Navigating the Integration of Curation and Programmatic Advertising

In this spirited edition of The Aperiam Podcast, Corey Ferengul moderates a dynamic debate between Joe Zawadzki and Erica Chriss on one of ad tech's most pressing questions: Is the future of programmatic driven by curated SSPs or discovery-oriented DSPs?

Framed around the buzzword “curation,” the trio unpacks whether the power in ad tech is shifting toward pre-packaged inventory strategies or remains in the hands of data-driven, algorithmic buying. From vertical ad stacks to AI agents, the discussion spans tactical considerations and broader philosophical implications—including who should own performance and how both sides can (and must) evolve.

Whether you're a brand, publisher, or tech platform, this episode offers insight into the evolving balance of power in digital advertising—and why a hybrid approach may define the next era.