The Sunny Side of Life with Troy Thompson

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside, Troy gets to the studio late after battling a bug...a real toe-biter! He tells the tale of their unplanned rodeo experience and discusses the meaning of "fair share", the politics of envy it represents, introduces a better way to delegate your income taxes and shares the allegory about socialism he's used to teach his kids these many years. Plus, two new original songs that help tell the tales and keep you humming along!Join the Sunnyside newsletter here https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/so8PkyQSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside, Troy retells the story of legendary Native American athlete - Jim Thorpe.To Join our free monthly newsletter simply click this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/so8PkyQSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside, Troy tells the story of some very special rocks in West Bend, Iowa - The Grotto of the Redemption and shares come insight on some rocks of his own at Sunnyside. Plus, he finally published his first newsletter to subscribers with exclusive videos detailing and touring his "Henhalla" hen house and the Akaushi Wagyu herd, plus a throwback video on how (and why) one can make Challah. If you're a newsletter subscriber - enjoy! If you're not yet - well, what are you waiting for? Subscribe here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/so8PkyQSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside Troy ponders the tax exempt and what would happen if they weren't...He also apologizes for not putting out his newsletter yet which is forthcoming and of course you can still join by simply following this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/so8PkyQSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside, Troy finds a way to perform the proverbial hat-trick by tying together our 250th Birthday of Independence Celebration with the history of AC in America and a newfound European appreciation for the "New Country" with an throwback parody skit from the first season and two NEW songs you'll want on your Independence Day playlist this weekend. Join our newsletter which comes out tomorrow and see what we've be yammering about with several project highlights on private Youtube links only available to our newsletter subscribers (you gotta manage the riff-raff you know...) Join our newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/so8PkyQSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside, Troy recounts the many projects at Sunnyside - some lessons learned, and a few reflections on being a Dad who doesn't always communicate the lessons learned well enough. Join the Sunnyside of Life Newsletter - the first of which will come out to our email subscribers Tuesday, June 30th. Subscribe here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/so8PkyQSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside Troy covers the results from last week's elections in Iowa primaries, gives you his take on them, reveals some dark-money PAC folks, complains about someone stealing his dog raft, and shares a story about Johnny Cash singing "A Boy Named Sue" at La Bonita Cantina....Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week Troy welcomes back Iowa Senate District 5 Republican Primary Candidate Stacy Besch. Since November, Stacy has been beating the streets contacting Republican primary voters and spreading the word about her candidacy. Tomorrow, Iowans head to the polls for the 2026 primaries and if Stacy earns the win from the voters in District 5 she will be the new State Senator as there is no Democratic challenger. See why she's been fighting giants during this campaign as dark monies flow in from different sectors of the party with less than one seventh of the campaign funds compared to her incumbent opponent and learn about the nasty lies they've been perpetuating in these last few weeks and perhaps why they are running scared she might win and shake things up! Talk about being the Sunnyside of Life for District 5!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside Troy returns to the studio following a week off, a flipped chicken tractor, time spent at State Track reflecting on Iowa Nice and the loss of Congressman Massey from Kentucky in the primary. Perhaps it's time for a Gen X led America...shine up your banana seats and get ready for the new "Alice's Restaurant" and a special memorial to the 13 airmen and soldiers lost since the Iran War began on this Memorial Day 2026.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside, Troy shares his opinion on two primary candidates on the national scene he thinks should win their respective races but that doesn't mean everyone agrees (as usual). When it comes to the Sunnyside of Life, it's hard to find a couple of candidates more self-deprecating and likable than Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky's 4th District and LA Mayoral Candidate Spencer Pratt. Both men are up for hire and there are a lot people (and money) working against their common sense and transparent approach to the respective levels of government in which they seek to serve.Join the mailing list and get the deets here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/so8PkyQSupport the show

