Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community, with host Dale Blankenship and a soundly sleeping Producer Kodi, who once again delegated all of this week's responsibilities to the overworked host. Apparently supervising is exhausting.

This episode begins with an exciting new challenge on the horizon as MINI prepares to make its debut in a desert rally adventure unlike anything we've seen before. While it's often described as a rally, it's really much more of a time, speed, and distance adventure than an all-out race. The twist? Nobody knows exactly which MINI will be tackling the desert. Will it be something we've already seen... or a glimpse of something entirely new? Dale shares what we know—and just as importantly, what we don't.

Then the speculation continues.

Rumors are beginning to circulate that BMW and MINI may have something very different in the works. Could it be a bold new direction for the brand? Is it wishful thinking, or is there actually something brewing behind the scenes? Dale takes a look at the reports, shares a few thoughts of his own, and explains why this is definitely one story worth keeping an eye on.

Next comes something brand new for The Cooper Cast itself.

Dale introduces two new recurring features designed to help MINI owners get even more out of the hobby. Whether you've ever thought about organizing your own MINI run or simply want to learn how to keep your MINI looking showroom fresh, these new segments are packed with practical tips, real-world experience, and ideas you can put to use right away. They're all about helping strengthen the MINI community while making ownership even more enjoyable.

And finally, Dale shares a reminder that a major Cooper Cast milestone is just around the corner.

Episode 150 will feature the presentation of the inaugural Cooper Cast HuMINItarian of the Year Award, recognizing someone who exemplifies what the MINI community is truly about: kindness, generosity, and making a positive difference in the lives of others. It's an episode you won't want to miss.

It's another Cooper Cast filled with MINI news, exciting possibilities, new ideas, and a look ahead to one of the biggest moments in the podcast's history.

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

Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community, with host Dale Blankenship... and, well... Producer Kodi appears to have called out yet again. At this point, HR has stopped returning Dale's emails, and Kodi's attendance record is beginning to look a little suspicious. Apparently Milk Bones don't earn themselves.

Fortunately, Dale is more than capable of carrying the show... even if he'd appreciate a little help from his four-legged sidekick every now and then.

This episode kicks off with another edition of the Cooper Cast Question of the Week. This week's question had more than a few Cooper Casters scratching their heads, but once everyone got to thinking, the answers started rolling in. As always, they range from thoughtful to entertaining, proving once again that no two MINI owners see the world exactly the same way.

From there, we take another trip around the globe to check out a pair of regional MINI special editions, this time destined for Japan and India. MINI certainly hasn't slowed down when it comes to limited editions, and these latest offerings continue that tradition. Whether you're a fan of exclusive trim packages or just enjoy seeing what other markets get that we don't, these cars are definitely worth a look.

We finish things off with a round of Cooper Cast housekeeping, covering several stories from around the MINI community.

There's an update on the inaugural Cooper Cast HuMINItarian of the Year Award, an honor recognizing those who make the MINI community a better place through kindness, generosity, and service.

Then comes one of those stories that reminds us what this community is really about. A longtime MINI owner—and a veteran in every sense of the word—who is currently facing some significant health challenges has one less thing to worry about after his faithful dog found a loving new home. Sometimes helping someone doesn't require a toolbox or a checkbook. Sometimes it's simply stepping up when it's needed most.

We also celebrate some encouraging news for the brand as MINI sales continue to climb, proving there's still plenty of enthusiasm for these quirky little cars.

And finally, Dale shares his plans for the upcoming weekend... none of which include Producer Kodi, who once again failed to report for duty. At this rate, Dale may have to start interviewing replacement producers... although finding one with Kodi's impressive résumé of napping, treat consumption, and occasional microphone appearances might prove difficult.

Another episode packed with MINI news, community updates, and the stories that remind us why being part of the MINI family is about so much more than the cars.

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

Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community!

Once again, Producer Kodi is nowhere to be found. We can only assume he's taken an unscheduled personal day. Although, with a thunderstorm rumbling through the area, chances are our resident four-legged producer will be making a dramatic return to the studio any minute now. Funny how that works.

This week, Dale heads back into the wonderfully unpredictable world of the MINI Facebook groups. Love them or hate them, they never fail to provide interesting conversations, good advice, questionable advice, and the occasional "Wait...what?" moment. Whether it's technical questions, spirited debates, or stories that make you shake your head and laugh, there's never a shortage of material.

Then we turn our attention to MINI Takes The States 2026 and what Dale believes was a golden opportunity that somehow slipped through the cracks. It seemed like such an obvious win for MINI... yet it never happened. Fortunately, someone else recognized the potential and stepped in to make it happen instead. Curious? You'll have to tune in to hear what everyone missed.

And because it wouldn't be a week in the MINI world without another special edition, MINI has unveiled yet another exclusive model—this time destined for China. Is it just clever marketing, or is this one genuinely worth getting excited about? Dale takes a closer look at the latest addition to MINI's ever-growing collection of limited editions and discusses why some markets always seem to get the really cool toys.

So grab your favorite beverage, settle into the driver's seat, and join Dale for another episode filled with MINI news, community chatter, a few laughs, and maybe even a surprise appearance by Producer Kodi... assuming the thunder lets up.

After all, there's always something happening in the MINI world—and if there isn't, someone on Facebook will invent something.

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