Chats with the Dead

What if solving your own murder meant queuing up in the afterlife’s visa office?That’s the hilarious and haunting premise of The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida. A Booker Prize novel set in 1990s Sri Lanka, it’s a wild mix of murder mystery, dark humour, and political history. In this episode, I sit down with Ingrid Srinath and Stephen Keys to unpack how this story blends war, identity, journalism, and ghosts into something unforgettable.If you love smart storytelling, sharp wit, and a peek behind the curtain of Sri Lanka’s civil war, this one’s a must-listen!IN THIS EPISODE(00:00) A murder mystery, an afterlife queue, and a war-torn island?!(03:20) How a book can make you laugh at the edge of darkness(05:21) Seeing Sri Lanka through unexpected eyes(08:04) Bureaucracy… but make it the afterlife(10:08) When witnessing isn’t optional anymore(12:08) How societies forget.. and who keeps the receipts(13:47) Your ‘one thing’ might just change the world(15:23) Collaboration isn’t just kumbaya. It’s power.(20:17) Heroes, villains… or something much messier(22:06) When good intentions meet uncomfortable truths(23:35) Why telling the truth still matters(26:27) The author’s secret weapon: wit(28:44) Underrated books you need on your list(32:12) The stories that stay with us(34:08) A few pages, a lot to think aboutIngrid SrinathIngrid Srinath is the Founder Director of the Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy at Ashoka University, the first academic centre in South Asia dedicated to philanthropy and civil society. A former advertising professional turned trailblazing changemaker, Ingrid has led organisations like CRY, CIVICUS, CHILDLINE India, and Hivos India. She’s championed everything from education as a fundamental right to strengthening nonprofit ecosystems across the globe. Ingrid sits on multiple national and international boards — and when she’s not shaping the future of civil society, she’s probably buried in a book.Stephen KeysStephen Keys chairs the IFS Foundation, supporting education and community development in rural Sri Lanka, and also volunteers as Senior Director at The Majurity Trust in Singapore. Stephen’s had a global career in tech and sustainability, with senior roles at IFS AB and beyond, leading major transformation and ESG efforts. A lifelong learner, he’s currently pursuing a Master’s in Sustainable Business at the University of Cambridge and is also part of the Distinguished Senior Fellowship Programme at the National University of Singapore.Gunjali SinghI’ve spent over a decade working in the development sector, and a lifetime finding both escape and meaning in good books. Book clubs have been my anchor and helped keep me grounded through many seasons of change.This podcast brings together two things I care deeply about: powerful stories, and the passionate people working to drive real change in the world. I hope it leaves you with fresh ideas, renewed hope, and a good book recommendation to dive into.—-About The Changemakers Book ClubThe Changemakers Book Club is where powerful books meet powerful voices. In each episode, host Gunjali sits down with inspiring changemakers to explore stories that spark reflection and action. It’s part book chat, part deep dive into the world we live in. Come for the books, stay for the bold conversations.