Send us Fan MailHello Friends and Neighbors! In this episode Troy catches up on all the exciting happenings at Sunnyside (not to mention a few mishaps) and explains how his friends and neighbors have been there to help. Plus, there's a way to get additional details and produced videos about the many happenings at Sunnyside by joining our newsletter. Simply click on the link below to subscribe and you'll have access to the other antics around the ranch.https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/so8PkyQSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside, Troy visits with the local chiropractor: Dr. Jim Brockhohn who also happens to be an actor in over 100 films, tv shows, and commercials. Over the last 38 years, Dr. Brockhohn has been adjusting patients in our small town as well as with professional rodeo and the US Olympic Training Center. But, his real passion is in front of the camera and you have got to hear the stories he has to share in his 32 years of acting! If that weren't enough, he's also the President of the Iowa Motion Picture Association and has been for the last 12 years! This kind man has a talent for being an "actor who plays a doctor in real life."Check out the Iowa Motion Picture Association which hosts its annual awards show May 30th in Des Moines here: https://impa.tvAnd the Iowa Independent Film Festival here: https://www.iifilmfestival.orgIf you are interested in trying your hand at acting, Jim recommends you check out local casting opportunities which you can search easily on Facebook.For more on Jim Brockhohn and some of his credits visit https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1678624/?ref_=tt_ov_4_1Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to Sunnyside! Troy returns from Easter with updates on the last couple weeks at the ranch, the beef, the kids and the news. Join our newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/so8PkyQSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside, Troy shares a new development that has sparked a little undue controversy and he's kind of OK with that. For tickets to the Vinylfest 1950s show at the Boman Fine Arts Center April 4th visit  https://bomanfineartscenter.org/events/For information about a Sunnyside Biography recording for your family simply use the text the show link with your contact info in the message.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week, as we kick-off season five of The Sunnyside of Life with Troy Thompson, Troy has returned from his hiatus to sunny Sarasota, Florida and has some thoughts about this Iran thing we're up to. As his wife, Heidi, tells his friends: "He doesn't like it." Get the details on the vacay, an Amish parody from the skit vault, and a bit of a history lesson on why we're just not good at this regime-change thing we seem to be invested in lately.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside, place your beef orders now. Text the show with your name and contact info so we can get you on the list. Meanwhile, Troy meet's grandson Austin for the first time, Carrie Prejean-Boller gets kicked off a committee on "faith" and Troy thinks there's a correlation between the CBS series "Elsbeth" and Candace Owens....what?Happy President's Day.....is that a thing?Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week - big news as Troy reveals he is officially a grandpa! Plus, an introduction of the Institute for Justice and his thoughts on Super Bowl LX....Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside, Troy recounts his trip to Des Moines as a lobbyist for schools, gives his take on some recent bills he likes, some he doesn't, and some he thinks are just silly. Then, he reviews The Promised Land series and the movie Song Sung Blue plus, thoughts on a Chinese robot he has mopping the floors which he's sure is a communist spy and small victories in the shape of staircase stringers.Don't forget to text the show with your contact info to place you custom order of Sunnyside beef!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week, Troy shares the story of a little town under a lake: A place called Red Rock. It's a tale of forced migration. No conspiracy just a nice place for birds to roost.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week, Troy comes down from the Johnny Cash show with Vinylfest, shares some insights on the show and possibilities for the future, let's us in on the Homefront at Sunnyside and highlights some upcoming shows and an an event you'll want to attend. (And, stay til the end for a special rendition of the song "Keep On The Sunnyside of Life" as performed this past Saturday.To reserve an order for a quarter, half or whole steer text the show using the link and include your contact info for followup. Steers go to processing March 20th and the 30th - just in time for an epic grilling season!To reserve tickets for Valentines Day at Up 4 Celebrations simply follow the link provided here: https://www.up4celebrations.com/valentinesSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThis week - it's all about CASH with special guests Donovan Johnson and Elizabeth May joining Troy at Sunnyside as VINYLFEST  V: CASH approaches this Saturday January 17th at the Boman Fine Arts Center in Forest City see the link below to get your tickets in advance:https://bomanfineartscenter.org/event/vinylfest-johnny-cash/?instance_id=284Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week, Troy returns with 20 (or 26) hopes or the new year. You'll be happy to listen in to this one!TEXT THE SHOW, folks (there's a link! Just be sure to add your name and phone or email in your message to be contacted!)Support the show

