The Tragic Tale of Peanut the Squirrel: Government Overreach or Necessary Regulation?

Max Bennett and Lisa Vega dive into the emotional and political fallout from the euthanization of Peanut the squirrel, a beloved internet icon, by New York State officials. Seized from his owner, Mark Longo, Peanut’s death has ignited outrage, especially among Trump supporters who see it as an example of government overreach gone too far.

Longo’s story—paired with the loss of his raccoon, Fred—raises thorny questions about the government’s role in regulating wildlife and the treatment of exotic pets. Expect a sharp, irreverent, and darkly humorous exploration of Peanut’s tragic end, the political frenzy it’s sparked, and what this debate means for pet owners and government control.

Note: This project explores the new creative potential unlocked by generative AI, showcasing how a single person, in just two hours, can curate (not create, but curate) a polished podcast series. I recognize the critiques around AI-generated content and the potential for digital clutter but invite you to take a listen on your next walk or drive and see what you think. Audio is AI-generated by Google's NotebookLM. Images by Dalle-3 and Magic Studio.