Rod Baarstad, also known as Rod The Realtor AZ, brings over 20 years of sales, leadership, and business expertise to the world of real estate—and now to the podcasting world as well. As an Arizona native and University of Arizona graduate currently living in Mesa, Rod has led and supported teams from Anchorage to Miami and Buffalo to Seattle, delivering exceptional service nationwide. Specializing in residential real estate for both Veterans and non-veterans, Rod is backed by a powerhouse team with over 60 years of combined sales experience. He is also a proud member of the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP) and a certified Military Relocation Professional (MRP), dedicated to helping service members understand and access the benefits they’ve earned. On his podcast, hosted right here, Rod shares insights, guidance, and expert conversations to support listeners on their real estate journey—making this page your go-to hub for trusted information and inspiration in the world of real estate.
The Mission Never Ends: A Life of Leadership & Legacy with Commander Gary A. Vaughan (Audio)
He’s flown jets, led troops, mentored generations, and now commands the future of veteran advocacy in Arizona. In this episode, Rod sits down with Commander Gary A. Vaughan, newly elected Commander of the American Legion Department of Arizona, to explore his 45+ years of service—from reviving Scout units to empowering 35,000 veterans statewide. Gary shares his vision for inclusive leadership, the joy of mentorship, and why “Be the One” isn’t just a saying—it’s a strategy. Whether you’re a veteran, a Scout, or someone who believes in community-driven change, this episode will leave you inspired to step up and serve.
28 Jul 2025
On Air, On Stage, On Purpose Mark Jeffrey Speaks (Audio)
This week, Rod the Realtor grabs the mic with media legend Mark Jeffrey—a man whose voice has soared above traffic jams, hyped hundreds of live crowds, and turned branding into an art form. With over 30 years on-air, including sky-high stints as an airborne traffic reporter, Mark’s career spans radio, music, commercials, and more chaos than your average concert tour.
We dive deep into:
🎧 What it takes to survive—and thrive—in media for three decades
🚁 Helicopter stories that make rush hour sound like an adventure movie
🎤 Lessons from 300+ live events and 100+ musical performances
🔥 How Mark helps brands “Level Up” with authenticity and flair
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have a voice people recognize before they see your face, this is the episode for you.
Tune in, turn it up, and let Mark Jeffrey prove that the best stories come with killer soundtracks.
26 Jul 2025
From Stress to Success: Avoiding, Preventing and Navigating The Top 10 Real Estate Frustrations (Audio)
Rod the Realtor’s taking the drama out of the deal. From financing fumbles to inspection showdowns, he’s serving up savvy solutions to the top 10 real estate frustrations—plus a few laughs and a well-timed eye roll.
25 Jul 2025
Education: Veteran to Veteran: 5 Smart Moves for a Stress-Free VA Home Purchase (Audio)
As a veteran and a real estate pro, Rod’s been where you are—and knows exactly how to help. In this episode, he breaks down five powerful strategies every veteran needs before jumping into homeownership using their VA benefits. From securing your Certificate of Eligibility to choosing the right lender (and avoiding mid-escrow disasters), this is the guidance only a fellow veteran can deliver—with empathy, experience, and a few good laughs.
Whether it's your first home or your next adventure, Rod's got your six.
25 Jul 2025
Education: Keys Over Credit: How to Buy a Home When Your Score’s Not Perfect (Audio)
Credit challenges don’t mean homeownership is out of reach—they just mean the path looks a little different. In this video, Rod the Realtor walks through five key points for buyers navigating the process with less-than-perfect credit. From exploring flexible loan options to building a stronger financial profile and finding the right lender, this episode is here to help you understand your options, reduce stress, and take real steps toward a place you can call home.
24 Jul 2025
Education: Home Sweet First Home: Start Smart with These 5 Essentials (Audio)
Buying your first home doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. In this episode, Rod the Realtor shares five friendly, straightforward tips to help get you started on your journey—from setting your budget and strengthening your credit to finding the right agent who gets your goals. Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to make an offer, these tips will give you the confidence to move forward—with clarity and a smile
23 Jul 2025
Education: Homes for the Next Chapter—5 Tips for 55+ Buyers (Audio)
Buying a home after 55 isn’t just about space—it’s about setting the stage for the lifestyle you’ve earned and the comfort you deserve. In this episode, Rod the Realtor walks through five essential things to keep in mind when making this milestone move—from defining your dream community to planning for long-term accessibility and legacy. Whether you’re chasing pickleball courts or peace and quiet, this will help you buy with clarity and confidence.
