Streptomyces bacteria exhibit a complex life cycle with a newly identified growth mode called "exploration," which enables rapid colony expansion on solid surfaces. This process, influenced by nutrient availability like glycerol, activates previously hidden metabolites such as coproporphyrin, chloramphenicol, and foroxymithine. Glycerol increases exploration rates and alters metabolic output. Siderophores, including desferrioxamine and foroxymithine, play crucial roles in nutrient competition. Mutant studies show that foroxymithine provides a significant fitness advantage in co-culture with Saccharomyces cerevisiae by effectively competing for iron, highlighting Streptomyces' strategic metabolic adaptations.