Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, broadcasting once again from Cooper Cast HQ with host Dale Blankenship and an ailing—but still on duty—Producer Kodi, proving that the show must go on… preferably with snacks and naps.

In this episode, we start by talking through some early plans for 2026 for the Hampton Roads club MINI group. These are ideas that are working, scaling well, and might be worth borrowing for other growing MINI clubs looking to strengthen participation, keep members engaged, and build something sustainable instead of just chasing numbers.

Next up, Dale shares an unlikely—but surprisingly smart—source for MINI rally and drive ideas: motorcycle magazines. When you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Riders love the same twisty roads we do, they obsess over scenery and elevation changes, and they’ve been documenting great routes for decades. Sometimes inspiration comes from looking just outside the car world.

Then we bring it home by wrapping up Part 3 of our MINI Community series, tying together the conversation about how massive global Facebook groups can unintentionally pull focus away from what truly defines the MINI experience. Dale closes the loop on why local clubs matter, how they create deeper connections, real friendships, and shared memories—and why being involved close to home is often far more rewarding than being one name among tens of thousands online.

This episode puts a bow on a thoughtful three-part discussion while still leaving listeners with ideas, encouragement, and a reminder of what makes the MINI community special in the first place.

Motor safely… and don’t forget to wave! 🚗🐾

Motorcycle Magazines:

Road Runner Magazine

https://www.roadrunner.travel/

Blue Ridge Motorcycling Magazine (Could that be any longer?). LOL

https://blueridgemotorcyclingmagazine.com/

Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, with host Dale Blankenship and an under-the-weather (but still supervising) Producer Kodi, who bravely powered through despite feeling a little rough.

We kick things off with a look at slowing EV sales and what that means for MINI, including a significant production shift involving the Countryman EV. Dale shares perspective on what’s happening in the broader market, why automakers are adjusting plans, and how this could impact MINI owners and future buyers alike.

Next up is the always-popular Cooper Cast Question of the Week, and this time the focus is on New Year’s MINI Motoring resolutions. From maintenance promises to driving goals (and a few optimistic intentions), the community once again delivers a mix of practical, funny, and very on-brand responses.

Then we dive back into the heart of our ongoing discussion about the MINI community conundrum. In Episode 108, we talked about how massive global MINI Facebook groups can unintentionally pull members away from local clubs. In this episode, we zoom out and explore how that shift affects the MINI community as a whole—from participation and leadership to local events, relationships, and the long-term health of grassroots MINI culture.

If you haven’t listened to Episode 108 yet, we strongly recommend starting there. It sets the foundation for this conversation and helps the community-focused segments flow together the way they’re intended.

It’s a thoughtful, honest episode that blends industry news, community voices, and a deeper look at where MINI culture may be headed.

Motor Safely and Don't Forget To Wave!

MotoringFile EV Countryman story

https://www.motoringfile.com/2025/12/30/how-mini-stepped-back-from-its-all-electric-promise-in-2025/

Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, with host Dale Blankenship and his ever-watchful sidekick, Kodi Monster, holding down the studio and the snack budget.

This episode starts where so many MINI conversations begin these days: Facebook groups. Dale shares some of the things we regularly see floating around in MINI groups — good advice, questionable advice, repeated myths, and the occasional head-scratcher that reminds us why context and experience still matter.

From there, we shift into something a little more fun and far less controversial: a new taillight option that caught Dale’s eye, coming from a YouTube-channel friend of the podcast. It’s always good to highlight creative folks in the MINI space who are bringing new ideas, new products, and fresh enthusiasm to the community.

Then we dig into the heart of the episode with Part 1 of a three-part series looking at how large, global MINI Facebook groups may be giving new MINI owners a misleading picture of what MINI ownership — and the MINI community — is really about. Dale begins unpacking how that first impression can shape expectations, influence behavior, and, in some cases, unintentionally pull people away from their local MINI clubs, where the real connections, friendships, and shared experiences often happen.

This is the foundation-setting episode — thoughtful, honest, and focused on the long-term health of the MINI community as a whole. If you care about where the MINI culture is headed, this is one you’ll want to hear… and Part 2 is right around the corner.

Motor safely… and don’t forget to wave! 🚗🐾

Car Creations YouTube Channel-MINITaillight episode

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rlxpejt2IXc&t=409s