With a bachelor's degree in the Philosophy of World religions, Richard went on to earn his Masters of Divinity at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California,in 1970, and was ordained as a Lutheran pastor a year later. Hooper's education took place during the politically radical 1960s, and in the most radical city in America: Berkeley, California. Both his seminary education, the events that took place during the 60s radicalized Hooper both politically and spiritually. He was the Lutheran Church's single minister to the "counter culture" on the Monterey Peninsula during the 1970s, and looked the part: long hair, bare feet, beads and bells. By the end of the 1970s, Hooper left the ministry and the Church itself and renewed his interest in mysticism and Eastern philosophy. After studying with a Hindu guru, he went on to produce more than a thousand radio broadcasts, in which he interviewed numerous spiritual teachers and authors such as Ram Dass, Richard Bach, Timothy Leary and Elizabeth Kubler. During the 1980s, Hooper became a nature recordist, music producer and founder of an independent record label: World Disc Productions, during which time he produced more than seventy music and nature recordings and, along with his wife, Sharon, pioneered the sales of such recordings in the gift industry. After selling World Disc during the early '90s, Hooper opened and ran a Native American art gallery on San Juan Island in the Pacific Northwest. Hooper, himself, became an artist some years later, specializing in miniature Asian landscapes and both Christian and Asian shrines. After moving to Sedona, Arizona, Hooper finally pursued his greatest passion: writing.

Bachelor's degree in philosophy, Masters degree in theology, ordination to the Lutheran ministry, consultant to the national Church on Counter Culture. Radio producer and broadcaster, editor and producer for the late Earl Nightingale, music producer, nature recordist, CEO of a multi-million dollar independent record label, awarded Small Business Association's businessman of the year for Western Washington. Artist and art gallery owner, author of three books on religion and spirituality, weekly columnist for United Press International's ReligionandSpirituality.com.