Podcast Summary: Digital Social Hour – Why Functional Water is the New Business Must-Have | Ken Gawain DSH #868

Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Ken Gawain, Founder and CEO of Ofora
Release Date: November 7, 2024

Introduction to the Episode

In episode #868 of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly delves into the burgeoning market of functional water with Ken Gawain, the visionary founder and CEO of Ofora. This insightful conversation uncovers the critical issues surrounding water quality, particularly the detrimental effects of plastic bottled water on health, and explores the innovative solutions Ofora brings to the table.

Guest Introduction: Ken Gawain

Sean Kelly warmly welcomes Ken Gawain, praising his rapid success and the significant impact Ofora has made in a relatively short timeframe. Ken reveals that Ofora has been in the industry for about 15 years, with the brand gaining substantial recognition in the past three years through partnerships with prominent entities like Air1, where Ofora is the best-selling premium functional water [00:35].

The Problem with Plastic Bottled Water

Ken raises alarming points about the widespread use of plastic bottled water, emphasizing its harmful effects, especially on women. He explains, “Most people are drinking plastic bottled water, and it's pure water and it's sucking those toxins out of the plastic, storing that plastic residual in their breast tissue. That's a big issue.” [00:01]. This highlights the vulnerability of women to contaminants leached from plastic bottles, which are exacerbated by the body's interaction with pure water acting as a universal solvent.

Introduction to Functional Water by Ofora

Functional water, as introduced by Ken, transcends traditional hydration by offering medical-grade water that genuinely benefits health. He clarifies, “It's nanopure. And you have to bottle nanopure water in glass because it'll leach the water.” [01:11]. Unlike conventional bottled water, Ofora's functional water is designed to maintain purity without introducing microplastics or other contaminants.

Health Benefits of Functional Water

Ken passionately discusses the myriad health benefits of Ofora’s functional water. Key attributes include:

• Nanopurification: Ensures the water is free from harmful contaminants.
• Hyper-Oxygenation: Enhances oxygen levels in the water to improve bodily oxygen saturation.
• Ph Balance: Maintains a balanced pH between 8.0 and 8.5, preventing issues like yeast infections associated with overly alkaline water [07:43].

He shares his personal experience, “I run circles around most of my younger staff…” [06:41], attributing his exceptional health and high oxygen saturation levels to his daily consumption of Ofora’s water.

Water Filtration Systems

Ofora not only provides premium bottled water but also offers advanced water filtration systems for home use. Ken elaborates on two main systems:

1. Whole Home Systems: These systems filter all incoming water, ensuring that every tap in the house dispenses purified water [03:39].
2. Point of Use Systems (Bio Showers): Designed to filter water at the showerhead, eliminating pollutants during bathing and showering [04:00].

He underscores the necessity of these systems by stating, “Most of the problems are from bathing and showering.” [02:55], highlighting that 80% of pollutants contact the body through skin exposure.

Impact on Health: Oxygen Saturation

A pivotal discussion revolves around the concept of oxygen saturation as a key indicator of health. Ken explains, “A good overall indication of your health is your oxygen saturation. So most people, you want to be 95% saturated at least… I run 100% all the time.” [06:30]. He attributes his remarkable health and resistance to illness to the hyper-oxygenated water he consumes and the daily use of hyper-oxygenated hot tubs, which he believes can even reverse aging [06:56].

Alternative Packaging: Glass and Stainless Steel

Addressing environmental and health concerns, Ken advocates for packaging functional water in glass or stainless steel rather than plastic to prevent leaching of toxins. He remarks, “Glass, stainless, just, you know, stay away from plastic.” [17:50]. This commitment to non-leaching materials ensures the purity and safety of the water.

Critique of Municipal Tap Water and Groundwater

Ken offers a scathing critique of municipal tap water, exposing its inadequacies in removing contaminants like pharmaceuticals and microplastics. He states, “Municipalities are doing the best they can with the tools they have, but they just, they're unable to remove all these forever chemicals…” [09:12]. Additionally, he highlights environmental issues affecting groundwater quality in regions like Hawaii, linking high cancer rates to pesticide pollution in the soil and water [13:08].

Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs without Chlorine

Expanding on water purification beyond drinking, Ken introduces Ofora’s chlorine-free swimming pool and spa systems. He points out the dangers of chlorinated water, including the formation of carcinogenic chloramines from chlorinated municipal water [04:43]. Ofora’s systems utilize 35% food-grade hydrogen peroxide, coupled with UV and ozone treatments, to create a safer, healthier bathing environment [05:28]. Ken’s first patent in college was for a chlorine-free swimming pool system, showcasing his long-term dedication to healthier water solutions [05:25].

Availability and Distribution of Functional Water

Ofora’s products are primarily available online, with a 10% discount incentive for online purchases [11:16]. Additionally, Ofora is stocked in specialty markets such as Sprouts, Bristol Farms, Lazy Acres, and select Air1 stores. Ken notes, “We're in specialty markets, like, like special Air1 stores around the country… higher end markets.” [11:44], making the products accessible to health-conscious consumers willing to invest in quality.

Closing Remarks

In concluding the conversation, Ken reiterates the paramount importance of water quality for overall health, emphasizing that “We're 70% water. If you dehydrate our brains the size of a walnut. So our brain is mostly water. It does matter.” [19:58]. Sean Kelly and Ken Gawain agree on the transformative impact of functional water, urging listeners to prioritize their hydration sources to achieve optimal health and prevent disease.

Notable Quotes:

• Ken Gawain [00:01]: “Women tend to suffer more from bad water than men… storing that plastic residual in their breast tissue. That's a big issue.”
• Ken Gawain [07:23]: “It's from the nanopurity. We use really high grade minerals to raise the ph.”
• Ken Gawain [15:21]: “Wow. Just from that one test.”
• Ken Gawain [19:58]: “We're 70% water. If you dehydrate our brains the size of a walnut. So our brain is mostly water. It does matter.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Digital Social Hour provides a comprehensive look into the critical issue of water quality and the innovative solutions offered by Ofora. Ken Gawain's expertise and passion illuminate the profound impact that functional water can have on personal health and well-being, making a compelling case for consumers to reconsider their hydration choices.