Radio host tries to find a variety of guests who offer inspiration

Background: 60. Goldberg was born and raised in Albany. He has an associate's degree from the Junior College of Albany. He is a U.S. Postal Service worker. His two children are Josh, 33 and Jenissa, 30.

Searching for answers: He began his radio program in 1999. Guests have included spiritual teacher and Zen practitioner Adyashanti, scientist Richard Moss, author Dan Millman and Yuval Ron, leader of an Israeli-Palestinian band. The show airs 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays at 91.5 FM and on the Internet at http://www.rpi.org.

What is the theme of "In the Spirit"?

The show acknowledges all types of authentic spiritual leanings. My program is related to the perennial philosophy. It's all about our spirituality. It's not associated with a dogma or belief system, but something we need to know for ourselves which we do through spiritual practices.

What kinds of topics do you like to cover?

I will discuss anything that I think can help inspire people to be better.

I had a guest on who wrote a book about fishing and others who have climbed mountains, as well as quantum physicists. I believe spirituality is a trip each individual has to take, and I want to honor my guests who have taken this adventure and made discoveries to who we are. They all have connected to the heart of who we are.

Your father was Jewish and your mother Catholic. In what religion were you raised?

I loved Catholicism and enjoyed going to the big churches with stained-glass windows. When I was 18 or 19 I got interested in transcendental meditation and then Hinduism after college. I started my own form of meditation after I got out of the service because I didn't want to get attached to any one organization. I'm still that way today. I don't want to support anything that's exclusive.

Has the show helped you find answers you've been looking for in life?

Some days I think I have a grasp on what it all means. I'm trying to piece together the puzzle. Every one of my guests adds another piece.

-- Rick Clemenson