This Wednesday marks a major milestone for Peloton powerhouse and New York Times bestselling author Tunde Oyeneyin as she officially makes her scripted television debut. Fans can catch her on an all-new episode of Tyler Perry’s hit series Sistas, airing tomorrow, January 28, at 9 PM ET / 8 PM CT on BET.
Tunde joins the cast as Madison Truitt, a powerful and self-assured entrepreneur whose commanding presence and unapologetic ambition are set to shake up the series at a critical juncture. Her arrival comes at a time of peak drama, as the core group of women continues to navigate the aftermath of a shocking car bombing, shifting loyalties, and deep-seated unresolved wounds.
While millions know her for her life-changing motivational cues on the Peloton bike and her acclaimed book SPEAK, this role marks Tunde’s first major venture into acting. It is a move that brings her signature confidence and leadership to the screen in an entirely new way.
The Source Magazine sat down with the multihyphenate star to discuss her journey from the instructor platform to the set of a major drama.
Tunde Oyeneyin on Finding Madison Truitt’s Voice
The Source: You are known for your incredible ability to command a room and motivate millions on the Peloton bike. How did the “commanding presence” you use as an instructor help you inhabit the role of an unapologetic entrepreneur like Madison Truitt?
Tunde Oyeneyin: As a Peloton instructor, my job is to take up space and lead with intention. When I’m teaching to thousands of Members through the camera, I’m used to commanding that space and holding that energy. For Madison, I didn’t have to reinvent the wheel; I just had to channel that same intensity. I harnessed the energy I bring to every class and redirected it to become Madison. She’s an entrepreneur who doesn’t ask for permission to be heard—and that’s a frequency I’m very familiar with.
The Source: Your character arrives at a very chaotic time for the women of Sistas, following the car bombing and massive shifts in loyalty. How does Madison’s “unapologetic ambition” clash or align with the existing group dynamics, and what was the most challenging part of playing someone so self-assured in such a high-stakes environment?
Tunde Oyeneyin: For the first part of that question, you’ll definitely have to tune in and see for yourself! Regarding the challenge of the role, I consider myself a confident woman, but we all have moments of hesitation. Playing Madison was a thrill because she is entirely devoid of that doubt. She allowed me to fully embody the parts of myself that I don’t always “own” in my daily life. Stepping into such a high-stakes environment as someone who considers herself to be pretty self-confident was actually quite liberating.
The Source: Your book and life philosophy are centered on finding your voice and speaking your truth. Did you find that your debut as an actor felt like a natural extension of your “Speak” movement, or did you have to find a completely new “voice” to bring Madison to life?
Tunde Oyeneyin: I resonate a lot with Madison—she’s truly an extension of everything I stand for. She’s a boss with multiple endeavors, but she’s at a pivotal crossroads where she’s beginning to audit her priorities. After years of relentless focus on her career, she’s asking: “Are love and family still on the table for me?” I resonate with that deeply. We’re living in an era where single women are reaching massive milestones—like outpacing men in home ownership—yet we still grapple with these internal shifts. I think many women will see themselves in Madison as she navigates that balance.
Tyler Perry’s Sistas, airs, January 28 at 9 PM ET / 8 PM CT on BET.