The Connection Lab: From Small Talk to Soul Talk

With Heather Atles, Relationship & Intimacy Coach

Hosted at the beautiful Lupin Lodge in Los Gatos, CA

The Connection Lab invites you to explore what it means to belong—through embodied presence, meaningful play, and brave little experiments in being human together.

Let’s face it: surface-level small talk is boring!

It often leaves us feeling more alone than before.

This playful, low-pressure workshop is all about helping you feel seen, safe, and genuinely connected—without needing to overshare or perform.

Whether you’re craving deeper connection, want to meet new people, or just want to feel more like yourself in social spaces, this experience will meet you there with tools to move past the weather report and into authentic, soul-stirring connection.

Later that night, join us for the Low Expectations Cabaret—a wildly fun, radically inclusive open mic where the spotlight is for everyone.

You are welcome to share songs, poems, stories, jokes, weird talents, awkward dances, heartfelt truths—whatever feels alive and expressive.

The bar is low, the vibe is high, and the only thing required is a willingness to show up.

While workshop participants are encouraged to perform, it’s absolutely not required.

You’re welcome to cheer, support, and enjoy the magic of others shining in their own unpolished brilliance.

Tucked into the redwood-covered hills just outside of Santa Cruz, Lupin Lodge is more than a venue—it’s an experience. This historic naturist (aka clothing-optional) resort is known for its warm, welcoming community, stunning natural setting, and radically body-positive ethos.

Whether you’re new to Lupin or you’ve been soaking up its magic for years, it’s the perfect playground for self-expression and connection.

Enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by trees, trails, and sky—with access to Lupin’s sparkling pool, hot tub, sauna, and cozy café. Between the workshop and the evening cabaret, you’ll have space to stretch out in nature, connect with others, and take a dip in the pool and hot tub.

Want to turn it into a full-on getaway? Extend the magic with an overnight or weekend stay. You can add a campsite or charming yurt stay to your ticket here—and enjoy steeply discounted rates! Learn more about the lodging options at Lupin on Hipcamp, but book your stay here for the shameless discount!

Heather Atles is a Relationship & Intimacy Coach who helps people come home to themselves with more confidence, curiosity, and connection. Through body-based practices, emotional attunement, and real-talk tenderness, she creates spaces where self-expression feels safe, shame-free, and alive. Her work blends deep presence with a dash of mischief—and always invites you to show up as your full, fabulous self. www.heatheratles.com

Info: Arrive as early as 9am to enjoy the pool, hot tub, sauna, tennis courts, Hendrys Creek and the surrounding nature. Please arrive by 3:30pm to get checked in and ready for the magic!

Info: Swim in the pool, soak in the hot tub, hike on the trails or just enjoy your new connections.

Info: A wildly fun, radically inclusive open mic where the spotlight is for everyone.


You are welcome to share songs, poems, stories, jokes, weird talents, awkward dances, heartfelt truths—whatever feels alive and expressive.


The bar is low, the vibe is high, and the only thing required is a willingness to show up.


While workshop participants are encouraged to perform, it’s absolutely not required.


You’re welcome to cheer, support, and enjoy the magic of others shining in their own unpolished brilliance.

Info: Lupin offers campsites and yurts for overnight stays. Reservations with discounted rates for workshop participants are available as add ons on the ticket page here.

Also check out other Workshops in Los Gatos, Sports events in Los Gatos.