I got to do something that I have not done before. I was asked to be a guest on a podcast. The podcast is called Left of the Lake. The podcast is done by three friends that want to inform people about the history, businesses, and current happenings of the residents that live Left of The Lake. In this case, left of the lake means the cities that are west of Utah Lake in Utah county.
I arrived a few minutes before I was asked to be there. The studio is Lakeview Recording Studio Studio Address in Saratoga Springs. Lakeview Recording Studio is a basement converted into a recording studio. Don’t get me wrong, this is not an ordinary basement. It has been converted into a full recording studio, including the soundproof window that the operator looked through as the four of us were chatting. Steven Lerud, the owner of the studio, has been operating the studio since 1994.
After I was seated in the studio, I started to get to know the hosts a little better. The hosts are Greg Spencer, Jeff Beck, and Neil Bryce. “We are a Community Based Podcast focused on all things ‘Left of the Lake’ (the city of Saratoga Springs Utah and surrounding cities that surround the west side of Utah Lake) – a podcast that discusses current events and issues in our community and that also serves as a means of preserving and documenting the history of this city and its residents. We are passionate about keeping our identity and lakeside culture as we continue to grow into a big city.”
You can listen to the podcast here
Lucky for you, the listener, this is an audio-only podcast. I admit I was pretty nervous, but the hosts quickly put me at ease. I was sweating pretty bad, which may have been why they opened the door after and said, “let’s get some air in here”. Within 5 minutes, we were ready to go. I was supposed to be a guest with Julie Cash King of the Alpine School District Board, but she was busy helping with the recent lockdown at several schools in Eagle Mountain. So, they asked me to take her time as well. Being the talker I am, I had no problem filling the time. The podcast can be found on most podcast streaming services. We talked about the Cedar Valley Sentinel, its goals, plans, and a little history of Saratoga Springs and the Cedar Valley. Greg Spencer, the podcasts history and the one with the long hair then started to discuss why railroad crossing arms and buses stop at all crossings. I did learn that Greg’s long hair has not been cut since he left the military. I am not going to share the story here, you will have to listen to the podcast to find out the answer. Hint, it involved a School Bus and a Train in 1938 in Riverton. Not really a Cedar Valley or Left of the Lake location, but it was a good story either way. I referenced several articles that are on Cedar Valley. I have listed them here for easy access.
- Joe’s Dugout
- Eagle Mountain Serial Killer Connection
- The Pole Canyon incident
- Railroad in Eagle Mountain
Give the podcast a listen

Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.