Bob Zima
LCPC
IL, USA Frequent Flyer to Hell AND Back
Bob Zima, a self-proclaimed “Frequent Flyer to Hell and Back,” is known for his engaging, entertaining style that weaves his rollercoaster life story into powerful keynotes, workshops, and seminars. A licensed clinical professional counselor, Bob has published two books, produced two videos on grief, loss, and healing, and regularly shares his cathartic satire on his blogs and podcasts, where he explores mental wellness and his journey to improve life quality—while inspiring others to do the same.
With twenty years in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, Bob has overcome financial devastation, homelessness, near-divorce, and the loss of two infant children. Yet his story also includes a remarkable journey toward healing, highlighted by experiences like backpacking through Europe, meeting Pope John Paul II, playing basketball with Michael Jordan, and even being photographed with the Stanley Cup. His accomplishments include being named Illinois Clinical Site Supervisor of the Year and earning national recognition from JCAHO and NAMI for his therapeutic programs.
Bob holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois. Since 2006, he has worked in private practice, clinical supervision, program development, eLearning production, and compliance management. His background includes 17 years in advertising, corporate communications, and broadcast media as a producer, director, and writer.
An alumnus of Chicago’s Second City Players Workshop, Bob performed with Comedy Sportz and Improv Olympics and wrote a teleplay, The Madcap Murder of Mortimer D. Banks, featuring Second City talent.
Bob’s passions include sports, movies, travel, and spending time with his wife and two children, enjoying life’s simple moments. His story is one of resilience, humor, and hope, with his "trips back from Hell" serving as the foundation of his life’s work in mental wellness.
Bob Zima, a self-proclaimed “Frequent Flyer to Hell and Back,” is known for his engaging, entertaining style that weaves his rollercoaster life story into powerful keynotes, workshops, and seminars. A licensed clinical professional counselor, Bob has published two books, produced two videos on grief, loss, and healing, and regularly shares his cathartic satire on his blogs and podcasts, where he explores mental wellness and his journey to improve life quality—while inspiring others to do the same.
With twenty years in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, Bob has overcome financial devastation, homelessness, near-divorce, and the loss of two infant children. Yet his story also includes a remarkable journey toward healing, highlighted by experiences like backpacking through Europe, meeting Pope John Paul II, playing basketball with Michael Jordan, and even being photographed with the Stanley Cup. His accomplishments include being named Illinois Clinical Site Supervisor of the Year and earning national recognition from JCAHO and NAMI for his therapeutic programs.
Bob holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois. Since 2006, he has worked in private practice, clinical supervision, program development, eLearning production, and compliance management. His background includes 17 years in advertising, corporate communications, and broadcast media as a producer, director, and writer.
An alumnus of Chicago’s Second City Players Workshop, Bob performed with Comedy Sportz and Improv Olympics and wrote a teleplay, The Madcap Murder of Mortimer D. Banks, featuring Second City talent.
Bob’s passions include sports, movies, travel, and spending time with his wife and two children, enjoying life’s simple moments. His story is one of resilience, humor, and hope, with his "trips back from Hell" serving as the foundation of his life’s work in mental wellness.
Frequent Flyer to Hell and BACK: Dealing with Adversity
Bob Zima, a self-proclaimed “Frequent Flyer to Hell and Back,” has faced some of life’s toughest challenges—losing two infant children, battling addiction, enduring bankruptcy and homelessness, and even surviving two open-heart surgeries. Each time, Bob has rebranded and rebuilt his life, proving that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship, but about rising from it.
His remarkable journey includes playing basketball with Michael Jordan, meeting Pope John Paul II,...
Resolving Relational Conflicts: @ Work & Home
Conflict resolution is the most essential skill for leading a happy, healthy life. We rely on connections with people, places, and things to meet our needs, but when our desires, needs, or perspectives clash with those of others, conflict emerges. Effectively resolving these conflicts allows us to restore these connections, ensuring that our needs—and often the needs of others—are met, creating a win-win outcome.
In this keynote, workshop, and breakout seminar, Bob...
Calming the Storm: An Anger Healing Approach
Anger is often mistaken for an emotion, but it’s actually a behavioral response—a visible reaction to underlying hurt and fear. Kicking, yelling, isolating, drinking, using drugs, and even cheating are outward signs of anger. In truth, anger is the sound of hurt and fear being released from our soul; it’s a cathartic response to the intense energies that build within us as part of the fight-flight-freeze stress response.
In this keynote, workshop, or breakout session,...
Man of Oz: Brainless, Heartless and Gutless
Self-awareness is a cornerstone of psychological fitness—a crucial skill for cultivating genuine mental wellness. In his keynote, breakout workshop, and seminar, Bob introduces practical strategies to help audiences enhance self-awareness and self-evaluation.
With awareness comes insight, and insight fuels the adoption of new skills and strategies that foster mental wellness, happiness, and life satisfaction. Drawing from his personal journey and extensive professional...
