounts of owners everywhere. This episode moves the conversation forward into the world of the 3rd generation and the new 4th generation MINIs. Dale talks about how the cars evolved, what MINI got right, what changed along the way, and why opinions on the newest generation are all over the map depending on who you ask. All of this is laying the groundwork for future episodes centered around new MINI design chief Holger Hampf and the ideas he’s bringing to the table for the future of the brand. Could MINI be steering back toward a more enthusiast-focused direction? That’s exactly what we’ll continue exploring. Then we shift gears and talk about one of the coolest MINI events Dale has ever attended: the 24th annual MINIs On Top, held in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. Great roads, amazing scenery, and a long-running tradition make this one a standout event in the MINI world, and we give listeners a preview of what makes it so special. And of course, we wrap things up with the always entertaining Cooper Cast Question of the Week. While it’s fair to say not everyone completely understood the assignment this time around… the responses were still entertaining, insightful, and very much on-brand for the MINI community. It’s another episode full of MINI history, future speculation, community events, and the fun chaos that keeps The Cooper Cast rolling. Motor safely… and don’t forget to wave! 🚗🐾 MINIs On Top Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/minisontop

    29 min

  2. May 21

    Episode 135:Rediscovering the MINI Community and Looking Back to Move Forward

    Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community, with host Dale Blankenship and faithful sidekick Producer Kodi, once again helping oversee operations at Cooper Cast HQ. This episode starts with a story that perfectly captures something Dale has talked about for years: a new MINI owner accidentally discovered the real MINI community. Until recently, she thought MINI ownership pretty much started and ended with the massive global Facebook groups. She had no idea there was an entire world beyond that—local clubs, regional rallies, weekend meetups, scenic drives, multi-day events, and genuine friendships built around these quirky little cars. It was like discovering an entirely new side of MINI ownership. And honestly? More people need to discover it too. From there, we shift gears into something much bigger for the future of the brand. MINI Global has a new design chief, Holger Hampf, and the ideas he’s discussing for MINI’s future have enthusiasts paying very close attention. In fact, it sounds like someone at MINI may finally be speaking the language of the enthusiasts again. That leads us into the beginning of a new multi-part series where we look back at: where MINI has been,where it is today,where Hampf seems to want to take it,and whether those ideas could actually become reality.In this first installment, Dale takes a fond—and honest—look back at the 1st and 2nd generation BMW-era MINIs. The highs, the lows, the personality, the problems, and why both generations still hold such a strong place in the hearts of enthusiasts despite their flaws. And in the next episode, we’ll continue the journey into the world of the 3rd and 4th generation MINIs, exploring how the brand evolved, where it improved, and where some owners think it may have lost its way. It’s another episode filled with MINI passion, community insight, nostalgia, and a thoughtful look at where this beloved little brand could be headed next. Motor safely… and don’t forget to wave! 🚗🐾 Gigagears story on Holgar Humpf https://gigagears.com/minis-design-revolution-holger-hampfs-vision-for-the-future/

    21 min

  3. May 15

    Untitled Episode 134 – Dragon Rookie Question of the Week and a MINI that didn't wanna play well. 😄

    Episode 134 – Dragon Rookie Question of the Week and a MINI that didn't wanna play well.  😄 This time around, Host Dale Blankenship and Producer Kodi dive into another great Question of the Week and hear some fantastic stories from Cooper Casters about their very first trip to the Dragon — whether it happened this year or more than 20 years ago. From nervous first runs to unforgettable mountain memories, the responses really capture what makes the Dragon experience so special. Then we shift gears into the story of one determined Dragon Slayer who just could not catch a break this year. Mechanical problems? Oh yeah… and plenty of them. But when things went sideways, the MINI community stepped up in a HUGE way. From roadside rescues to parts, rides, trailers, troubleshooting, and moral support, this story perfectly captures what the MINI family is really all about. Trust us… you’re gonna want to hear this one. Don't forget, Motor Safely and Don't Forget To Wave!

