SHELBY, N.C. — Longtime Cleveland County disc jockey Jimmy Hall has faced more than a few hurdles in his life and is hoping to inspire change in his community. 

In between gigs, Hall tapes a podcast every week, and he touches on issues in the justice system but also shines a light on the good things happening. 

Hall says since he was a kid, he wanted to be a DJ. 

“You know back in our day, we used to listen to music, record music on cassette tapes, then one thing led to another, and I got behind a microphone. I think I was in the eighth grade, and we had to go in and record the weather," Hall said. 

DJ "Dr. Jim" was born, hosting events and playing at clubs, but the socializing took a turn when Hall was arrested. 

"Habitual felon, and I did 10 and half years in prison," Hall said. 

Hall learned from his mistakes and wanted to support other former inmates. 

“Just to let someone out there maybe lost, or somebody that is going down the wrong road, the wrong path of life, that you can always rejuvenate, that you can recycle yourself," Hall said. 

He created "WPCS Shelby Podcast," where former inmates join the show to discuss life after prison. Other guests include law enforcement officials, elected officials and neighbors doing positive things. 

“I have been wanting to be at a radio station for the last 35 years, that’s been my ultimate dream in life," Hall said. 

After he was released from prison, Hall received his associate degree from Cleveland Community College. 

Even though he's not on the radio, he says being behind a mic is better than behind bars. He's hoping his voice will reach the person who needs to hear it. 

“And that’s my aim, to live so others can see Jesus in me," Hall said.