Summary In this episode of the Non Judging Breakfast Pod, Leif and Steve dive into Season 2, Episode 4 of Gossip Girl, titled "The Ex Files." They explore the scandalous secrets, dramatic confrontations, and shifting power dynamics among the Upper East Side elite. From Vanessa discovering Katherine's affair with Marcus to Serena's unexpected rise as the new queen bee, the hosts break down every juicy detail. They discuss the intricate schemes orchestrated by Chuck, the emotional turmoil of Serena and Dan's breakup, and the fallout from Blair's dethroning. Along the way, they share their thoughts on the episode's writing, directing, and acting, while also touching on some behind-the-scenes gossip and fandom reactions from 2008. Keywords Gossip Girl, Season 2, Episode 4, The Ex Files, scandal, affair, breakup, power dynamics, Chuck Bass, Serena van der Woodsen, Blair Waldorf, Vanessa Abrams, Nate Archibald, Katherine, Marcus, emotional turmoil, dethroning, schemes, drama, Upper East Side 00:00 Introduction and Random Facts 09:02 Eagles Game and Sports Talk 17:12 Pathfinder Game Anecdote 22:22 Gossip Girl Season 2, Episode 4 Overview 27:32 Breakfast Scene with Serena, Eric, and Lily 47:02 Dan and Serena's Awkward Encounter 51:07 Blair's Schemes and Chuck's Manipulations 53:47 Vanessa's Discovery and Confrontation 01:04:00 Dan and Amanda's Date and Serena's Reaction 01:06:26 Lily and Rufus' Complicated Relationship 01:10:00 Blair's Master Plan and Vanessa's Interference 01:15:00 Serena's Transformation and Rise to Power 01:20:00 Final Thoughts and Predictions 01:25:00 Fandom Reactions and Episode Grades 01:30:00 Best Outfits and Plugs 01:35:00 Sign-Off and Teaser for Next Episode Produced by Leif Capicola and Steve Marchion.  Edited and mixed by Leif Capicola. The Gossip Girl Theme Performed By Steve Marchion. http://www.nonjudgingbreakfastpod.com  Discord - http://njbpod.captivate.fm/discord  ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Tiktok⁠ - @NonJudgingBreakfastPod ⁠ X (twitter)⁠ - @NJBPod Facebook - Non Judging Breakfast Pod ⁠Page ⁠anda...