22 Jul 2025
Education: For the Love of Hooves: 5 Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Horse Property (Audio)
Buying a horse property isn’t your average house hunt—it’s a whole different rodeo. Saddle up with Rod the Realtor as he shares the top five things every buyer should know before stepping into the stirrups of equestrian real estate.
9 Jul 2025
Welcome Home, Evynn: A First-Time Buyer’s Big Win (Audio)
Smiles, keys, and a whole lot of heart—this episode is a celebration of milestones and making it happen. Rod the Realtor chats with Chandler native and nurse Evynn Suarez about her joyful leap into homeownership. From the nerves before the search to the thrill of move-in day (yes, all in one day!), Evynn reflects on the lessons, laughs, and unexpected moments that led to planting roots in her very own place. It’s a feel-good journey of growth, grit, and the sweet triumph of saying, “This is mine.”
30 Jun 2025
Scottsdale Stories with Dave Alford: Cowboys, Community & Change (Audio)
In this special episode of Rod the Realtor, I’m honored and blessed to sit down with true Scottsdale legend Dave Alford—a 72-year-old native, rodeo boss, and curator of cowboy culture. From his wild days riding boards behind horses (yes, really) to running the Old Town Rodeo Museum and wrangling two PRCA rodeos at WestWorld, Dave lassoed us into tales of tradition, grit, and Scottsdale’s transformation from dusty frontier town to desert jewel. We talk soul, spurs, skyline growth, and the wildest rodeo character you’ll ever (PG-ratedly) meet. If you want the heart and history of Scottsdale straight from the saddle, this one’s not to be missed! 🤠
24 Jun 2025
Grit, Grace & the Rodeo Spirit: A Ride with Heidi Erickson (Audio)
In this special episode of Rod the Realtor, Rod sits down with the unstoppable Heidi Erickson—National Director of Miss Rodeo Arizona and the powerhouse behind multiple rodeo events across the state. Heidi opens up about her personal journey from medical office manager to rodeo royalty, shares how a life-altering concussion redirected her career path, and dives into her deep love for rodeo, community, and service. They talk trucks, teamwork, and future dreams—and yes, there's a real estate connection too. If you're looking for a dose of inspiration laced with grit and grace, saddle up and tune in.
19 Jun 2025
A Marine Legend's Unfiltered Advice on Homeownership, Remodels, and Avoiding DISASTERS! (Audio)
Join Rod the Realtor as he sits down with Bob Jenkins, a Marine Corps combat engineer and managing partner of Vets Built, in an explosive interview you won't want to miss! Bob, a "man, myth, legend" who co-founded Vets Built 11 years ago, pulls no punches, revealing the hidden dangers lurking in older homes like termites and rats, and exposing why "fix and flips" often lead to massive, unexpected costs for buyers. Get ready for his brutal honesty on remodeling: homeowners must "prepare for the worst" and budget significantly more than anticipated, as unseen issues like rotted structural integrity or gas line placements can cause massive cost overruns. Learn why diligent home maintenance like changing HVAC filters and checking water pressure valves can save you tens of thousands, and how neglecting it can lead to catastrophic insurance claims. Beyond the financial revelations, Bob shares his deep passion for hiring and empowering veterans in the trades, a critical societal solution to the skilled labor shortage. This episode is packed with unmissable insights that could save you a fortune and completely change how you approach your home!
12 Jun 2025
Education: Who Pays For What (Audio)
In this episode of Rod the Realtor AZ's podcast, Rod goes over closing costs, and who pays for what. He shows his chart indicating who customarily pays for what costs.
12 Jun 2025
Education: The Home Selling Process (Audio)
In this episode of Rod the Realtor AZ's podcast, Rod explains the home selling process. He gives us a quick 12 step overview of the entire home selling process.
12 Jun 2025
Education: The Home Buying Process (Audio)
In this episode of Rod the Realtor AZ, host Rod explains the home buying process and his roadmap to purchasing your home.
22 May 2025
Meet Rod the Realtor (Audio)
Ever wonder what really drives Rod the Realtor AZ? In this episode, he answers the question everyone keeps asking: “Why do you do what you do?” From unexpected turns to a mission bigger than just selling homes—this is the episode that gets real. Don't miss it!
Podcast Authority Score: 34 / 100
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