    28 min

  4. May 12

    Episode 133: What’s New at MINI? Well… Sort Of, & the first of some "feel good" stories

    Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community, with host Dale Blankenship and a surprisingly quiet, well-behaved Producer Kodi, who chose professionalism over chaos for this episode… at least temporarily. This week, we take a look at the latest announcements coming from MINI Global, as MINI boss Jean-Philippe Parainlays out plans for the MINI lineup heading into 2026 and beyond. The interesting part? There’s technically no real new news… but somehow, there kind of is. Dale breaks down what was said, what wasn’t said, and what MINI enthusiasts should be reading between the lines as the brand continues navigating changing markets, drivetrains, and customer expectations. Then we shift gears into something a little more meaningful as MINIs On The Dragon wraps up and the feel-good stories start rolling in. Because while the Dragon is famous for twisty roads, beautiful scenery, and endless MINI fun, events like this are also reminders of what makes the MINI community truly special. It’s not just about the cars. It’s about people helping people. Whether it’s lending a hand during a rough moment, rallying around someone having a bad weekend, or simply showing kindness when things go sideways, these stories remind us that the MINI community is built on far more than just motoring. It’s another episode filled with MINI talk, community spirit, and a reminder of why so many of us keep coming back to these little cars—and the people behind the wheel. Motor safely… and don’t forget to wave! 🚗🐾 Motoring File's story On the new MINI line up.  https://www.motoringfile.com/2026/05/06/minis-new-boss-says-the-lineup-is-set-what-he-does-next-will-matter-more/ Tarantas News' story on the MINI line up.  https://tarantas.news/en/posts/id27535-mini-keeps-lineup-at-five-expands-jcw-and-custom-options

    13 min

  5. May 6

    Episode 132: Dragon Tales and QotW Shenanigans

    Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community, with host Dale Blankenship and Producer Kodi, who has finally recovered from his recent pharmaceutical adventures and resumed his important supervisory duties around Cooper Cast HQ. This episode serves as a general wrap-up of another successful MINIs On The Dragon, one of the most iconic gatherings in the MINI community. Dale shares observations from the event, some of the highlights, the atmosphere, the people, and why events like this continue to be such an important part of MINI culture. From first-timers to long-time Dragon veterans, there’s just something special about getting hundreds of MINI owners together on some of the best driving roads in the country.   Then it’s time once again for the always entertaining Cooper Cast Question of the Week, where the Cooper Casters prove yet again that they can be thoughtful, hilarious, insightful, and completely unpredictable—sometimes all in the same answer. Whether you attended MINIs On The Dragon, followed along online, or just enjoy hearing about the MINI community doing what it does best, this episode has a little something for everyone. It’s another relaxed, community-focused episode filled with stories, laughs, and MINI enthusiasm from beginning to end. Motor safely… and don’t forget to wave! 🚗🐾

    20 min

  6. Apr 27

    Episode 131:The 1499 GT and a MINI Comeback Story, or is it a come back to MINI Story?

    Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community, with host Dale Blankenship… and Producer Kodi, who is technically present but once again leaving the heavy lifting to Dale. In this episode, we kick things off with a look at a truly obscure MINI edition that most people have probably never even heard of—the MINI 1499 GT. It’s one of those limited-run models that flew under the radar for many, but has a unique place in MINI history. Dale breaks down what it is, why it exists, and why it’s actually a pretty cool piece of MINI trivia. Then we get into a story that a lot of MINI owners will find both relatable and entertaining. The wife of a long-time MINI owner, someone who’s had MINIs in the family for decades, found herself a little… disillusioned. Why? Because her second-gen MINI suddenly became unreliable.   So, like many have done, she decided to step away from the brand. But that’s not where the story ends. After a conversation with Dale about just how much MINI reliability has improved in the newer generations, she decided to give the brand another shot—and just like that, she’s back behind the wheel of a MINI. It’s a funny, honest, and ultimately feel-good story about expectations, perception, and how far these cars have come. And of course, we wrap things up with a quick addendum to the story—because with MINI ownership, there’s always one more twist. Another episode full of MINI knowledge, community stories, and the kind of conversations you only get here. Motor safely… and don’t forget to wave! 🚗🐾 The 1499 GT edition MINI https://www.evo.co.uk/mini/mini https://www.motortrend.com/news/2021-mini-cooper-1499-gt-special-edition

