The Cooper Cast Podcast

Jul 22 2024 2
The Cooper Cast Podcast artwork

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"!

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Episode 22: That’s a wrap! MTTS 2024 is in the record books. What a great finish.

Jul 22 2024 14 mins  
MINI Takes The States is over for another year! What a great finish to a great event. Even though the run from Yakima to Seattle was the shortest, it was one of my all-time favorites. The roads, the scenery, the MINIs, all were amazing. Thanks to every single person from MINI and their support staff, that helped make the event so memorable. And another big thanks to all of the part

Episode 21; Another epic MTTS drive, MINI Roadside techs rock and passing is still an issue.

Jul 21 2024 14 mins  
Welcome back to The Cooper Cast for Episode 21 and Day 8 of this adventure. Your host Dale Blankenship wraps up the awesome drive from Spokane to Yakima, even though he can’t remember what city he’s in from time to time. MINI USA and the Roadside Assistance Crew, get some well deserved kudos for their work, and yes, some of the attendees still feel the need to use MTTS as their

EPISODE 20: MTTS Bozeman to Missoula to Spokane, problems with our JCW, neat routes and bad passing.

Jul 19 2024 10 mins  
Welcome to episode 20 of The Cooper Cast, the fun podcast for the MINI Motoring Community, with host Dale Blankenship. In this episode we catch up on the last two legs from Bozeman to Missoula to Spokane. Today’s route up to Spokane was probably my favorite of the entire event. Our JCW is being a little bit of a pain, but seems okay for now. I hear there’s another podcaster in

Episode 19; MTTS Day 3 Grand Junction to Salt Lake City. Nice route, sucky traffic and a pretty cool evening get-together.

Jul 15 2024 7 mins  
Episode 19;In this episode of the Cooper Cast, your illustrious host, Dale Blankenship gives us a warp up on Day 3 of MTTS with 600+ MINIs and over 1000 MINI owners head out of Grand Junction Colorado headed up to Salt Lake City, Utah. Because nothing says “road trip” like a convoy of little British cars causing stares and minor traffic jambs. We braved the monotony of the Inte

Episode 18; MTTS DAY 2 Durango to Grand Junction and Day 3 to Salt Lake City.

Jul 15 2024 3 mins  
More motoring adventure from MTTS 2024

Episode 17; MTTS wrap-up from Durango,CO

Jul 13 2024 7 mins  
Today’s episode comes to you from beautiful downtown Durango, Colorado. After motoring along, following the official MINI Takes The States route sheet, we arrived in Durango. The roads were great, the weather couldn’t have been nicer and there were MINIs everywhere. We did see one pepper white MINI having a conversation with a law enforcement officer, but hopefully that ended w

Episode 16; MTTS Registration Day, and getting scared on the Tram!

Jul 12 2024 11 mins  
Welcome Cooper Casters to the latest edition of the Cooper Cast, where we take you on a wild ride through MINI Takes The States! I’m your host Dale Blankenship, coming to you live-ish from scenic, and warm, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Daily Wrap-Ups;Today kicked off with MINI enthusiasts revving up their engines and gearing up for the first leg of this epic adventure from Albuquerqu

Episode 15; MTTS IS ON! Just a few more reminders and tips to help make your MTTS a pleasant and fun memory.

Jul 08 2024 19 mins  
Join us on The Cooper Cast podcast with your ever-enthusiastic host, Dale Blankenship, for the final prelude before the legendary MINI Takes The States rally kicks off in Albuquerque! 🚗💨In this episode, Dale dishes out some fun tips to ensure your MTTS adventure is not just epic, but also safe and packed with fun. From picking the perfect rally snacks, choosing eateries, to t

Episode 14; MTTS for newbies and seasoned MTTSers alike.

Jul 01 2024 26 mins  
In this episode of The Cooper Cast podcast, host Dale Blankenship dives into what newbies can expect from MINI Takes The States, a week-long rally from Albuquerque, NM to Seattle, WA. Dale covers everything from the registration process to the Rise and Rally morning gatherings and the excitement of hitting the road each day. This epic road adventure promises unforgettable experienc

Episode 13: Veteran Tips - Making the Most of Your MINI Takes The States, and a Fond Farewell to a long time MTTS attendee.

Jun 24 2024 33 mins  
Join Dale Blankenship on this week's episode of The Cooper Cast Podcast as we continue our journey through MINI Takes The States (MTTS). In this episode, we delve into the wisdom of veteran MTTS attendees who share their experiences and valuable insights on what to pack and what they wish they had brought over the years. Their advice aims to help you enhance your MTTS experience, e