Comedian Leslie Jones stops by The Jennifer Hudson Show (airing Monday, May 4) and reflects on attending the Essence Black Women in Hollywood event describing it as a powerful, full-circle moment where she truly felt she belonged. She also shares what it meant to be surrounded by icons like Zendaya and Delroy Lindo.

Looking back on Ghostbusters, Leslie recalls the experience as one of the most exhilarating and physically demanding projects of her career.

She gets candid about still feeling intense nerves before stepping on stage, admitting she’s “about to throw up” right before going on but sees it as a sign that she truly cares. Despite identifying as an introvert, she explains that once she hits the stage, everything clicks. For Leslie, self-love is the foundation: learning to enjoy your own company, she says, is key to freedom, even if it takes real work to get there.

She also dishes on life on the road with her comedy tour, teasing an entirely fresh set that’s completely different from her Peacock special. And of course, she revisits her unforgettable run on Saturday Night Live including a standout moment working with host Russell Crowe, who she jokes “only wanted her” in sketches, thanks to her bold, scene-stealing presence.