    18 min

  7. Apr 21

    Episode 130:Red Lines, Foot-in-Mouth Moments, and Motoring Plans

    Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community, with host Dale Blankenship… who’s working hard this episode, while Producer Kodi is once again asleep on the job. And just to make matters worse, HR has reviewed the situation and is firmly on Kodi’s side, so don’t expect any disciplinary action anytime soon. In this episode, we kick things off with a look at the new MINI Red Line Edition. Is it a cool, fresh take on the MINI lineup… or just more of the same with a different set of stripes? Dale breaks it down and lets you decide where you land. Then, in true Cooper Cast fashion, Dale manages to plant his foot squarely in his mouth during a visit to a local MINI dealer. But as it turns out, sometimes those moments lead to the best conversations. What starts off a little awkward turns into a genuinely insightful and informative exchange, proving that even a misstep can turn into something worthwhile. From there, we shift into event season mode, highlighting several upcoming MINI events where you can get out, hit the road, and do what these cars were meant for—motoring. Whether you’re looking for a quick run or a full-blown multi-day adventure, there’s plenty on the calendar to keep you busy. It’s another episode full of MINI talk, real-world moments, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Motor safely… and don’t forget to wave! 🚗🐾  MINI Redline Edition https://www.miniusa.com/model/special-editions/red-line.html https://www.motoringfile.com/2026/04/08/the-mini-red-line-edition-new-details-pricing-and-our-take/ Crown MINI, Richmond, VA https://www.crownmini.com/

    20 min

  8. Apr 15

    Episode 129: Group Questions, a One-of-One MINI, and Event teaser Updates

    Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community, with host Dale Blankenship and Producer Kodi, back on duty and ready to dig into another round of MINI chatter. This episode kicks off with a walk through the MINI Facebook groups, where the questions keep coming—fast, furious, and sometimes very familiar. Some are brand new, others have been floating around since the early days, but Dale and Kodi grab a handful and break them down with real-world advice to help fellow MINIacs sort through the noise. Then… we get into something seriously special. We’re talking about what might just be the most unique MINI ever built—a true one-of-one, hand-built JCW Convertible, created specifically for a mystery buyer right here in the U.S. Every detail custom. Every option carefully chosen. No duplicates. No second chances. It’s the kind of car that sparks questions like: Who ordered it?What’s actually different?And how far can MINI really go when they decide to build something this special?It’s rare. It’s exclusive. And yeah… it’s got the whole MINI community talking. We also officially close out registration for MINIs On The Dragon, as one of the biggest events of the year is right around the corner. And before we wrap up, we drop a few hints about upcoming MINI events you’ll want to keep on your radar—because the calendar is starting to fill up fast. It’s another episode packed with insight, community, and a little bit of MINI mystery. Motor safely… and don’t forget to wave! 🚗🐾 MINI Wind deflectors https://windrestrictor.com/windrestrictor/windrestrictor-convertibles/mini-cooper-r52/windscreen-windblocker-graphics-lighting-accessories.html https://www.cabriosupply.com/wind-deflectors https://www.lovethedrive.com/catalog/Mini/Mini-convertible-from-2016-to-2020-wind-deflector https://www.cravenspeed.com/convertible-wind-deflector/ Super Special Edition MINI https://www.motoringfile.com/2026/04/07/custom-mini-jcw-convertible-and-a-glimpse-of-minis-bespoke-future/ https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a70986687/one-of-one-mini-cooper-jcw-convertible/

    23 min
See All (136)

4.9
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Welcome to "The Cooper Cast," the ultimate hub for MINI enthusiasts! Join us, with your host, Dale Blankenship, as we rev up conversations about the latest models, modifications, essential maintenance, and the thrill of all things MINI. Dive into the world of events, drives, and community participation, embracing the joy of MINI ownership with a fun, light-hearted twist. Let's fuel our passion together for safe, fun motoring experiences that make every MINI adventure unforgettable. Subscribe now and become part of the spirited MINI community on "The Cooper Cast"!

Information

  • Creator
    Dale Blankenship
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    136
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Cooper Cast Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Cooper Cast Podcast

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