The Connection Lab:

From Small Talk to Soul Talk

Hosted at the beautiful Lupin Lodge in Los Gatos, CA

September 13, 2025 3:30pm-5pm

SPECIAL RATE! Workshop + Day Pass at Lupin for $45

(Normally $45 for day use alone)

Where curiosity, courage, and presence spark something real

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.

What to Expect

  • Shift from autopilot into presence

  • Loosen the grip of social anxiety or awkwardness

  • Practice authentic, heart-centered communication

  • Learn tools to create connection that feels nourishing, not draining

  • Practice the art of being truly seen

  • Turn awkward moments into connection gold

This isn't therapy or another lecture on communication. It's a living lab where you'll practice real skills with real people and walk away with both new friendships and tools you can use immediately.

Evening Bonus:

The Low Expectations Cabaret

7:30pm

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.

About Lupin Lodge

Just over an hour from San Francisco, Lupin Lodge is a historic clothing-optional resort nestled in the redwoods near Santa Cruz. Known for its welcoming community and body-positive ethos, it’s a beautiful space to relax, connect, and be yourself.

Enjoy the pool, hot tub, sauna, hiking trails, and café—all included with your day pass.

Want to make it a full retreat? Discounted overnight stays are available—bookable when you register, or reach out to me directly.

Lupin is a space where you can truly come as you are—playful, curious, bold, shy, unpolished, radiant.

Every body is welcome.

FAQ

  • Bring a journal, water bottle, and anything that helps you feel comfortable and expressive—layers for changing weather, a towel for the pool, and an open heart. Clothing is optional at Lupin, so bring what feels aligned for you.

  • Nope! Come solo and you'll leave with new connections. The magic happens between strangers who decide to show up authentically.

  • Not at all! This workshop is designed for people at all comfort levels. You'll be invited to stretch your edges, but always at your own pace. There's no pressure to perform or "get it right."

  • Nope! While the workshop can be a beautiful warm-up for the Cabaret, performing is completely optional. Come for the inner growth, the play, or the chance to surprise yourself—you get to choose your own edge.

  • Lupin is clothing-optional, meaning you wear whatever feels right for you—or nothing at all. The pool area is clothing-free, but you're welcome to participate in everything else exactly as you are.

    All bodies and choices are respected.

  • Your ticket includes the full workshop plus day use access to Lupin Lodge’s beautiful grounds, pool, hot tub, sauna, hiking trails, and more—all for the same price as the standard $45 day pass.

  • Absolutely. Lupin offers campsites and yurts for overnight stays. Reservations with Discounted rates for workshop participants are available as add ons on the ticket page.

  • Yes! Lupin has a café on site offering food, drinks, and snacks. You're also welcome to bring your own.

  • Lupin has free on-site parking available for all guests.

  • Lupin is rustic and on hilly terrain. If you have specific accessibility needs, reach out in advance and we’ll do our best to support you.

  • Reach out to me directly at hello@heatheratles.com — I’d love to help.

Agenda

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Arrival

Arrive as early as 9am to enjoy the pool, hot tub, sauna, tennis courts, Hendrys Creek and the surrounding nature. Please arrive by 2:30pm to get checked in and ready for the magic!

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Connection Lab Workshop

4:30 PM - 7:30 PM OPTIONAL: Enjoy Lupin!

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

7:30 PM - 9:30 PM OPTIONAL: The Low Expectations Cabaret

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

9:30 PM - 11:00 AM Sunday OPTIONAL: Stay Overnight

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