Long-form conversations with international artists, writers, playwrights, and musicians — about what the creative life actually costs, earns, and requires.
About the Show
I'm Deepa — Bay Area-based host, product manager, and lifelong creative. Built by Grit goes behind the art to ask the questions most interviews skip: what does this pay, what did it cost, and what kept you going?
Guests span continents — from NYT bestselling authors to visual artists to performers who've built careers on nothing but talent and tenacity.
More About DeepaLatest Episodes
Long-form conversations with creatives who built real careers — globally.
Watch on YouTubeWhat does it take to sustain a creative life across borders? We ask the real questions.
All EpisodesReal income numbers, real decisions, real grit — from working creatives worldwide.
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Every episode I have watched thus far is as splendid as it is enthralling and educational. I have learnt so much during these last few months that I sometimes easily forget how much grit YOU possess YOURSELF in order to produce such fascinating episodes, present such cranial questions to the guests, and blend everything into such a greatly memorable experience.
About the Host
Bay Area-based product manager, lifelong creative, and host of Built by Grit. I've spent years inside the Indian classical arts world — as a hobbyist musician and community organizer — fascinated by one question: how do creatives actually build careers that last?
What does it pay? What are the income streams? Every guest answers honestly.
What sustained you through the years before the breakthrough?
Artists, writers, playwrights — from every corner of the world.