Send us Fan MailEnjoy this Theatre of the Mind Presentation from the Sunnyside of Life Players this Christmas Eve! Merry Christmas!To buy your tickets to the one night only event of Vinylfest V: Johnny Cash simply follow this linkL https://bomanfineartscenter.org/events/Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week, on the Sunnyside of Life, Troy celebrates a birthday and visits an Orthodox Church, shares his comparisons with "rock'n'roll Sunday" at the local church and finds peace in the hymnal. To learn more see what the Orthodox Christians are up to visit: https://dcs.goarch.org/goa/dcs/dcs.htmlTo buy your tickets to the one night show of Vinyfest V: Johnny Cash visit: https://bomanfineartscenter.org/events/To place an order for a quarter or more of beef in advance of the website being completed, simply email Troy here: [email protected] or text the show using the link provided and be sure to include your email address in your message.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week, at Sunnyside, Troy covers the past two week break and delivers some insights on preparations for being a grandpa and preparations for Christmas via a trip to KC, life on the farm, and time with the boys...Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside - Thanksgiving! Our favorite holiday and we're looking forward to family gathering and giving thanks. We wish the very same to you and yours!Happy Thanksgiving from The Sunnyside of Life!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week, Troy welcomes Dr. John Graham to Sunnyside. Dr. Graham is the Executive Director of Good Samaritan Home located in the greater Dayton, Ohio region. Since 2001, starting with opening his own home to homeless convict, John has remodeled house after house to provide a place to mentor, re-start, and rebuild a life. For over 2500 ex-offenders, Good Samaritan Home has given them that life remodel. He's a teacher, a preacher, a contractor, trucker, journalist and award-winning author of Running As Fast As I Can.  He's a life-changer and very much the Sunnyside of many people lives.https://goodsamaritanhome.orghttps://johndavidgraham.comSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThis week, Troy expands the podcast empire to include video (which can be found on his YouTube Channel: Sunnyside Farm Studios) with Iowa Senate District 5 Republican candidate: Stacy Besch. Stacy is spokesperson for Team Iowa and has been combatting human trafficking in the state for the last three years. She's also businesswoman, entrepreneur, long-time public speaker, farmer and much more. Get to know Stacy and how she has been working to be the Sunnyside of a whole lot people's lives and why she intends to do the same at the Statehouse.https://www.stacyforiowa.com/Support the show

Send us Fan MailIt all has to start somewhere and for Troy, the love for audio production like The Sunnyside of Life, is rooted in his radio experience starting at the age of 16 at the local radio station working for for his first boss off the farm: Tony Coloff and with local sportscasting legend, Orin Harris. In the episode that ends the total audio experience of The Sunnyside of Life before embarking on the additional video broadcast in forthcoming episodes on YouTube, no two people are better suited for the art of audio-only, than Tony and Orin. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside, Troy takes a look at the 21st century and decides maybe this shutdown thing will open up doors to efficiencies achievable through artificial intelligence.  And, big news from Sunnyside Farms Studios as November approaches and The Sunnyside of Life adopts video! Plus: Johnny Cash, Bombing La Vagabond, and Happy Halloween!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week Troy welcomes Chris Wellendorf to Sunnyside. Chris is the Food Service Director for Forest City Community School District but he's also a musician, an actor, a chef, a brewmaster, and a "cooker"! Find out how this eclectic modern day Renaissance man feeds the masses of youth and keeps on the Sunnyside of Life!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week, Troy reviews the Netflix series: "The House of Guinness" and shares his take on revisionist history spanning examples from the re-writing of the Guinness family history for entertainment purposes to the rewriting of American history for post-modern theories and even the theatrical reworking for the Gospels for the purpose of evangelistic entertainment in "The Chosen" and, he finds a way to work Chris Farley into the subject.Pull up a rocker - this is The Sunnyside of Life!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week, Troy updates listeners on the happenings at Sunnyside and delves into the situation with Dr. Ian Roberts, the Superintendant of Des Moines Public Schools. Support the show

Send us Fan MailLast week at Sunnyside was difficult. There's a void that will linger a great while. As the world considers the loss of Charlie Kirk in one way or another, we consider our own loss: Dennis Burkholder. Heidi and Reed's Dad, Bev's husband, Papa to the grandkids, Troy's father-in-law and friend to so many. He was, truly, the Sunnyside of so many lives. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week on The Sunnyside of Life, Troy sits down with the last guy you want to talk to...the local funeral director! And you know what? He's amazing! Isaiah Schott has been a funeral director for nearly twenty years and when you listen to him, you'll get it. What does it take to be a funeral director? Find out on this episode!For more information about The Sunnyside of Life Biography, simply email Troy at [email protected] the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside, Troy visits with Adam Upmeyer, owner of the Garner Lumber and Supply - the local lumber yard that has kept Troy supplied these last few years with great quality lumber and products for all his varied building projects. Get to know what's involved in the small town lumber business these days as well as being the owner of a new area events center. It's a quality conversation across the board - literally!Visit Garner Lumber and Supply Company online here https://garnerlumber.com and check out Up 4 Celebrations Event Center here https://www.up4celebrations.comSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside, Troy recounts his speech to the full faculty and staff of the community school district and the significance of that high school diploma based on the stories and recollections of his grandfather who moved into town from the farm to finish his final year and earn that diploma in 1939.For inquiries about a quarter, half or whole steer purchase to be delivered in March/April simply send your query to [email protected] and we'll get you on the list for true Sunnyside Farms Beef!Support the show

