The Sunny Side of Life with Troy Thompson
Everyone needs a place they can call their “center of the universe”, for Troy Thompson and family, that is a place called Sunnyside in rural Iowa. Pioneer back with the old sergeant to a way of life that loves (most of) the neighbors, tries to see the good in everyone, prizes hard work, a good story, an honest laugh, and a fair deal of individual liberty. Welcome to life, liberty, and the pursuits that make us happy on the Sunnyside of Life.
Episodes
This 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.
Last 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.
This 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 ...
This 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 ...
This 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...
Who 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 ...
Well, 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&a...
It'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!
This 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...
This 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....
This 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 nu...
He 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!
This 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 ...
This 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!
The 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!
It'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.
This 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/
This 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 be...
This week at Sunnyside, Troy highlights the issues with current legislative actions related to tax policies and their unintended (or perhaps, intended) consequences to public schools. Maybe there's an advantage to year-round school; find out why. And, there's a new concert coming June 14th that you're not going to want to miss. Plus, Troy's dislike of lawn clippings....
Happy Cinco de Mayo (whateve...
This week at Sunnyside, May is peeking around the corner as we leave April and endeavor to prepare for summer. Recent work on a rental property inspires the Thompson's too part with some stuff, get different stuff, teach some stuff to the kids and think about stuff like the true meaning of generational wealth, the myths surrounding what that means, and how to instill the most important lessons about stuff in the ...
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