Why do I not feel anything after my first kava bowl?

The most likely reason for not feeling the relaxing effect of kava is the mix was weak, often the earthy taste of kava may put folks off, so diluting it might seem an option, a bowl or two of good kava should give the desired effect.

One way I get a great kava feeling is, a nonalcoholic Pina Colada with a table spoon of fine kava powder, half a ripe banana added to the standard Pina Colada mix mellows out the flavour, try berry smoothies with half a banana to mellow out the kava flavour or a banana kava smoothie. (Some countries may have laws against adding kava to other foods. AUSTRALIA.)

A Samoa Taupou preparing ceremonial kava, notice the physiques.