Send us Fan MailWho brings the Sunnyside of Life to small town businesses, community celebrations, and planned events? The local Chamber of Commerce Director, of course! This week, we meet Julianna Burkholder who has been the Executive Director of the Forest City Chamber of Commerce for the last three years. Julianna discusses the small town values, challenges, bright outlook and genuinely unique opportunities of small town commerce as she exits the Chamber of Commerce and begins a new career in Financial Planning services just around the corner. Take a listen and come to understand the sunny perspective of the chief cheerleader of small town America this week on The Sunnyside of Life!To visit with Julianna in her new role at Greenstone Wealth Management visit https://www.greenstonewealth.comSupport the show

Send us Fan MailWell, we missed a week while away to Ireland and it just wouldn't be right to talk about the trip without the best National guide in Ireland to help me out - the man who spent 10 days guiding our way through Ireland - Brendan McCarthy. Get to know him and you'll shortly discover why he is truly the Sunnyside of so many traveler's lives. To find Brendan, visit Love Irish Tours at the link below and don't forget to request him specifically - you'll be glad you did!https://loveirishtours.comSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIt's a short one, but this volunteer spirit with Troy is a little heavy - remember when you see someone who needs help and you gave it? Meh. Do your part and enjoy the reward - stay busy and don't bump your nose!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside, baseball comes to an end, "Henhalla" construction is underway, Troy lost a golf tournament as expected, and there's more to this Epstein List than meets the eye. Why isn't anyone talking about the business end of this? Troy has some ideas...Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week, after a fantastic Independence Day weekend with family, Troy reflects on what he thinks makes the story of our founding so great - that pioneer spirit of rugged individualism and in keeping with the tenets of our founders, he has some original ideas on how to truly revolutionize property taxes and county governments in Iowa....Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis may be Troy's best work yet as he absolutely lampoons the Iowa legislative decisions to insist private school athletes be accepted into public school athletics and his Carnac take on what the future may hold for the governor's race next year. You should probably share this one....it's loaded with news flashes, parody bits, and even a brand new song (stick around to the very end to hear the whole number!) Happy Independence Day, America!Support the show

Send us Fan MailHe did it! Troy finally purchased steers to finish for private sales and has embarked on his journey to become a cattle baron...with 10 steers. Yes, it's not the size of the herd that counts....Oh, and did you notice peace is breaking out all over the world these days? Troy has some doubts about that but what does he know, he thinks the modern state of Israel isn't the same one the Bible means!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week on The Sunnyside of Life, Troy recounts his appearance at Vinylfest, Father's Day and an entire slew of observations about the "No Kings" protests, military parades, the Army's birthday, travel bans, the sad situation in Minnesota, ICE raids, Israel and Iran, and an overdue commentary on sign language interpreters....plus, some opinions of the apparel of law enforcement and DHS. What are you wearing to the insurrection?Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside, Troy recounts his visit to the sale barn to buy steers....but, it didn't go as planned and California riots against ICE, Trump says he's sending in the National Guard...not sure he can do that, but who knows these days and California considers secession...there's a series of books about that! Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe most frequent question Troy get's is "what podcasts do you listen to?" Well, this week, he answers that question by reviewing the podcasts he listens to regularly. You can probably pick up on a few themes that also find their way into his own format. Want to know what's in his ear? Check out this episode of The Sunnyside of Life!Support the show

Send us Fan MailIt's Memorial Day and we honor and respect and give thanks to those service members throughout our nation's history who have given their lives in awful payment for our enduring freedoms. May today be one of honest reflection, thanks, and prayer for our entire nation.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week at Sunnyside, the weather turns cold and rainy, garden plans are on hold, it's commencement and state track season again, and a fella stops by Sunnyside needing a hand which leads to a whole conversation about the early front-runners for Iowa Governor: Rob Sand and Randy Feenstra. Troy has thoughts.Get your tickets to Vinylfest here: https://bomanfineartscenter.org/events/Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week, Troy recounts his adventures shearing sheep for the first time while helping out his friend, Don Johnson at Heartland Hill. Those Youtube videos make it look so easy - but it's not! Get the details on a full day of shearing dozens....(ok, just five) sheep and the lessons learned. And, of course, it was Mother's Day this weekend so a special shout out to all the mothers out there who have always been the Sunnyside of our lives!Check out the Sheep Shearing video that may be the only one out there making it look as difficult as it was for us here and like our channel! https://youtu.be/3A8yXW0tQFYSupport the show