This Planet Money episode recounts the bizarre story of Peanut, a squirrel who became a social media influencer, leading to unexpected consequences. The podcast details Peanut's rise to fame, his owner's subsequent ventures into OnlyFans and memecoins, and the tragic death of Peanut at the hands of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. The episode explores the intersection of social media fame, animal welfare, and the volatile world of cryptocurrency, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the attention economy. A key example is the creation of a "Peanut coin" cryptocurrency, reaching a $2 billion market cap, despite the owner's lack of involvement. The podcast ultimately examines the ethical and financial complexities of leveraging online fame for personal gain.
