#89 From Bank Vaults to Prison Gates: Brad Sadler’s Redemption Story
Mon Jun 23 2025
At the height of his corporate banking career, Brad Sadler had it all—title, influence, and respect. But with each decision, the lines blurred… until the day they didn’t. In 1994, Brad was arrested for fraud, accused of defrauding a bank of R70 million. Denial, shame, and a four-year court case followed. And then—prison.
In this raw and redemptive episode, Brad sits down with Charles to share what truly happened: how small compromises led to a complete downfall, what life inside a South African prison was like, and how he rebuilt not just his life—but his purpose.
You’ll hear about the “guard dogs” he ignored—policies and procedures designed to protect, but gradually silenced by success and pressure. You’ll also hear how humour, faith, and handwritten letters helped him survive behind bars—and how he maintained his marriage and sanity during a sentence that nearly broke him.
Brad doesn’t sugarcoat prison. He shares stories of danger, courage, kindness in unexpected places, and lessons from unlikely teachers—like an inmate named “2 Rand” and a trickster called “Shortcut.” Each story reveals hard truths about value, shortcuts, and the cost of ignoring the small barks before the big bite.
Now a pastor at GraceHill Family Church, Brad helps others avoid the path he once took. He also works to transform lives—whether through education in prison or powerful conversations like this one.
If you’ve ever faced pressure to bend the rules, or wondered if someone can truly rebuild after failure—this episode is for you.
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At the height of his corporate banking career, Brad Sadler had it all—title, influence, and respect. But with each decision, the lines blurred… until the day they didn’t. In 1994, Brad was arrested for fraud, accused of defrauding a bank of R70 million. Denial, shame, and a four-year court case followed. And then—prison. In this raw and redemptive episode, Brad sits down with Charles to share what truly happened: how small compromises led to a complete downfall, what life inside a South African prison was like, and how he rebuilt not just his life—but his purpose. You’ll hear about the “guard dogs” he ignored—policies and procedures designed to protect, but gradually silenced by success and pressure. You’ll also hear how humour, faith, and handwritten letters helped him survive behind bars—and how he maintained his marriage and sanity during a sentence that nearly broke him. Brad doesn’t sugarcoat prison. He shares stories of danger, courage, kindness in unexpected places, and lessons from unlikely teachers—like an inmate named “2 Rand” and a trickster called “Shortcut.” Each story reveals hard truths about value, shortcuts, and the cost of ignoring the small barks before the big bite. Now a pastor at GraceHill Family Church, Brad helps others avoid the path he once took. He also works to transform lives—whether through education in prison or powerful conversations like this one. If you’ve ever faced pressure to bend the rules, or wondered if someone can truly rebuild after failure—this episode is for you.